Billy Squier - Live in Boston, Massachusetts 1981 (FM Broadcast)

Truth Social Music Group - https://truthsocial.com/group/classic-rock-live-music

1. In the Dark
2. Rich Kid
3. My Kinda Lover
4. Whadda You Want From Me
5. Lonely is the Night
6. Young Girls
7. I Need You
8. The Stroke
9. Too Daze Gone
10. The Big Beat
The Billy Squier concert at the Boston Garden Arena in Boston, Massachusetts, on October 28, 1981, was a significant performance during his breakout Don't Say No tour, supporting the triple-platinum album of the same name. This show, captured as a soundboard recording with A+ audio quality, showcases Squier at the peak of his early '80s arena rock fame. The Boston Garden, a historic venue with a capacity of around 15,000, was a fitting stage for Squier's high-energy performance, given his Massachusetts roots and local fanbase. While no specific opening act is documented for this exact date, Squier's 1981 tour often featured up-and-coming bands like Def Leppard or local acts, though some shows had no opener due to his rising star power. The lineup for Squier’s band typically included Alan St. Jon (keyboards), Bobby Chouinard (drums), Mark Clarke (bass), and Jeff Golub (guitar), delivering a tight, riff-heavy sound.
Billy Squier, born William Haislip Squier on May 12, 1950, in Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts, was a defining figure in early '80s rock, blending gritty guitar riffs with pop sensibilities. Before his solo success, Squier cut his teeth in Boston’s music scene with bands like the Sidewinders and Piper, the latter gaining attention under Bob Dylan’s manager, Albert Grossman. His 1980 debut The Tale of the Tape laid the groundwork, but 1981’s Don’t Say No was a game-changer, selling over three million copies and spawning hits like "The Stroke" and "Lonely Is the Night." The Boston Garden show in October 1981 came at a pivotal moment, with Squier riding high as a local hero turned national star, his MTV-ready videos and electrifying live presence drawing comparisons to contemporaries like Pat Benatar and REO Speedwagon. His songwriting, rooted in personal storytelling and raw energy, resonated with fans, and his performances—like this one—were marked by relentless drive and a knack for connecting with massive crowds, cementing his status as an arena rock titan.
Despite his early triumphs, Squier’s career faced challenges after the infamous "Rock Me Tonite" video in 1984, which some critics and peers panned for its flamboyant choreography, clashing with his hard-rock image. This misstep, combined with the rise of grunge and changing industry dynamics, slowed his momentum, leading to a quieter period after 1993’s Tell the Truth. Yet, Squier’s resilience shone through in later years, with selective live performances and independent releases like Happy Blue (1998). His influence endures through samples in hip-hop (e.g., Jay-Z and Eminem using "The Stroke") and covers by artists like Green Day. The 1981 Boston Garden show remains a high-water mark, capturing Squier’s raw power and hometown pride, preserved in exceptional soundboard quality for fans to revisit his glory days.