Porno For Pyros With Bassist Mike Watt Bring 90’s Alt Rock Charisma To Boston’s House of Blues (SHOW REVIEW/PHOTOS)

Porno for Pyros, the alt-rock supergroup featuring Jane’s Addiction’s Perry Farrell, descended upon the House of Blues in Boston on Tuesday, March 5th, for a stop on their “Horns, Thorns and Halos” farewell tour. The energy was electric as fans, many sporting a mix of Pyros and Jane’s Addiction t-shirts, eagerly awaited the arrival of their musical heroes. The band, consisting of Farrell (vocals), Peter DiStefano (guitar), Stephen Perkins (drums), Mike Watt (bass), Robin Hatch (keys), and Etta Lay Farrell (background vocals), took the stage and immediately launched into a set overflowing with infectious energy and musical prowess.

“Master of the House”, Farrell, who is ever the charismatic frontman, captivated the audience with his energetic stage presence and soaring vocals. His voice never wavered. Neither did his aura of pure joy as he powered through the 17-song set. Farrell’s gifts truly shined during “Meija”, “Bad Shit” and “Tahitian Moon.” Like the wine he sipped later in the set, his voice seemed to age just fine.

DiStefano’s guitar work was both intricate and powerful. Clad in a grey suit and a never-ending smile, he made his axe sing with some colorful effects and even a violin bow to boot. The rapport between DiStefano, Farrell, Watt, and Perkins was palpable at times.

Perkins, who looked as if he hadn’t aged a bit over the past couple of decades was a force to be reckoned with. Sitting comfortably behind his kit, his drumming provided a rock-solid foundation. Like DiStefano, Perkins smiled incessantly throughout the set as he masterfully badgered the skins, goading the band to push their performance to the edge.

Watt, sadly resigned to a comfy chair to the left of Farrell, didn’t let any awkwardness or discomfort interfere with his ability to find and drive the eclectic grooves. Rocking to and fro, he shared continuous laughs and even more smiles with the band. Watt made fretting his bass look effortless and fun.

Hatch and Mrs. Farrell added plenty of flourishes on both the keys and vocals, respectfully. Hatch seemed to get more into the music as they got deeper into the set. Etta was having a ball, adding vocal accents, and harmonizing with her husband as well.

Highlights of the euphoric set included the band’s two most recent singles, “Agua” and “Little Me,” both showcasing the band’s continued ability to craft catchy and innovative music. Fan favorites like “Porno for Pyros” and “Cursed Female” had the dancing and singing along. Their biggest hit, “Pets,” sent the entire venue into a nostalgic frenzy. The setlist cleverly mixed new and old, showcasing the band’s evolution while also satisfying the long-time fans. They even threw in a blistering cover of The Stooges’ “I Got a Right,” a nod to Watt’s punk rock roots.

As the final notes of the encore faded, a sense of both satisfaction and melancholy hung in the air. While the “farewell” aspect of the tour casts a shadow of finality, the performance served as a powerful reminder of Porno for Pyros’ enduring legacy and their undeniable talent. This was a night for longtime fans to reminisce and for new listeners to discover the magic of this unique and influential band.

Porno for Pyros Setlist Citizens House of Blues Boston, Boston, MA, USA 2024, Horns, Thorns en Halos Farewell Tour
 

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