{{Short description|Boston-based music festival}} {{use mdy dates|date=June 2025}} {{Redirect|Boston Calling|the former radio program|The World (radio program){{!}}''The World'' (radio program)}} {{Infobox music festival | name = Boston Calling Music Festival | logo = Boston_Calling_2024_logo.png | image = Boston Calling Music Festival stage in 2014.jpg | caption = A performance during the fall 2014 edition | last = May 23–25, 2025 | next = June 4–6, 2027<ref name=haitus2026/> | venue = Harvard Athletic Complex (2017–present)<br/>Boston City Hall Plaza (2013–2016) | location = Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | years_active = 2013–2019, 2022–2025 | founders = Brian Appel and Mike Snow | attendance = 40,000 (2024)<ref name=2024crowd/> | website = {{URL|http://bostoncalling.com/}} }} '''Boston Calling Music Festival''' is a Boston-based music festival. The festival was initially produced by Crash Line Productions, a Boston-based entertainment production company. Subsequently, the festival has been produced by Boston Calling Events, which was purchased by the Madison Square Garden Company in 2016, and by 2023 was owned by Live Nation Entertainment.<ref name='2026-cancelled'>{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/06/20/arts/boston-calling-canceled-2026/ |title=Boston Calling music festival won't be held in 2026, organizers announce, but no one will say why |first1=Dana |last1=Gerber |first2=Mark |last2=Shanahan |website=The Boston Globe |url-access=limited |date=June 20, 2025 |accessdate=June 20, 2025}}</ref>
The festival debuted in May 2013 at City Hall Plaza and took place twice a year, in May and September, through 2015. In 2016, the festival transitioned to being held annually in the second half of May, and since 2017 its venue has been Harvard Athletic Complex in the Allston neighborhood of Boston
Past performers of Boston Calling have included The National, Sia, Beck, My Morning Jacket, Brandi Carlile, Of Monsters and Men, Fun, Kendrick Lamar, Passion Pit, Vampire Weekend, Modest Mouse, Airborne Toxic Event, Disclosure, Clairo, Eminem, Twenty One Pilots, Travis Scott, Tame Impala, Nine Inch Nails, Metallica, Luke Combs, Avril Lavigne, and Dave Matthews Band.
==History== === Conception === Boston Calling was created by Brian Appel and Mike Snow, who had been colleagues at the now defunct independent alternative rock station WFNX Radio. The festival had initially been conceived as an event associated with the station but when WFNX was purchased by Clear Channel and stopped broadcasting in 2012, Appel and Snow continued development, seeing an opportunity to fill a gap as Boston had previously not had a large music festival.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bostonmagazine.com/arts-entertainment/2024/05/22/boston-calling-history-timeline/ |title=A Brief But Affectionate History of Boston Calling Music Festival |first=Camille |last=Dodero |website=bostonmagazine.com |date=May 22, 2024 |accessdate=June 20, 2025}} Appel was later quoted as being </ref> Appel and Snow considered it in important that Boston Calling be an urban festival, with Appel saying "[it was] critically important that [we] were in the city limits and that it was T-accessible and that we weren’t on the far reach on the outskirts of town that would make it challenging for people to get to". This complicated planning due to traffic and security considerations, and required extensive coordination with Boston city government.<ref>https://dailycollegian.com/2025/05/boston-calling-bringing-the-past-into-the-present/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CWe%20still%20believed%20in%20the,weekend%20and%20Labor%20Day%20weekend.</ref>
Information about the new music festival for Boston appeared in a front-page article of ''The Boston Globe'' on February 27, 2013.<ref name=rodman/> The Boston Calling name "was inspired by the classic Clash album ''London Calling''."<ref name=rodman>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-building-a-festival-to/174928725/ |title=Building a Festival to Rock Boston |first=Sarah |last=Rodman |newspaper=The Boston Globe |page=1 |date=February 27, 2013 |accessdate=June 20, 2025 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The festival lineup was curated with help from Aaron Dessner of the band The National.
