Boston Calling Music Festival returned to the Harvard Athletics Complex over Memorial Day Weekend 2022 for its first iteration since 2019. Though the eclectic lineup shifted various times due to inclement weather, COVID-19, and other factors, fans at the festival enjoyed performances by Metallica, Nine Inch Nails (x2), Weezer, Run The Jewels, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Black Pumas, Modest Mouse, Avril Lavigne, HAIM, Cheap Trick, Goose, The Struts, and more.
The festival kicked off on Friday with sets by RÜFÜS DU SOL, HAIM, Avril Lavigne, Cheap Trick, Oliver Tree, The Struts, Paris Jackson, Grandson, The Backseat Lovers, Paris Texas, Mob Rich, Pom Pom Squad, Born Without Bones, Avenue, Miranda Rae, and The Chelsea Curve. Boston Calling’s 2022 opening day lineup was initially due to feature Foo Fighters as its headlining act.
When the band’s drummer, Taylor Hawkins, died earlier this year and the band canceled all upcoming tour dates, the festival announced that Nine Inch Nails would fill the vacated slot. Trent Reznor and company made themselves at home on Friday night, reeling in the audience with their patented industrial-rock hits.
“We’re very happy to be here with you tonight and share this time with you,” Reznor said of the situation. “And we’re very sorry for the conditions that led to us being here, with our friends Foo Fighters. Our hearts go out to them.”
On Saturday, Nine Inch Nails once again saved the day after a positive COVID-19 case forced scheduled headliners The Strokes to pull out at the eleventh hour. While the Friday performance covered many of the band’s classics, the impromptu Saturday set saw the band dig into a slew of deeper cuts. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard also canceled their scheduled appearance on Saturday due to a COVID-19 case within the band.
The Saturday lineup was further shortened by a passing storm, which prompted organizers to briefly evacuate the venue. The weather prompted the cancellation of sets by Frances Forever, Sudan Archives, Coral Moons, and Ali McGurk. Fans were eventually allowed back into the venue as the evening continued with performances by Run the Jewels, Black Pumas, Earthgang, and more.
Boston Calling finally wrapped up on Sunday with its busiest day. Beginning early in the day, fans packed into the venue for sets by Paper Tigers, Crooked Coast, Peach Tree Rascals, Cults, Goose, Modest Mouse, Glass Animals, Weezer, Ripe, and more. Finally, the crowd gathered at full strength at the main stage for a festival-closing set by Metallica.
Check out daily photo galleries from Boston Calling 2022 below via Maria Mata and Alive Coverage.
