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A Jeff “Wizard” Freedman Statue Could Be Coming to Boston

Author adam12
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Jeff “Wizard” Freedman is an icon of the Boston music scene. And he might just become a literal idol, too.

 

If you’ve been to a show in or around Boston over the last four decades, chances are you’ve seen members of Wizard Security working the event in their trademark yellow shirts. You’ve probably even seen the Wizard himself. Jeff Freedman cut his teeth in crowd control at The Channel in the ’80s. By the ’90s, he and Wizard Security were a mainstay of the live music scene in Boston and beyond.

 

Just this past weekend I saw the man himself coaching a crew member before gates opened at the Boston Pizza Festival. Short in stature but large in personality with an “I-know-more-than-you-do-so-don’t-even-try-it” grin and fingers full of silver rings, he’s a man whose presence demands respect. And when you meet him, you can’t help but love him. He works long, hard hours, seven days a week. But will always make time to say hello.

 

A Jeff “Wizard” Freedman Statue Could Be Coming to Boston

Another Boston scene mainstay, Ryan Packer, thinks The Wizard and his legacy is deserving of something permanent. I saw Packer post this on Facebook last week: “Dude hit me back about making a bronze statue of Jeff Freedman. Gonna cost about 75k to make and install. What do you think? Go fund me? Let’s honor the wizard now. Not when it’s to late.”

 

Since that post, the seed of an idea has become a reality. Packer started a GoFundMe. He writes: “In a time where venues are closing and neighborhoods are changing I would like to permanently honor a man who we’ve all grown up with.” Packer goes on to clarify that the Wizard isn’t sick. “It’s just cool to honor a guy before he retires!” If you agree, you can toss a few bucks into the GoFundMe here.

Adam 12 is the Program Director of Boston's ROCK 92.9, heard weekdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. He's been flexing his encyclopedic rock knowledge in New England for over 2 decades, both on-air and online, at WBCN, WFNX, Boston.com, and indie617. At ROCK 92.9, he keeps you in the know on the big stories from the Boston music scene and writes about great places to eat, drink (beer), and to spend time outdoors in and around Boston.

Debut Albums from Boston Bands: Which One's the Best?

Recently, I asked you about your favorite debut albums from Boston bands. You spoke, so now we put it all to a vote.

 

This is the 12-Inch Poll, my weekly exercise where we argue about things like what’s the best summer vacation spot in New England, or what’s the best summer music festival. I keep my Polls up indefinitely, so feel free to tap away at those links and cast your votes whenever you feel the urge. It’s more fun and productive than doomscrolling because you’ll actually be thinking and remembering. Fun!

 

This week’s Poll grew out of a little something I put together last week. It was an anniversary look-back at The Cars self-titled debut album. In the piece, I came to the realization that it might just be the second-best debut album ever released by a Boston band (next to Boston‘s debut album, of course). I then used that realization as a jumping-off point for a conversation with you.

 

Debut Albums from Boston Bands: Which One’s the Best?

Over on the ROCK 92.9 Facebook page, I asked: “What’s the greatest debut album by a Boston band?” And a fair number of you weighed in. Enough at least to put together a decent field of beloved Boston rock releases from over the years. You can scroll through the full list here (once you’ve liked the page, of course). And feel free to add yours pick if you don’t see it in the comments.

 

In the meantime, let’s take a look at the albums that made the cut. I wanted a good cross-section not only of Boston rock eras but of styles, so you’ll find a bit of everything here, from classic rock to hardcore to new wave to alternative rock. Scroll through, vote for your favorite, then pass it along to your Boston rock friends so they can do the same.

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