=== 2013-2019 === The festival debuted in May 2013, for two days over Memorial Day weekend at City Hall Plaza.<ref name=rodman>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-building-a-festival-to/174928725/ |title=Building a Festival to Rock Boston |first=Sarah |last=Rodman |newspaper=The Boston Globe |page=1 |date=February 27, 2013 |accessdate=June 20, 2025 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The festival was notable as the first major event in the city since the Boston Marathon Bombings, and was received positively, selling out early and collecting praise for the musical performances and smoothly run logistics. The second iteration of the festival was held the following September, establishing a twice-yearly format used through 2016. The festival's first two editions were two-day events. In its second year, Boston Calling expanded to three days.<ref>{{cite web|title=Past Lineups |url=http://bostoncalling.com/pastlinups.html |website=Boston Calling |publisher=Crash Line Productions |access-date=2015-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729114853/http://bostoncalling.com/pastlinups.html |archive-date=2015-07-29 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
Due to the proximity to the Marathon Bombing, early iterations of the event saw heightened security. In August of 2014, DigBoston reported that during the 2013 festivals, the city of Boston had spent $650,000 to test IBM software that monitored concertgoers from existing security cameras, leading to criticism for not notifying concertgoers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/09/07/boston-watching-city-acknowledges-surveillance-tests-during-festivals/Sz9QVurQ5VnA4a6Btds8xH/story.html|title = City used high-tech tracking software at '13 Boston Calling |first=Nestor |last=Ramos |website = The Boston Globe |url-access=limited |date=September 8, 2014}}</ref> Participants in the test were reportedly able to search for people by head color, skin tone, clothing texture, and baldness. The program could monitor the number of persons at the event and whether anyone was in a restricted area.<ref name="dig">{{cite web|url=https://digboston.com/boston-trolling-part-i-you-partied-hard-at-boston-calling-and-theres-facial-recognition-data-to-prove-it/|title = Boston Trolling (Part I): You Partied Hard at Boston Calling and There's Facial Recognition Data to Prove It|website=Digboston.com|date = 7 August 2014}}</ref>
In 2016, a controlling interest Boston Calling Events, was purchased by the Madison Square Garden Company and the festival transitioned to being held annually in the second half of May. In 2017 its venue changed to Harvard Athletic Complex in the Allston neighborhood of Boston, with the new space allowing the addition of more music stages and the inclusion of non-music performers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boston.com/culture/music/2016/05/27/boston-calling-is-moving-to-allston-and-nixing-its-september-edition/|title = Boston Calling is moving to Allston and nixing its September '16 edition |first=Perry |last=Eaton |website=Boston.com |date=May 27, 2016}}</ref> The festival reportedly attracted 20,000–22,000 fans with its earlier editions, eventually drawing roughly 40,000 festival goers in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wbur.org/artery/2017/05/31/boston-calling-debrief|title=So Boston Calling Got A Lot Bigger ... And Other Thoughts|website=www.wbur.org|language=en|date=May 31, 2017|access-date=2019-06-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://huntnewsnu.com/58435/city-pulse/boston-calling-may-be-losing-local-roots-as-it-keeps-growing/|title=Boston Calling may be losing local roots as it keeps growing|last=Buchman|first=Riana|date=2019-03-14|website=The Huntington News|access-date=2019-06-08}}</ref>
=== 2020–2021 Cancellations === On March 31, 2020, it was announced that the 2020 Boston Calling Festival was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name="2020cancel">{{cite web |title=COVID-19 Update |url=https://bostoncalling.com/2020/03/31/covid-19-update/ |website=Boston Calling |accessdate=6 April 2020 |date=31 March 2020 |quote=we have made the difficult decision to cancel Boston Calling 2020 due to the ongoing pandemic}}</ref> The organizers offered refunds for tickets, as well as the option to roll tickets over to the 2021 festival. When the 2021 festival was also cancelled, the same options were available.<ref name="2021cancel">{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/boston-calling-cancels-2021-music-festival/2309477/|title=Boston Calling Cancels 2021 Music Festival Due to Pandemic |website=NBC10 Boston |accessdate=27 February 2024 |date=22 February 2021 }}</ref>
