Photos and review by Randy Jarosz
Pittsburgh’s East Carson Street, on the South Side, lined with green shirts, hats, beads and any other articles of green clothing you could think of, is the party area of choice on St. Patrick’s Day. Inside the Rex theater at 1602 East Carson Street the real party was just beginning with the Western Pennsylvania Firefighters Memorial Honor Guard making a surprise appearance, warming up a rowdy crowd for the Bastard Bearded Irishmen.
Wheeling out with one leg propped on top of an office chair, it appeared that the typically mobile lead singer and guitarist Jimmy Bastard would be hampered down a bit from his foot being in a cast. This was absolutely not the case as he hopped around stage and continued his acrobatic antics like nothing was wrong. It seemed as if he actually enjoyed his new rolling prop. Joined by Danny Rectenwald on mandolin, Paul Dvorchak on fiddle, Ben Jaber on bass, Jon Pitcher on guitar and Dan Stocker on drums the group did not slow down, except for their new tune “Last Drink.” The set was fueled by over 30 alcohol driven songs featuring classic irish staples to favorites from their debut album and a handful of new songs that were well received by the BBI faithful. Highlighted by songs Mutiny, Beer Beer Beer, Wild Rover, Tobacco, Tomorrow and Drinkem’ Drankem’ Drunkem’ the band stayed true to form. For those that may have left a little early Danny Rectenwald kept his word and let anyone willing, sign his chest.
Bastard Bearded Irishmen proved once again why they are the best rock and roll band in Pittsburgh after this raucous set. If you are looking to follow your favorite irish rock band you can do so March 28 at Sherlock’s in Erie, March 29 at PJ McIntyres in Cleveland, April 12 at the Brown Hotel in Indiana, PA or join them Saturday, May 17 for their album release party at the Altar Bar.
