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By Benjamin Wagner

It was the worst-kept secret in Boston, and for good reason. The World's Biggest Band was tearing up one of Beantown's most-intimate venues, and everyone wanted a piece. As a kid from Iowa who's life was changed by The Joshua Tree, I was no exception.

All around the 900-seat Somerville Theater, thousands of chattering fans queued behind barricades for a fleeting glimpse of the band. One woman plead to Sway through tears as he endeavored to deliver a stand-up. Traffic stalled. Police lights flared. It was chaos.

Inside, the tiny, one-time vaudeville theater was ready to blow. Sway only added to the frenzy, briefly introducing the band then ushering them onto the stage as only he could with his extra-long, extra-emphatic vowels. "Give it up for Uuuuuuuuuuuuu Twoooooooo!"

And with that, The Edge attacked the already-familiar fuzz-guitar intro of "Get On Your Boots," and it was on. Bono marched in place like some 21st century general calling his troops to muster.
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LONDON — Tim Kash and I are here on a visit to the set of Big Pak's new video, and I decided to take in some of the local music scene. Unfortunately — according to many of our MTV U.K. counterparts — there wasn't much to see this week, but luck struck!

A look at a gig calendar at a local pub revealed a surprise: Baltimore experimental rockers Ponytail were playing just down the street at the small-but-legendary 100 Club, the self-proclaimed "oldest live-music venue in London," where the Rolling Stones and even the Sex Pistols played in their early days.

The crowd loved the band (which rolled out a great new song) and was as energetic as any we've seen at Ponytail gigs in the States. Openers Future Islands were also excellent; both bands are currently on separate tours throughout Europe but will be back Stateside soon.

If you haven't heard Ponytail, check out John Norris' article on the band.

By Nicole Tahan

I woke up Friday morning to a text from my mother: "Get up! Ryan Cabrera's playing near us tonight at 8!" I immediately jumped out of bed and ran out the door to drive home. Being a huge fan of Ryan, I would never pass up the opportunity to watch him play. Plus, I just heard that he finally ditched those long locks and shaved!
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