=== 2022–2025 === In 2022, the festival returned, with headliners Metallica and Nine Inch Nails, with Nine Inch Nails headling back-to-back shows after a cancellation. By 2023, the festival was a subsidiary of Live Nation Entertainment .<ref name='2026-cancelled'>{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/06/20/arts/boston-calling-canceled-2026/ |title=Boston Calling music festival won't be held in 2026, organizers announce, but no one will say why |first1=Dana |last1=Gerber |first2=Mark |last2=Shanahan |website=The Boston Globe |url-access=limited |date=June 20, 2025 |accessdate=June 20, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bostonmagazine.com/arts-entertainment/2024/05/22/boston-calling-history-timeline/ |title=A Brief But Affectionate History of Boston Calling Music Festival |first=Camille |last=Dodero |website=bostonmagazine.com |date=May 22, 2024 |accessdate=June 20, 2025}}</ref>
In 2024, the event was criticized for overcrowding and potentially unsafe conditions as festival goers moved between stages, with attendance on Sunday estimated at 40,000 up from only 16,000 the day prior. Organizers later issuing a statement addressing dangerous conditions and promising to "create a better environment for everyone."<ref name=2024crowd> {{cite news |author = Slane |author-first = Kevin |title = Boston Calling issues statement regarding 'dangerous' crowds at festival |url = https://www.boston.com/culture/music/2024/05/28/boston-calling-2024-crowds-statement/ |website = WCVB |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250525220854/https://www.boston.com/culture/music/2024/05/28/boston-calling-2024-crowds-statement/ |archive-date = 2025-05-25 }} </ref>
In response, the 2025 festival used a single main stage, and the on-site indoor arena was opened to festival attendees for the first time in six years to add access to an air conditioned indoor space for festival goers.<ref name="bostoncalling_arena1"> {{cite news |author = Slane |author-first = Kevin |title = Boston Calling issues statement regarding 'dangerous' crowds at festival |url = https://www.boston.com/culture/music/2024/05/28/boston-calling-2024-crowds-statement/ |website = WCVB |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250525220854/https://www.boston.com/culture/music/2024/05/28/boston-calling-2024-crowds-statement/ |archive-date = 2025-05-25 }} </ref>
=== 2026 hiatus === On June 20, 2025, festival organizers announced a hiatus for 2026, for unspecified reasons, with plans for the next edition to be held June 4–6, 2027.<ref name=haitus2026>{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/06/20/arts/boston-calling-canceled-2026/ |title=Boston Calling music festival will not be held in 2026, organizers announce |first=Dana |last=Gerber |website=The Boston Globe |url-access=limited |date=June 20, 2025 |accessdate=June 20, 2025}}</ref> Days later, Boston mayor Michelle Wu stated in a radio interview that organizers felt other Boston activities during 2026—including United States Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) celebrations and several 2026 FIFA World Cup games (scheduled for Gillette Stadium south of Boston)—were expected to place "a lot of strain on hotel rooms and events and sponsorships."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2025/06/23/wu-explains-the-rationale-behind-boston-calling-pause/ |title=Wu explains the rationale behind Boston Calling pause |first=Dialynn |last=Dwyer |website=Boston.com |date=June 23, 2025 |accessdate=June 23, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/06/20/arts/boston-calling-canceled-2026/ |title=Boston Calling music festival won't be held in 2026, organizers announce, but no one will say why |first1=Dana |last1=Gerber |first2=Mark |last2=Shanahan |website=The Boston Globe |url-access=limited |date=June 20, 2025 |accessdate=June 20, 2025}}</ref> ==Past Lineups== Boston Calling was held twice a year, in May and September, during 2013–2015. The festival's first two editions were two-day events. In its second year, Boston Calling expanded to three days.<ref>{{cite web|title=Past Lineups |url=http://bostoncalling.com/pastlinups.html |website=Boston Calling |publisher=Crash Line Productions |access-date=2015-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729114853/http://bostoncalling.com/pastlinups.html |archive-date=2015-07-29 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
===2013=== ====Spring==== The first Boston Calling, held May 25–26, 2013, featured:<ref name="past-lineups-2022">{{cite web |author = <!-- not stated --> |title = Boston Calling Past Lineups |url = https://www.bostoncalling.com/past-lineups |website = Boston Calling |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220802095440/https://bostoncalling.com/past-lineups/ |archive-date = 2022-08-02 |access-date = 2025-06-04 }}</ref>
'''Saturday line-up'''<ref name="past-lineups-2022"/> {{colbegin|colwidth=15em}} * '''Fun.''' (Main Stage) * The Shins (Main Stage) * Marina and the Diamonds (Main Stage) * Matt & Kim (Main Stage) * Portugal. The Man (City Hall Stage) * Cults (Main Stage) * MS MR (City Hall Stage) * St. Lucia * Bad Rabbits (Main Stage) {{colend}}
