For the past two years, Allston has felt a little hungry, content, and thirsty. Grub, Sweat and Beers aims to change all that (again).
The sixth edition of the heavy music and BBQ at O’Brien’s Pub, once a summer time tradition organized by Jim Healey (Blood Lightning), Doug Sherman (Gozu) and Aaron Gray (Grayskull Booking/Heavy Talent), returns after a two-year hiatus caused by the pandemic. But with O’Brien’s stage and arsenal of back patio grills (manned by Keith Schleicher) ready for action, Grub, Sweat and Beers makes a loud return the weekend of July 15 and 16.
“It’s been a rough two and a half years for everyone, so being able to finally get GSB 6 happening this summer is an amazing feeling,” Healey tells Vanyaland. “I’ll never take smashing BBQ and beers with my friends for granted again!”
The Friday night lineup features Ectovoid, Night Hag, Chained To The Bottom of The Ocean, and Wretched Inferno. And Saturday’s slate is a whopper with 14 bands playing from daytime to last call: Birnam Wood, Blackwolfgoat, Blood Lightning, Blue Manic, Cartridge, Death Strider, Evil 80, Gog, Greylock, Mollusk, Paul Jarvis, Ritual Blade, Waelmist, and Wire Lines.
“Grub, Sweat and Beers has always been an outlet to showcase crushing bands, but it’s more of a celebration of the whole community that gets overlooked constantly,” says Sherman. “And what a better way than through food, friends and beverages.”
And those who may not recognize every band on the bill — full poster below by the great Adam O’Day — are told to chill the eff out, roll up on one of the days and experience something new for ’22.
“Lots of bands you don’t recognize? GOOD,” declares Gray. “It’s got our stamp of approval, there is something for everyone, and this is probably the most diverse lineup to date. Oh and there will also be bomb ass BBQ, of course. [Friday] does feature a couple of out-of-towners, but that’s happened here and there, along with some solid homegrown death and doom bands. [Saturday] is the full on rager. So to sum up: Friends, bands, BBQ… now go get it done and grab tickets today!”
GRUB, SWEAT AND BEERS :: Friday, July 15 and Saturday, July 16 at O’Brien’s Pub, 3 Harvard Ave. in Allston, MA :: Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m., $15 to $25 :: Tickets: Friday’s Day 1 and Saturday’s Day 2
