Category Archives: Live

YouTube Tuesday: “Dude . . . Put Some Pants On”

What an enchanting way to kick off a new year and new decade: Sit back, crank up the speakers and behold the Dics and their afros performing “Search and Destroy” in a clip that hasn’t lost a lick of its kinetic charm in the nearly 33 years since it was filmed. Manitoba takes the mic like he was fired from a rocket, Ross stares his singer down for an unsettlingly long time, Mark the Animal rocks ferociously, Ritchie Teeter punishes his drum kit, Andy hides in the background like a hired hand, and the otherwise cool-looking Top Ten, he wears short shorts.

This video of the performance is a bit better synced than most we’ve found, which ups the enjoyment factor considerably. Also adding to the fun: the 250 comments on this poorly synced version of the video. Look out, honey, they’re using technology! I’ll save you some serious scrolling by reproducing my faves — complete with original spelling and punctuation, for the authentic experience — starting with the uploader’s intro:

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Filed under Adny, Dictators Assembled, HDM, Live, Mark the Animal, Ritchie Teeter, Ross the Boss, Top Ten, Video, YouTube Tuesday

1/2/87: They Were Really Rockin’ in Boston

Channel flier Channel set listThe Channel was a low-ceilinged warehouse near the South Station Postal Annex, accessible only by several pitch-dark alleys. I feared for my life every time I went there. This show was in a huge snowstorm, which closed many roads, and left me doubting whether or not the band would make it, or if any other fans would brave the trip. No problems on either front — the place was banged out, 800 strong in attendance!

The Dics were obviously psyched to be making an extremely rare road trip, their first Boston show in almost nine years. The show had an unusual intro: They opened with “Science Gone Too Far,” and each band member took the stage individually as his part was called for. Rich Teeter began alone with the thunderous drum roll, then Andy came out and rumbled the bass line, then Scott threw the rhythm guitar on top, then RTB, and finally Manitoba brought the energy level off the charts with his entrance.  t was a very exciting beginning, and it never let up. Band members were hopping around like jumping beans, and Manitoba gave unprecedented love to Boston for being so loyal. I almost fainted when he yelled out, “Boston is effing GREAT, and I MEAN IT!”

— Salvi C.

[Note: Photos, set list and ad reproduced courtesy of the Cincotta Archives.]

Channel 1987

Channel 1987

Channel 1987

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Filed under Archive, Dics Pix, Dictators Assembled, Live, The Cincotta Archives

Should Auld New Year’s Eve Gigs Be Forgot . . .

12/28/77
CBGB’s Theater
NYC

CBGB's 1977 ad

Click to enlarge image

OK, OK, so the 28th of December isn’t technically New Year’s Eve, but check out the milestones that made this a more momentous gig than your average holiday show:

  • Mark the Animal’s final performance as a Dictator
  • Andy’s last show on keys
  • “What It Is” live premiere
  • “I Stand Tall” live premiere

12/31/86
Irving Plaza
NYC

Yes. The legendary White Castle food fight show.

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YouTube Tuesday: “A Veritable Punk Rock Aria!”

For you this YouTube Tuesday: A masterful performance of “Master Race Rock,” recorded live at NYC’s late, lamented Coney Island High on Dec. 12, 1997. Thanks to Boulevard07 for having the foresight and gumption to upload it to YouTube and Twitter user @netmeg for proving that something with a lame name like Twitter can be used in cool ways.

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Filed under Adny, Dictators Assembled, HDM, Live, Ross the Boss, Thunderbolt, Top Ten, Video, YouTube Tuesday

Cool Covers: Boston’s “Bloodbrothers” Tribute

Last August, five veterans of venerable Boston bands — Gang Green, the Neighborhoods, Unnatural Axe and the Johnny Black Trio — teamed up to play the Dictators’ entire Bloodbrothers album for a local club’s tribute night. They called themselves Faster & Louder, and they rocked, as you can see with the above clip for “Stay With Me.”

They really need to do it again. A Dictators-starved nation looks to you, F&L.

Check out TheDictators.com’s report of the show here (posted 8/12/09).

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All I Want for Christmas Is . . .

eBay poster

. . . No, no, not this page of the August 1977 issue of New Wave magazine.

No, I want a time machine. Set for the date: July 30, 1977.

And a plane ticket to S.F.

But if you’d settle for the magazine, it’s selling (for a pretty penny) on eBay right now:

ORIGINAL AUGUST 1977 ISSUE OF NEW WAVE

— DFFD123

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‘Tators Tracker: Nov. 30 Edition

Monday night we enjoy the rare treat of two Dictators making public appearances within stumbling distance of each other: Andy performing at Lakeside Lounge (162 Ave. B) and J.P. celebrating his record release at NYC’s Premier Rock and Roll Bar, Manitoba’s (99 Ave. B).  Andy’s set starts around 7; J.P.’s bash runs 8-10 p.m. [UPDATE: Andy will hit the stage at 7:30 sharp, making this post even more relevant. Study up, people!]

It’s the same damned street, which is awesome, but while the timing is convenient, it’s also tight. No navigational errors allowed from folks partaking in too much 2-for-1 happy hour revelry (or traveling in from, God forbid, New England).

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Power Chords, Trash Talk: We Give Thanks

What we at the DFFD Blog are truly thankful for this Thanksgiving season:

  • Jaw-dropping Ross the Boss solos.
  • Manitoba talkin’ trash between tunes.
  • Words and music by Andy Shernoff.
  • Top Ten power chords, windmills.
  • J.P. bashing the hell out of shit.

GOD BLESS THE DICTATORS AND ALL THEY STAND FOR!

(And thanks-a-god for YouTube. Srsly.)

And you?

— DFFD123

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Filed under Adny, Dictators Assembled, HDM, Live, Ross the Boss, Thunderbolt, Top Ten, Video