A Fan’s History of 80’s Boston Bands: J is for Jon Butcher Axis

Speaking of the WBCN music expo in the last post (“I”), Jon Butcher Axis also played there. We had seen them quite a few times over the years. I liked the band enough to buy the self-titled LP, but they weren’t a “weekly” band for us like The Atlantics, Neighborhoods, Outlets or Trademarks (these will be my “N”, “O” and “T” subjects). Their big hit on MTV at the time was “Life Takes a Life.“(Great video from the 80’s, check it out!)

Jane and I thought the man, Jon Butcher, was FINE, as I think the lingo goes; he was a great guitarist and wonderful eye candy. The band was a three-piece and very tight. I remember how he would come to the front of the stage during guitar solos; I was standing there one of those times and got to look directly into his beautiful brown eyes…SIGH.

And speaking of “J”, the Joe Perry Project was also playing clubs in the early 80’s. Joe Perry had temporarily left Aerosmith and started his own band. I remember specifically seeing them at the Channel. Because Joe Perry was already famous, they didn’t have to start out playing the smaller clubs.

Jon Butcher has continued his career; he got nominated for a Grammy award and is still performing today. He recently teamed up with Charlie Farren (who played with The Joe Perry Project from 1980-1982) as FBI. So…my “J”s actually tie together. The music world is a small one…especially in Boston.

A Fan’s History of 80’s Boston Bands: I is for…

Ok, I’m doing it again…I have got to say Icicle Works. They are British, but it’s a good story.

One of the biggest radio stations and supporters of local bands, WBCN, was having a “music expo.” One of my favorite new bands, Icicle Works, was going to be performing, and (my memory is a little hazy on this) I think Eric was going to be working at a booth at the expo selling records. So, of course Jane and I had to go.

I had a little “crush” on the lead singer of the band, Ian McNabb, because I loved his voice. He would sometimes play the keyboard and guitar at the same time while singing. As someone quite uncoordinated, I thought this was amazing.

I happened to see him walking around with the bass player — Wow! Eric had trained me well, so I headed right over. Although it was usually a piece of cake for me to make conversation…my crush had me tongue-tied. I asked him for his autograph and then…nothing…I just stared. Gotta say something…”I can’t believe you can play the keyboards and guitar at the same time while you’re singing…You’re SO talented.” GULP. He smirked, said “thank you,” handed me the autograph and walked away. Jane, who had been hanging in the background started laughing. I could feel my face burning.

WBCN was broadcasting live. A bit later they had an interview with Icicle Works. The DJ mentioned Ian’s playing the keyboards and the guitar. In the background came the bass player’s voice, imitating a girl, “He’s SO talented.” “Shut up” said Ian, as his band mates laughed.

“Did you hear that?” says Jane. Oh yeah…