A last-minute drop out. A kickass replacement. Here’s your updated 2023 Boston Calling lineup, just in time for the 3-day festival.
Lots of local news outlets had the story when it broke on Thursday, but I first saw it on Vanyaland, so they get the credit from me. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are officially off of the Friday, May 26 bill. Right around the time Boston Calling sent out the press release, Karen O from the band tweeted that she “got nailed with a gnarly bug last week and it got in there deep.” She’s on antibiotics, she’s been instructed to rest, so that means no Boston Calling set.
💔@bostoncalling pic.twitter.com/tVApxpQ8cw
— Yeah Yeah Yeahs (@YYYs) May 25, 2023
So who’s stepping up to step in? Nonother than Boston Celtic punk heroes Dropkick Murphys. It’s not an even swap, however. Yeah Yeah Yeahs were set to provide direct support to Friday night headliners Foo Fighters. Dropkick Murphys won’t be taking their slot, they’ll just be taking their place. The National will move into that direct support slot, playing directly before the Foo. DKM’s set will take place a bit earlier on Friday. I’ll lay it all out for you below.
First, though, I need to share my disappointment. Yeah Yeah Yeahs were the band I was looking forward to seeing more than any other band this weekend. I was able to catch them live back in the early 2000s and they quickly became one of my favorite acts. The live show is electric. I’m glad, though, that Dropkicks are taking their place, as their live energy is hard to beat.
Here’s Your Updated 2023 Boston Calling Lineup with Set Times
Below you’ll find the updated lineups and set times for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. And don’t forget: it’s a Boston Calling Weekend on ROCK 92.9. So even if you’re not going to the festival, we’re bringing it to you.