The Harvard Athletic Complex buzzed with eclectic energy during Boston Calling 2025, although not without noticeable gaps in the crowd caused by thick clumps of mud from a weekend fraught with rainy weather.
Despite its “rain or shine” motto, the festival struggled against the elements, with attendees trudging through muddy fields sporting dirty shoes and plastic ponchos.
Comparisons to the previous year’s standout lineup featuring artists like Chappell Roan, Hozier, and The Killers only intensified criticisms directed at this year’s selection of performers, which faced heavy scrutiny from festival-goers.
Adding to the weekend’s challenges was the last-minute cancellation of R&B group TLC’s set due to “unforeseen circumstances,” echoing memories of canceled performances during the pandemic-affected Boston Calling 2022.
However, organizers excelled in safety measures, with the festival’s main stage growing three times larger than in previous years.
This renovation transformed the stage layout, placing the newly enhanced green stage at the forefront, complete with colossal side screens and a rotating platform designed for seamless transitions between performances, ensuring a continuous flow of music.
On Friday, headliner Luke Combs led a lineup of country-adjacent acts that energized the muddy terrain.
Amid the chill, artists including Thee Sacred Souls and local favorites Dalton and The Sherifs provided enchanting performances, swiftly filling the void left by TLC’s absence.
T-Pain energized the crowd with upbeat tunes, expertly blending classic hits with contemporary tracks in a vibrant display that turned the blue stage into a lively party atmosphere.
His performance included favorites like “Bartender” and “Buy U a Drank,” enthralling fans far and wide.
Combs’ fans, known as “bootleggers,” eagerly lined up as early as 1:00 pm to secure front-row spots for his evening set, decorating the venue with cowboy hats and flannel shirts.
Before Combs took the stage with “Smokey,” Boston-native folk artist Bebe Stockwell captivated the crowd with a vibrant appearance and heartfelt lyrics reflecting on her hometown.
“[Kicking off the day] was really magical, [and] honestly, really fun vibes,” Stockwell shared with the Beacon, highlighting the communal experience of connecting with fellow concertgoers through music.
Indie-folk band Wilderado also relished their chance to perform on the main stage, resulting in a memorable set that thrilled both the audience and band members.
“We were lucky to play the main stage, which was huge, and it built a pretty large crowd,” guitarist Tyler Wimpee said, underlining the emotional connections made with listeners.
The enhanced stage not only attracted sizable crowds but instilled every artist with a sense of headliner status, even early in the day.
Saturday commenced with SOFIA ISELLA’s gothic sounds and striking stage presence, heightened by an intense downpour of rain that offered an unexpected twist to her performance.
“I’m covered in mud, I face planted into the mud and made a snow angel, it was a great experience,” ISELLA commented.
Seeking to connect with her audience, she expressed a sense of unity among festivalgoers amidst the chaos of the weather.
As the rain started to clear, pop-punk fans were treated to performances from artists like All Time Low and Avril Lavigne, striking a chord of nostalgia that resonated with long-time enthusiasts and younger fans alike.
Lavigne even collaborated with All Time Low to perform their shared track “Fake As Hell,” an embodiment of teenage rebellion that captured the spirit of the festival.
Meanwhile, alternative-rock titans Cage The Elephant and The Black Crowes kept the classic rock vibes alive, leading up to headliner Fall Out Boy, whose headline performance delivered a spectacular, stadium-level experience.
The band’s show featured grand set pieces and visual projections, showcasing their extensive 20-year catalog and providing fans with a memorable climax to the festival’s dynamic offerings.
Sunday’s lineup presented a superb balance of musical styles catering to various generations.
Goth Babe, Vampire Weekend, and Remi Wolf attracted college students, while seasoned acts like Public Enemy, Tom Morello, and Dave Matthews Band kept the older crowd engaged.
Notably, legendary ’90s reggae band Sublime, led by Jakob Nowell, captivated both young and older audiences, blending nostalgia with fresh energy from the newcomers.
As Nowell acknowledged the brief splashes of sunlight breaking through the overcast skies, he emphasized the beauty of the moment, telling the crowd, “There’s the sun, Boston!”
Throughout the weekend, artists utilized their platforms to address significant social issues, further enhancing the festival’s atmosphere.
From ISELLA’s pointed critiques of societal norms in her song “The Doll People” to Morello’s politically charged performances, musicians made an impact beyond just their music.
During his closing set, Dave Matthews incorporated beloved classics like
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