ON THE TOWN: If you were looking...

ON THE TOWN: If you were looking for a rowdy rock show to see last weekend, the pickings were pretty slim. First, the anxiously-awaited Trouble Funk, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Fishbone monster triple-bill was canceled, with local promoters Avalon Attractions citing “scheduling problems.”

The club scene was just as quiet, especially after the Whiskey’s management canceled a headlining appearance by the Brigade. According to members of the Brigade (formerly known as the Youth Brigade), Whiskey manager Mario Magliera booted them off the date, citing problems at previous Brigade shows.

“We think it’s really unfair, because we’re not playing radical thrash-punk anymore,” said Brigade leader Shawn Stern. “We’ve been coming to shows at the Whiskey for 10 years and there’s no reason why we’d cause a problem. It’s pretty frustrating when you get this kind of reaction in your own hometown.”

However, according to Magliera, the problem was not the band but its fans. “I don’t label any band as anything,” he said. “What concerned me was the fans they attract. They can cause problems and destroy things and I don’t want any problems with the local community. The promoter had booked the show before I knew who was on the bill, and when I found out it was the Brigade, I just couldn’t see having the show. It was just a safety maneuver. There are plenty of other clubs for the group to play.”