Music

The Interrupters at MGM Music Hall, Boston, MA: Opening for Frank Turner on May 7, 2023

A High-Energy Night of Ska-Punk and Folk-Rock

On a mild and memorable spring evening, May 7, 2023, Boston’s vibrant concert scene was set ablaze by the electrifying energy of The Interrupters, who took the stage at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway as the opening act for the inimitable Frank Turner. The concert, nestled in the heart of the city’s dynamic Fenway neighborhood, drew fans of both ska-punk and folk-rock for a night that celebrated the power of live music, unity, and high-octane performance. Fans began queuing up early, the excitement palpable as the sun dipped below the green skyline. The anticipation for both The Interrupters and Frank Turner was evident, each artist drawing a devoted following, yet sharing a common love for music that is both raw and passionately delivered.

The Interrupters, hailing from Los Angeles, have rapidly evolved into modern torchbearers of the third-wave ska-punk movement. Composed of lead vocalist Aimee Interrupter, the Bivona brothers (Kevin, Justin, and Jesse), and touring members who add brass and backing harmonies, their sound is a dynamic fusion of relentless upstrokes, punchy brass, and socially conscious lyrics. Their energetic performances and infectious spirit have made them a favorite on festival stages and club circuits alike.

As the house lights dimmed, the crowd’s roar swelled, and The Interrupters launched into their set with signature vigor. Sporting their trademark black attire and boundless enthusiasm, the band wasted no time in connecting with the audience. From the first blare of the trumpet to the driving rhythm guitar, their music filled the hall with a contagious sense of urgency and camaraderie.

While every Interrupters show is unique, May 7th’s setlist was a curated journey through the band’s energetic discography. They opened with the riotous “Take Back the Power,” a song that instantly had the crowd singing along, fists pumping in syncopated rhythm. The band followed with “Title Holder” and “She’s Kerosene,” two of their breakout singles, each met with thunderous applause and a sea of dancing fans.

Deeper cuts like “On a Turntable” and “Babylon” showcased the group’s versatility, weaving in themes of resilience, rebellion, and hope. Aimee’s voice was both defiant and inviting, urging everyone in the room to join the chorus and forget, if only for a while, the world outside. The band’s chemistry was unmistakable, the Bivona brothers trading riffs and harmonies with effortless ease, while the brass section punctuated every chorus with sharp, joyful blasts.

Part of The Interrupters’ enduring appeal lies in their ability to break down the barrier between artist and audience. Between songs, Aimee addressed the crowd with warmth and gratitude, recounting tales of life on the road, the band’s journey from DIY venues to bigger stages, and their appreciation for being able to share the night with Frank Turner’s community of fans. Her calls for unity, kindness, and resistance against hate were met with cheers—a testament to the band’s shared values with their listeners.

At one point, Aimee invited fans to “skank” and dance, igniting pockets of joyful movement throughout the hall. The communal atmosphere was palpable, every face lit with the thrill of live music and the rare joy of collective celebration.

While The Interrupters were the evening’s openers, their performance was anything but secondary. They set the stage with fervor, priming the audience for Frank Turner, the British troubadour known for his introspective songwriting, relentless touring schedule, and ability to turn any venue into a singalong.

The Interrupters’ set was praised not only for its musicality but for its message—a call to resist cynicism and embrace optimism, to look out for one another, and to find connection in a fractured world. Their music, rooted in the traditions of ska and punk, felt at home in Boston, a city long known for its love of rebellious creativity.

As the house lights rose and fans spilled out into the Boston night, the echoes of ska-punk and folk anthems lingered—a promise that, for those who were there, the memory of this concert would be as enduring as the music itself.

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