'''Sunday line-up'''<ref name="past-lineups-2022"/> {{colbegin|colwidth=15em}} * '''The National''' (Main Stage) * Of Monsters and Men (Main Stage) * Young the Giant (City Hall Stage) * Andrew Bird (City Hall Stage) * Dirty Projectors (Main Stage) * Ra Ra Riot (City Hall Stage) * The Walkmen (Main Stage) * Youth Lagoon (City Hall Stage) * Caspian (Main Stage) {{colend}}
====Fall==== The second Boston Calling, held September 7–8, 2013, featured: {{colbegin|colwidth=15em}} * '''Vampire Weekend''' * '''Passion Pit''' * Kendrick Lamar * Local Natives * Major Lazer * The Gaslight Anthem * The Airborne Toxic Event * Wolfgang Gartner * Solange * Bat for Lashes * Flosstradamus * Deer Tick * Okkervil River * Flume * Lucius * Big Black Delta * You Won't * and Bearstronaut {{colend}}
===2014=== ====Spring==== The third Boston Calling, held May 23–25, 2014, featured:
'''Friday line-up'''<ref name="past-lineups-2022"/><ref name="2014_spring_schedule"> {{cite news |author = Annear |author-first = Steve |title = Here's the Lineup for the Spring 2014 Boston Calling Concert |url = https://www.bostonmagazine.com/arts-entertainment/2014/01/28/heres-line-boston-callings-may-show/ |date = 2014-01-28 |website = Boston Magazine |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250120163432/https://www.bostonmagazine.com/arts-entertainment/2014/01/28/heres-line-boston-callings-may-show/ |archive-date = 2025-01-20 }} </ref>{{colbegin|colwidth=15em}} * '''Jack Johnson''' (Blue Stage) * Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros (Blue Stage) * Cass McCombs (Blue Stage) {{colend}}
'''Saturday line-up'''<ref name="past-lineups-2022"/><ref name="2014_spring_schedule"/> {{colbegin|colwidth=15em}} * '''Death Cab for Cutie''' (Blue Stage) * '''The Decemberists''' (Red Stage) * The Head and the Heart (Blue Stage) * Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls (Red Stage) * Jenny Lewis (Blue Stage) * The Neighbourhood (Red Stage) * Walk Off the Earth (Red Stage) * Warpaint (Blue Stage) * Maxïmo Park (Blue Stage) * Magic Man (Red Stage) {{colend}}
'''Sunday line-up'''<ref name="past-lineups-2022"/><ref name="2014_spring_schedule"/> {{colbegin|colwidth=15em}} * '''Modest Mouse''' (Blue Stage) * Brand New (Red Stage) * Tegan and Sara (Red Stage) * Bastille (Blue Stage) * Phosphorescent (Blue Stage) * Built to Spill (Red Stage) * Kurt Vile and the Violators (Blue Stage) * The Districts (Red Stage) * Tigerman WOAH! (Blue Stage) * The Box Tiger (Red Stage) {{colend}}
====Fall==== thumb|right|upright=.7|Boston City Hall illuminated, Fall 2014 The fourth Boston Calling, held September 5–7, 2014, featured:
The National, Lorde, The Replacements, Nas x The Roots, Neutral Milk Hotel, Childish Gambino, Spoon, Girl Talk, The 1975, Volcano Choir, Twenty One Pilots, The War on Drugs, The Hold Steady, Lake Street Dive, Bleachers, White Denim, Sky Ferreira, Future Islands, San Fermin, S. Carey, CliffLight, and Gentlemen Hall.
===2015=== ====Spring==== The fifth Boston Calling, held May 22–24, 2015, featured:
Beck, Pixies, My Morning Jacket, Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, Tenacious D, Tame Impala, St. Vincent, TV on the Radio, Marina and the Diamonds, Jason Isbell, Gerard Way, Tove Lo, Chet Faker, Run the Jewels, The Lone Bellow, Sharon Van Etten, Jungle, MØ, ILoveMakonnen, DMA's, The Ballroom Thieves, and Krill.
====Fall==== The sixth Boston Calling, held September 25–27, 2015, featured:
The Avett Brothers, Alt-J, Alabama Shakes, Hozier, Of Monsters and Men, Chvrches, Ben Howard, Chromeo, Walk the Moon, Nate Ruess, Father John Misty, Sturgill Simpson, MisterWives, Gerard Way and the Hormones, Daughter, Twin Shadow, Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, Fidlar, Doomtree, Gregory Alan Isakov, Grizfolk, Bully, Dirty Bangs, and Grey Season.
===2016=== The seventh Boston Calling, held May 27–29, 2016, featured:
Sia, Disclosure, Robyn, ODESZA, Sufjan Stevens, Haim, Miike Snow, Janelle Monáe, City and Colour, Courtney Barnett, Elle King, The Front Bottoms, BØRNS, Charles Bradley and his Extraordinaires, The Vaccines, Vince Staples, Battles, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Christine and the Queens, Lisa Hannigan and Aaron Dessner, Lizzo, Palehound, and Michael Christmas.
===2017=== The eighth Boston Calling was held May 26–28, 2017. The event was staged for the first time at the Harvard Athletic Complex and featured:
Chance the Rapper, Bon Iver, Sigur Ros, Migos, Mac Demarco, Sylvan Esso, Car Seat Headrest, Francis and the Lights, Deerhoof, Whitney, Lucy Dacus, Vundabar, Xylouris White, Mumford and Sons, The xx, The 1975, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, Tegan and Sara, Brandi Carlile, Majid Jordan, Oh Wonder, Danny Brown, Cousin Stizz, Russ, Strand of Oaks, Moses Sumney, Kevin Morby, Tkay Maidza, Alexandra Savior, Tool, Major Lazer, Weezer, Cage the Elephant, Run the Jewels, Flatbush Zombies, Converge, Piebald, Wolf Parade, Frightened Rabbit, Buffalo Tom, PUP, Hiss Golden Messenger, The Hotelier, and Mondo Cozmo.
