CONCERT REVIEW - ANDY FRASCO & THE U.N. @ PARADISE ROCK CLUB, BOSTON, MA (03.01.25)

Written by Brian Porter

Attending my first Andy Frasco & The U.N. concert at Paradise Rock Club in Boston on March 1, 2025, was nothing short of a full-blown sensory explosion. I’ve been to plenty of shows, but none have captured the same raw energy, unpredictability, and communal joy that Frasco and his band bring to the stage.

From the moment the band walked out to Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5,” it was clear we weren’t in for a traditional rock show. Andy—decked out in flannel and flashing a wild grin—stormed the stage like a man possessed. Equal parts frontman, hype man, and unlicensed therapist, Frasco had the whole room in the palm of his hand within seconds.

Backed by the relentlessly talented crew that is The U.N., the set was a rollercoaster of sound and soul. Shawn Eckels lit up the stage with face-melting guitar solos, while the horn section kept the groove rolling with funky blasts of brass. Each band member had a spotlight moment, but together they operated like a well-oiled, whiskey-fueled machine.

The setlist was a party in and of itself—blending fan favorites like “Crazy Things,” “The Walk,” and “Try Not to Die” with unexpected covers like Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation” and Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Each song brought its own kind of chaos, from singalongs to Frasco leaping off his piano bench mid-key smash.

The peak came with “Circus Life,” a moment that felt like the whole room took a collective breath before jumping right back into the madness. The encore, anchored by “Somedays” and “Dancin’ Around My Grave,” was pure catharsis—Frasco sweating, screaming, and dancing like a man celebrating life itself.

And that’s exactly what this show was: a celebration. Of music, of community, of letting go. This wasn’t just a concert for me. It was a night to remember—and the kind of experience that turns a casual or first-time listener into a lifelong fan.