Boston Calling has once again illuminated the music scene with its diverse lineup, showcasing local talent amid heavy rain in Allston. The festival’s Orange Stage resonated with the sound of pop-punk as Rebuilder, a well-known band from the area, took the opportunity to represent their home turf with a mix of hard-hitting New England punk and a dose of nostalgic pop culture references.
Sal Ellington, the band’s vocalist and guitarist, stands as a familiar face within the local music scene. With his experience at various merch tables across Boston, Sal recognizes the significance of lining up alongside other regional talents. With such an impressive bill, including acts like Future Teens, Megan From Work, Battlemode, and Pinklids, Rebuilder’s performance was more than just another show; it was a celebration of local artistry and punk legacy.
In a candid discussion shortly before their performance, Ellington shared his enthusiasm about participating in Boston Calling and the band’s prepared strategy for the pivotal moment.
“You see a lot of bands preparing for this moment, and of course, we go through rehearsals,” Ellington noted. “But there’s a deeper thought process when you’re at a festival of this caliber. It’s essential to represent Boston. We’re proud to be from here, and with bands like Future Teens and Megan From Work being on the bill, it’s a special opportunity for us all.”
The band’s commitment to authenticity resonates with their fans, and Ellington emphasizes the importance of consistency during their live shows.
“We know the show we like to put on, and we’re excited to deliver just that today. People have liked us for our energy and authenticity, and we’re here to give them the Rebuilder experience they’ve come to enjoy.”
Among the tracks that fans look forward to, Sal specifically mentioned “Get Up,” a crowd favorite, and the oft-played “Le Grand Fromage,” affectionately known as the “New Jersey” song. The latter, proudly echoing sentiments that resonate with Bostonians, captivates audiences whenever they perform it.
“‘Anything is better than New Jersey’—that line always lights up the crowd for us. It’s a blast seeing fans rally around it. And of course, getting that song featured in Clerks III was a huge moment for us and for our New Jersey fans too. It was nice to find some common ground.”
As the festival weekend continued, Sal expressed interest in other acts set to perform, particularly in catching performances from newcomers and established artists alike.
“I was really impressed by Megan From Work and Future Teens. I caught Battlemode for the first time too, and that was a blast! I often use festivals as a chance to discover bands I haven’t seen before, and this weekend I’m particularly looking forward to catching Pinklids and sidebody. Getting that unknown experience is invaluable, and then you have the legends like Fall Out Boy and Avril Lavigne, which is just incredible.”
When it comes to expectations from these renowned artists, Sal shared his thoughts.
“With Fall Out Boy, you know they’ve got to play their hits. I’d be shocked if Avril doesn’t belt out ‘Sk8r Boi’—that’s a must! And I’m definitely looking forward to ‘Sugar, We’re Goin Down’ from Fall Out Boy. After that, I’ll probably grab a burrito and soak in the rest of the day.”
Aside from the powerful performances, the festival’s food offerings have particularly captured Ellington’s attention, drawing a parallel between the culinary landscape and the music scene’s local charm.
“When you go to festivals, you often settle for generic food options, but Boston Calling has upped the ante. I recognize so many vendor names—from late-night spots like El Jefe’s Taqueria to renowned favorites like Chicken N’ Rice Guys. It’s awesome that visitors from outside the city can experience this local flavor, and it’s a part of the Boston identity that makes the festival that much better.”
As the weekend unfolded, the palpable excitement within Ellington and Rebuilder was unmistakable. They are determined not only to showcase their music but also to share the essence of Boston’s punk scene with an audience that might just become their new fans.
After all, in moments like these—a fusion of music, community, and local cuisine—the true heart of Boston shines through, reminding everyone why festivals like Boston Calling are so special.
image source from：https://vanyaland.com/2025/05/25/boston-calling-v-list-5-questions-with-sal-ellington-of-rebuilder/