===2018=== The ninth Boston Calling was held on May 25–27, 2018, at the Harvard Athletic Complex. The headliners were Eminem, The Killers and Jack White. ;Line-up {{colbegin|colwidth=15em}} *'''Eminem''' *'''The Killers''' *'''Jack White''' *Queens of the Stone Age *The National *Paramore *Tyler, the Creator *Khalid *Bryson Tiller (replaced by Mike D)<ref>{{cite web |title=Oh damn Mike D of the Beastie Boys just got added to Boston Calling |url=https://vanyaland.com/2018/05/09/oh-damn-mike-d-of-the-beastie-boys-just-got-added-to-boston-calling/ |website=Vanyaland |access-date=18 February 2023 |date=9 May 2018}}</ref> *Portugal. The Man *Fleet Foxes *St. Vincent *The Decemberists *Brockhampton *Maggie Rogers *Royal Blood *Manchester Orchestra *Daniel Caesar *Dirty Projectors *Stormzy (replaced by Cousin Stizz) *Thundercat *Belly *Pussy Riot *Julien Baker *Alvvays *The Menzingers *Thee Oh Sees *Perfume Genius *Noname *(Sandy) Alex G *Big Thief *Mount Kimbie *Citizen *Pond *Zola Jesus *Taylor Bennett *Westside Gunn & Conway the Machine *Charly Bliss *Leikeli47 *Field Report *Lillie Mae *Tauk *This Is the Kit *Weakened Friends *Stl Gld {{colend}}
=== 2019 === The 10th edition of the festival was held on May 24–26, 2019, at the Harvard Athletic Complex. The headliners this year were Twenty One Pilots, Travis Scott, and Tame Impala.
'''Line-up'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bostoncalling.com/past-lineups/|title=Past Lineups|website=Boston Calling Music Festival|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110172519/https://bostoncalling.com/past-lineups/|archive-date=2019-11-10|url-status=dead}}</ref> {{colbegin|colwidth=15em}} * '''Twenty One Pilots''' * '''Travis Scott''' * '''Tame Impala''' * Odesza * Logic * Greta Van Fleet *Chvrches * Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals * Hozier * Janelle Monáe (Canceled) * Brandi Carlile * Lord Huron * Sheck Wes * Rainbow Kitten Surprise * Christine and the Queens * Big Red Machine * King Princess * Black Star * Guster * Marina * Mitski * Tank and the Bangas * Clairo * Mura Masa * Denzel Curry * Snakehips * Yaeji * Princess Nokia * Chromeo (DJ set) * Snail Mail * Ravyn Lenae * Gang of Youths * Young Fathers * Superorganism * Turnstile * SOB x RBE * Cautious Clay * Shame * Pale Waves * Pile * Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever * Dessa * White Reaper * Sidney Gish * Kilo Kish * Skegss * Sasha Sloan * Naeem * Adia Victoria * Easy Life {{colend}}
'''Comedy & entertainment'''{{citation needed|date=March 2019}} {{div col|colwidth=20em}} * Michael Che * Jenny Slate * Fred Armisen * Imogen Heap * Boston Ballet * Melissa Villaseñor * Sam Jay * Marina Franklin * Lamont Price {{div col end}}
=== 2022 === The 11th edition of the festival was held on May 27–29, 2022, at the Harvard Athletic Complex. The headliners this year were Metallica who headlined on Sunday, and Nine Inch Nails headlining both Friday as a replacement for The Foo Fighters who cancelled due to the death of long-time drummer Taylor Hawkins and Saturday as a last minute replacement of The Strokes after they cancelled due to COVID-19. The festival was evacuated for approximately two hours on Saturday due to severe weather.<ref name="past-lineups-2022"/><ref name="lineup_changes_2022_1">{{cite news |author = Shea |author-first = Andrea |title = Nine Inch Nails replace Foo Fighters for Boston Calling's return in May |url = https://www.wbur.org/news/2022/04/06/nine-inch-nails-replace-foo-fighters-boston-calling |work = wbur |date = 2022-04-06 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230417182036/https://www.wbur.org/news/2022/04/06/nine-inch-nails-replace-foo-fighters-boston-calling |archive-date = 2023-04-17 |access-date = 2025-06-04 }}</ref><ref name="lineup_changes_2022_2">{{cite news |author = Regassa |author-first = Alisa |title = From Boston Calling: Nine Inch Nails Saves The Weekend |url = https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2022/6/5/boston-calling-nine-inch-nails-review/ |work = The Harvard Crimson |date = 2022-06-05 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240415021023/https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2022/6/5/boston-calling-nine-inch-nails-review/#expand |archive-date = 2024-04-15 |access-date = 2025-06-04 }}</ref>
