Boston News Today - PIONEER OF PUNK: JONATHAN RICHMAN TOUR STOPOVER IN NORTHAMPTON

Beloved 1970’s rock cherub Jonathan Richman is on the road. Bringing his youthful good lucks and licks to proto-punk with his inception of the Modern Lovers, Richman is known for his worldly folk-infused rock, as well as the strides he made in the development of punk. A native of Natick, he’s coming home for a Northampton show in April.

The Modern Lovers’ “Roadrunner” was nominated to be the Massachusetts state rock song in 2013, and though the bill failed, the song remains iconic for the bay state. Paying homage to state landmarks and quirks, the tune embodies the lackadaisical, rolling tongue of Richman and glittery, campy 70s rock of the Modern Lovers. He’s a true punk pioneer.

Though the tour doesn’t have a stop in Boston, you can catch Richman at the show in Northampton, or at successive shows in Portland, ME, or Pawtucket, RI. Richman rocks solo on this tour, allowing his vocals to shine through a minimal instrumental backup. Creating riff-heavy rock that’s laden with optimism, this is a show you can’t afford to miss. Literally.

Playing the Pearl Street Nightclub Downstairs in Northampton, MA, the April 2nd show costs $15 for advance tickets, which can be purchased here, or $17 at the door.