The Decibel Diaries

January 2, 2017
Boston deejay Alan’s memoir focuses on his experiences of 50 different rock concerts and their influence on his life. Each episode is meant to bring insight into the artists that have driven American music and culture at different junctures of history. Alan (Radio Free Boston) bore witness to many bands in their prime, including U2 and Pearl Jam. He profiles pivotal concerts in the history of bands such as the Clash, whose first American tour in 1979 is discussed in the book. Alan was present at their show in Harvard Square, where they opened with “I’m So Bored with the U.S.A.” He was also lucky enough to see Prince before he became a major star. Alan mostly sets out to communicate his impressions of the artists in the moment, providing matter-of-fact summaries without necessarily knowing for certain that these musicians would eventually become legendary acts. In some key moments, Alan recalls revealing facts about particular artists, such as when Joe Stummer walked around the Harvard Square crowd talking to concertgoers.