'''Friday line-up'''<ref name="past-lineups-2022"/> {{colbegin|colwidth=15em}} * '''Nine Inch Nails''' * Rufus Du Sol * Haim * Avril Lavigne * Cheap Trick * Oliver Tree * The Struts * Paris Jackson * Paris Texas * The Backseat Lovers * Grandson * Mob Rich * Pom Pom Squad * Born Without Bones * Avenue * Miranda Rae * The Chelsea Curve {{colend}}
'''Saturday line-up'''<ref name="past-lineups-2022"/> {{colbegin|colwidth=15em}} * '''Nine Inch Nails''' * Run the Jewels * Black Pumas * Earthgang * Orville Peck * KennyHoopla * Celisse (set cut short due to weather)<ref name="bostoncalling2022_cancel2">{{cite news |author = Wasylak |author-first = Victoria |title = Boston Calling 2022: Highlights from the stage and scene on Day 2 |url = https://vanyaland.com/2022/05/29/boston-calling-2022-highlights-from-the-stage-and-scene-on-day-2/ |work = Vanyaland |date = 2022-05-29 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220603054326/https://vanyaland.com/2022/05/29/boston-calling-2022-highlights-from-the-stage-and-scene-on-day-2/ |archive-date = 2022-06-03 |access-date = 2025-06-04 }}</ref> * Frances Forever (cancelled due to weather)<ref name="bostoncalling2022_cancel">{{cite news |author = Costa |author-first = Jesse |title = See photos from Boston Calling Music Festival's return |url = https://www.wbur.org/news/2022/05/27/boston-calling-photos |work = wbur |date = 2022-05-30 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240922053624/https://www.wbur.org/news/2022/05/27/boston-calling-photos |archive-date = 2024-09-22 |access-date = 2025-06-04 }}</ref> * Sudan Archives (cancelled due to weather)<ref name="bostoncalling2022_cancel" /> * Coral Moons (cancelled due to weather)<ref name="bostoncalling2022_cancel" /> * Ali McGurk (cancelled due to weather)<ref name="bostoncalling2022_cancel" /> * Hinds * Julie Rhodes * Charlotte Sands * Van Buren Records * Dutch Tulips * The Strokes (cancelled due to COVID) * King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard (cancelled due to COVID) {{colend}}
'''Sunday line-up'''<ref name="past-lineups-2022"/> {{colbegin|colwidth=15em}} * '''Metallica''' * Weezer * Glass Animals * Modest Mouse * Goose * Ripe * Japanese Breakfast * Cults * Peach Tree Rascals * Horsegirl * DJO * Oompa * Cliff Notez * Cam Meekins * Crooked Coast * Aaron and the Lord * Paper Tigers {{colend}}
=== 2023 === The 12th edition of the festival was held on May 26–28, 2023, at the Harvard Athletic Complex. The main headliners this year were Foo Fighters (in their first major concert since drummer Taylor Hawkins' death the previous year), The Lumineers and Paramore, with co-headlining slots taken by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs (cancelled due to illness), Alanis Morissette and Queens of the Stone Age.<ref name="bostoncallinglineup2023"> {{cite news |author= Slane |author-first= Kevin |title = Foo Fighters, The Lumineers, Paramore to headline Boston Calling 2023 |url = https://www.boston.com/things-to-do/concerts/boston-calling-2023-lineup-foo-fighters-lumineers-paramore/ |work = Boston.com |date = 2023-01-10 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230110155351/https://www.boston.com/things-to-do/concerts/boston-calling-2023-lineup-foo-fighters-lumineers-paramore/ |archive-date = 2023-01-10 |access-date = 2025-06-04 }} </ref> <ref name="bostoncallinglineup2023_changes"> {{cite news |author= Shea |author-first= Andrea |title = Yeah Yeah Yeahs cancel Boston Calling performance, Dropkick Murphys will make surprise debut |url = https://www.wbur.org/news/2023/05/25/yeah-yeah-yeahs-cancel-boston-calling-dropkick-murphys-debut |work = wbur |date = 2023-05-25 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20241225083253/https://www.wbur.org/news/2023/05/25/yeah-yeah-yeahs-cancel-boston-calling-dropkick-murphys-debut |archive-date = 2024-12-25 |access-date = 2025-06-04 }} </ref>
'''Friday line-up'''<ref name="bostoncallinglineup2023" /> {{colbegin|colwidth=15em}} * '''Foo Fighters''' * '''Yeah Yeah Yeahs''' (cancelled due to illness)<ref name="bostoncallinglineup2023_changes" /> * The National * Dropkick Murphys<ref name="bostoncallinglineup2023_changes" /> * Niall Horan * Chelsea Cutler * Teddy Swims * Léon * Talk * Celisse * The Beachea * Zolita * GA-20 * Alisa Amador * Little Fuss * Blue Light Bandits * Summer Cult * Brandie Blaze {{colend}}
