House of Blues Boston

Reviews 3

EV

Evyenia Coufos

Let me tell you a little something about the house of blues. The house of blues likes to think that theyre the top concert venue in Boston because every second tier act comes to them when they cant sell out a real venue. Because of their self-perceived elitism, the house of blues thinks theyre entitled to treat their guests however they want. You may notice that my views on the house of blues are not at all in line with the venues itself, as I do not even feel the need to give its name the proper capitalization. Im not writing this to discuss the house of blues as a respectable establishment because I hold it with such little regard that I dont even want to categorize it with other common Boston venues. No, I wouldnt dare to taint their images like that. That being said, the house of blues has completely ripped off me and those dear to me TWO (2) separate times in the last twelve months. The first of which occurred when I was attending a Watsky concert. Upon entering the concert, I threw my empty drink in the trash and headed on my way to see my favorite artist when I felt a burly hand on my shoulder pulling me back. I turned around to a large woman wearing a stern face, one which seemed to ineptly mimic the look of a powerful individual. She asked me what was in my bottle. I told her it was orange juice, as this was the truth. She quickly fired back at me, asking what else was in the bottle. I considered lying but her eyes seemed to whisper that she knew the truth; where she lacked in power, she made up for in omnipotence concerning all happenings in that rotting scam-hole. I caved and admitted the truth - that there was also vodka in the bottle. Sue me! And the woman then did something so evil I have trouble speaking about it to this day. She kicked me out. She said, with not even a shred of empathy, there was no way I could come back into the concert. Not even a refund. For one moment this miserable, power-stripped individual got her fleeting fill of importance in this world in the back alley of Fenway Park, but was it worth ruining one long awaited night for an innocent girl? Well, it turns out I got in anyway as my friends helped me sneak in through the back door, so both the miserable lady and I ended up having a fun night - her falsely believing that she was more powerful than a young girl at a slam poetry show, and I having a fun time drunk and watching my favorite artist. Whatever makes you happy. The second occurrence of the house of blues totally screwing over me and my loved ones happened last night. Once again, our paths were crossed with a hefty guard who was looking to fill a hole in his heart, for he seemed to have lost something inside of him long ago. What this was, he wasnt sure, but he was looking for it in a dingy theater at a Ninja Sex Party show. And when he saw my cousin pass a drink to my brother, he pounced. He kicked both of them out with little evidence of any wrongdoing, only in hopes of finding some source of control he lacked in all other aspects of his life. I understand the struggle, the frustration, the desire to feel important. I just wish this security staff would face reality and realize that kicking a few college kids out of a concert is not the solution to these issues. I mean, sure, maybe showing someone whos boss as you escort them out of the venue may make you feel powerful for a moment, but I can only imagine that it fades away instantly when you turn around and see a man in a unitard and a ninja singing about boobs. I would feel sorry for them if only they didnt take their frustrations out on me, on the nights when Im only trying to forget my frustrations as well. But they will never understand this similarity we share - for these house of blues security guards are a cold, unfeeling breed. If youd like to see the most pitiful display of humanitys desperation for power within a powerless class of people, Id highly suggest visiting the house of blues. However, if youd like to go to a concert and have a good time, please choose any other venue.

A

A Private User

This place doesnt even deserve one star. Definitely avoid this venue, at all costs, unless you want to be harassed by a vigilante undercover security guard on a major power trip. This place is SHADY. My friends and I went here to attend a concert and were inexplicably picked out of line by a non-uniformed person who began haggling us for our tickets. He looked more like a scalper than a security officer. We asked him who he was, who he worked for, and his justification for trying to take our tickets. He said "My name is Dominic, go ahead and be one of the four hundred people who have already complained about me." Clearly, he had no intention of having a respectful conversation with us. However, some grand sense of generosity must have overcome him at that point, because he decided that he would take our wristbands and let us into the show so that we could not purchase drinks. This was completely fine with us, as we were here for the music and not the overpriced alcohol. On the way inside, we muttered to ourselves about how ridiculous the incident was and how confused we still were. Apparently, questioning him incited his anger, and in a power-fueled rage, he had the bouncers and a police officer stop us inside, threaten us with being arrested, and toss us out to the street. The manager came out, who only shook his head, refused to make eye contact, and corroborated Dominics account of the events. We asked to be given a breathalyzer - anything to prove that we were NOT drunk. The manager and the police officer refused our request, and so we were forced to leave the venue with no documentation of our innocence. I get it- these places have a legal responsibility to make sure wildly intoxicated people dont go in. Totally understand. Except for the fact that we were sober. In fact, more sober than we should have been for a concert like this. It left me wondering if maybe the show had been overbooked and they needed a way to keep people out. Whatever the reasoning was, Dominic was condescending and patronizing in the way he handled the situation. We were left humiliated and out a lot of money. I will NEVER go back to the House of Blues, no matter how good of a show is playing there. If you choose to go, watch out for the vigilante security officer lurking around.

JO

John Poillucci

They are 0 for 2 with me. I saw two of my favorite bands at this venue; Sublime (more or less) and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. The bands put on excellent performances, its the staff, venue, and some bad seeds in the crowd that ruined the experiences for me. At the Sublime concert I was waiting in front of the building for several hours. I was the first one there (I was there even before Sublime with Rome was there.) Even still, my hard work was met with dissatisfaction. Even though I was first in line for the ground floor, as the doors opened, there were crowds of people at the stage. Either way, I managed to get to the front. As the show began, a belligerent couple right next to me was screaming at me, pushing me, and threatening to fight me right in front of a bouncer, and can you guess what he did? If you guessed nothing, you are correct! I ended up having to ditch my spot at the front of the concert for my favorite band because of these people in the interest of not getting violent. And the Bosstones show- As my party of five arrived, all with tickets for the same second floor mezzanine section, we were split up. Two of my friends and myself were where we were supposed to be, and the other two were on the ground floor. After asking 5, i repeat 5 staff members if we could regroup, all were noncomplying. So I took it into my own hands to sneak downstairs which I did with instant success further displays the incompetence of the staff. Once down there I could not find the other two in my party. I would later learn that they were kicked out into 13 degree New England weather. So there I was, all by myself being pushed around and grabbed by these jerks in the crowd (I guess theyre idea of skanking is full contact.) So in the end, I missed out on what couldve been a fantastic experience with four of my close friends. Thank you House of Blues Boston!

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