Premier local punk/indie/emo party Nashville Is the Reason is turning two, and they’re celebrating in style by hosting a Punk Rock Prom at The Basement East, expanding on their typical Pub side DJ night with a show in the main venue, boasting an all-star Smiths cover band called Louder Than Bombs (featuring members of Bayside, Saves The Day, and more) as well as ’80s cover band Crucial Bros. The shindig will include a photo booth, prizes for the best dressed (wear your best formal punk attire), special guests throughout the evening and more, which all sounds like a stellar way to spend an early Valentine’s Day for any couple with punk sensibilities, or for anyone rolling stag who needs some sad, Morrissey-flavored musical therapy. Though NITR DJ nights are typically free, this show will set you back just a few bucks, but $2 from your ticket go to benefit Planned Parenthood, and couples can take advantage of discount pricing. You can grab your tickets here, so secure your spot and find out more about the lineup below!
LOUDER THAN BOMBS
There are almost certainly other Smiths cover bands operating under the moniker Louder Than Bombs (named for the group’s famed 1987 compilation), but this particular act seems to have formed specially for this show. Featuring Anthony Raneri and Jack O’Shea of Bayside, Arun Bali of Saves The Day, Toby Bean of Street Dogs, and Damon Atkinson of Braid and Hey Mercedes, it’s something of a supergroup of local punk and emo elite, who, apparently, all share a love of England’s preeminent ’80s alt/post-punk group (if you’ve followed this site whenever Morrissey or Johnny Marr have come to town, you know we’re obsessed as well). With Mozzer’s famous ability to articulate heartbreak, this set is definitely primed for everyone rolling stag, and is likely as close to an actual Smiths show as you’ll ever see, since the group have been famously stubborn about reunion prospects.
CRUCIAL BROS
Another cover band, Crucial Bros describe themselves as “a fun-loving party band who exists to transport you to a simpler and more colorful time,” and they’ve been tasked with “playing your favorite ’80s hits” in the realms of rock, pop, new wave, and more, presumably filling out some holes in nostalgia and range not touched on in a full set of Smiths tunes. Since it is a punk rock prom, we’d say it’s a safe bet that they’ll be tackling some tunes from that the side of the musical spectrum too, so come see what they’re all about in person!
NASHVILLE IS THE REASON
For two years now, Nashville Is The Reason has served as Music City’s first and best “emo night.” We wouldn’t exactly want to put them in a box with that label though, because unlike some similar events that have cropped up around the nation as emo’s popularity and nostalgia has surged, NITR typically spin a great mix of emo, punk, and indie from the ’90s and ’00s. For this special occasion, they’re dipping even further into the well, and bringing you ’80s punk, new wave, hardcore, and more; a definite compliment to the rest of the evening. Expect resident DJs and plenty of special guests all night long.
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Louder Than Bombs, Crucial Bros, and Nashville Is the Reason’s DJs will host Punk Rock Prom Saturday, Feb. 11 at The Basement East. The show is 21+, begins at 8 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.), and tickets are available to purchase for $5-10.
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