'''Saturday line-up'''<ref name="bostoncallinglineup2023"/> {{colbegin|colwidth=15em}} * '''The Lumineers''' * '''Alanis Morissette''' * Noah Kahan * The Flaming Lips * Mt. Joy * Fletcher * Joy Oladokun * Declan McKenna * The Aces * Loveless * Welshly Arms * Neemz * The Q-Tip Bandits * Najee Janey * Actor Observer * Coral Moons * Chrysalis {{colend}}
'''Sunday line-up'''<ref name="bostoncallinglineup2023"/> {{colbegin|colwidth=15em}} * '''Paramore''' * '''Queens of the Stone Age''' * Bleachers * King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard * Maren Morris * 070 Shake * The Walkmen * The Linda Lindas * Wunderhorse * Genesis Owusu * Brutus * Juice * Mint Green * Couch * Ali McGuirk * Sorry Mom * Workman Song {{colend}}
=== 2024 === The 13th edition of the festival was held on May 24–26, 2024, at the Harvard Athletic Complex. The main headliners were Ed Sheeran, Tyler Childers, and The Killers, with co-headlining slots taken by Leon Bridges, Trey Anastasio, and Hozier.<ref name="bostoncallinglineup2024"> {{cite web |author=<!-- not stated --> |title = Boston Calling 2024 Lineup |url = https://www.bostoncalling.com/lineup |website = Boston Calling |url-status = deviated |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240721232502/https://www.bostoncalling.com/lineup |archive-date = 2024-07-21 |access-date = 2025-06-04 }} </ref>
After an estimated 16,000 people attended the Saturday show, attendance on Sunday was estimate at 40,000, which strained logistics and led to organizers later issuing a statement addressing dangerous conditions and promising to "create a better environment for everyone."<ref name=2024crowd> {{cite news |author = Slane |author-first = Kevin |title = Boston Calling issues statement regarding 'dangerous' crowds at festival |url = https://www.boston.com/culture/music/2024/05/28/boston-calling-2024-crowds-statement/ |website = WCVB |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250525220854/https://www.boston.com/culture/music/2024/05/28/boston-calling-2024-crowds-statement/ |archive-date = 2025-05-25 }} </ref>
'''Friday line-up''' <ref name="bostoncallinglineup2024"/> {{colbegin|colwidth=15em}} * '''Ed Sheeran''' * '''Leon Bridges''' * Reneé Rapp * Young the Giant * Luke Hemmings * David Kushner * Cannons * Beach Weather * Ric Wilson * Madi Diaz * MARIS * Divine Sweater * Kieran Rhodes * Kei * Jvk * Justin Clancy * The Wolff Sisters {{colend}}
'''Saturday line-up'''<ref name="bostoncallinglineup2024"/> {{colbegin|colwidth=15em}} * '''Tyler Childers''' * '''Trey Anastasio & Classic TAB''' * Khruangbin * Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls * Jessie Murph * d4vd * The Red Clay Strays * Tanner Usrey * Bad Rabbits * The Castellows * Motherfolk * Senseless Optimism * ToriTori * Ward Hayden and The Outliers * Paper Lady * Cakeswagg * Highwater Haulers {{colend}}
'''Sunday line-up'''<ref name="bostoncallinglineup2024"/> {{colbegin|colwidth=15em}} * '''The Killers''' * '''Hozier''' * Megan Thee Stallion * The Revivalists * Lovejoy * Chappell Roan * Blondshell * Royel Otis * The Heavy Heavy * Christone "Kingfish" Ingram * Francis of Delirium * Stefan Thev * The Thing * Fleshwater * Zola Simone * Billy Dean Thomas * Tysk Tysk Task {{colend}}
=== 2025 === The 14th edition of the festival was held on May 23–25, 2025, at the Harvard Athletic Complex. The main headliners were Luke Combs, Fall Out Boy, and Dave Matthews Band, with co-headlining slots taken by Megan Moroney, Avril Lavigne, and Vampire Weekend.<ref name="bostoncallinglineup2025"> {{cite web |author = <!-- not stated --> |title = Boston Calling 2025 Lineup |url = https://www.bostoncalling.com/lineup |website = Boston Calling |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250514150123/https://www.bostoncalling.com/lineup |archive-date = 2025-05-14 |access-date = 2025-06-04 }} </ref>
The festival used a large, single main stage, referred to as the green stage, rather than the two separate green and red main stages used in prior years. To improve transition times between sets, the green stage incorporated a rotating stage design.<ref name="bostoncalling2025_newstage"> {{cite news |author = Hughes |author-first = Lisa |title = Big changes to Boston Calling this year include a new rotating stage |url = https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/boston-calling-2025-new-changes-overcrowding/ |website = CBS News |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250521022050/https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/boston-calling-2025-new-changes-overcrowding/ |archive-date = 2025-05-21 |access-date = 2025-06-04 }} </ref> In addition to the green stage, the festival maintained the smaller, blue and orange stages. Additionally, the on-site indoor arena was opened to festival attendees for the first time in six years. Through a partnership with the Berklee College of Music, the arena showcased student musicians Tiril Jackson, Devon Gates & Friends, Su Yavuz, Srisley, Solaya + The Effect, Manuela Sanchez Goubert, and Aniye in addition to serving as an air conditioned indoor space available to festival goers.<ref name="bostoncalling_arena"> {{cite news |author = Cifarelli |author-first = David |title = Boston Calling's indoor arena returns after 6 years: Here's what to expect |url = https://www.masslive.com/boston/2025/05/boston-callings-indoor-arena-returns-after-8-years-heres-what-to-expect.html |website = masslive.com |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250524064342/https://www.masslive.com/boston/2025/05/boston-callings-indoor-arena-returns-after-8-years-heres-what-to-expect.html |archive-date = 2025-05-24 |access-date = 2025-06-04 }} </ref>
'''Friday line-up'''<ref name="bostoncallingschedule2025"> {{cite web |author = <!-- not stated --> |title = Boston Calling 2025 Schedule |url = https://www.bostoncalling.com/schedule |website = Boston Calling |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250512220731/https://www.bostoncalling.com/schedule |archive-date = 2025-05-12 |access-date = 2025-06-04 }} </ref> {{colbegin|colwidth=15em}} * '''Luke Combs''' (Green Stage) * '''Megan Moroney''' (Green Stage) * Sheryl Crow (Green Stage) * T-Pain (Blue Stage) * TLC (Cancelled due to medical circumstance)<ref> {{cite news |author = Sesselman |author2 = Tenser |title = Artist drops out of 2025 Boston Calling music festival due to medical issue |url = https://www.wcvb.com/article/boston-calling-2025-may-23/64865854 |website = WCVB |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250524085509/https://www.wcvb.com/article/boston-calling-2025-may-23/64865854 |archive-date = 2025-05-24 |access-date = 2025-06-04 }} </ref> * MIKE (Blue Stage) * Thee Sacred Souls (Blue Stage) * Max McNown (Green Stage) * Wilderado (Green Stage) * Infinity Song (Blue Stage) * Kyle Dion (Blue Stage) * Bebe Stockwell (Green Stage) * Holy Roller (Green Stage) * Latrell James (Orange Stage) * Megan From Work (Orange Stage) * Future Teens (Orange Stage) * Battlemode (Orange Stage) {{colend}}
'''Saturday line-up'''<ref name="bostoncallingschedule2025"/> {{colbegin|colwidth=15em}} * '''Fall Out Boy''' (Green Stage) * '''Avril Lavigne''' (Green Stage) * Cage the Elephant (Green Stage) * The Black Crowes (Blue Stage) * All Time Low (Green Stage) * James Bay (Blue Stage) * The Maine (Green Stage) * Lucius (Blue Stage) * Valley (Green Stage) * Mon Rovîa (Green Stage) * Amble (Blue Stage) * Sofia Isella (Green Stage) * Timmy Skelly (Blue Stage) * Simon Robert French (Orange Stage) * Rebuilder (Orange Stage) * Sidebody (Orange Stage) * Pinklids (Orange Stage) {{colend}}
'''Sunday line-up'''<ref name="bostoncallingschedule2025"/> {{colbegin|colwidth=15em}} * '''Dave Matthews Band''' (Green Stage) * '''Vampire Weekend''' (Green Stage) * Sublime (Green Stage) * Public Enemy (Blue Stage) * Remi Wolf (Green Stage) * Goth Babe (Green Stage) * Tom Morello (Blue Stage) * The 502s (Blue Stage) * Spin Doctors (Green Stage) * I Dont Know How but They Found Me (Blue Stage) * Mo Lowda & the Humble (Green Stage) * Sam Austins (Blue Stage) * SNACKTIME (Green Stage) * Layzi (Orange Stage) * Copilot (Orange Stage) * Vivid Bloom (Orange Stage) * Nate Perry & Ragged Company (Orange Stage) {{colend}}
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
==External links== {{commonscat|Boston Calling Music Festival}} *{{official website|bostoncalling.com}}
Category:2013 establishments in Massachusetts Category:Festivals established in 2013 Category:Festivals in Boston Category:Music festivals in Massachusetts