The Jon Butcher Axis has been rocking rooms big and small off and on for 44 years, from their early start at the legendary Rathskellar ('The Rat') and The Channel Club in Boston, to 20,000 seat arenas across the U.S., touring with the likes of Def Leppard, Rush, The J. Geils Band, The Scorpions and INXS. Multiple videos on MTV and ferocious live shows helped them build a loyal and dedicated following, especially across New England. But all good things must come to an end. Recently, Jon Butcher announced via social media (see below) that he would be putting AXIS to bed after a couple Spring dates to close out their amazing history. Jon is and will remain as busy as ever with his other projects, but he feels it's time to give AXIS fans a couple more chances to see him and his longtime bandmates Chris Martin and Marty Richards playing a bunch of those classic songs one more time. There are just two shows remaining as of this writing, so don't miss your chance to catch them one last time.
*Jon Butcher Axis post from their Facebook page on February 28th, 2026.
Dear Fans, Friends & FamilyIt is with a bittersweet mix of gratitude and appreciation that I announce that AXIS will play its final shows this Spring before calling it a day. And what a day it was! I'll be posting pics, music and more leading up to our final two shows in the coming weeks. And thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sticking with us. I sincerely hope to see you at one of the shows for HOLY WAR, LIFE TAKES A LIFE, OCEAN IN MOTION and more!Special Guest Johnny A
The name ‘Johnny A.’ might not be so mainstream, but there’s no doubt that it’s synonymous with guitar.
His passion began at the age of thirteen, when he first saw the Beatles in Boston, followed two years later by an in-person witnessing of Jimi Hendrix. From there, he was hooked, getting a cheap beginner guitar to try and play along with his early heroes — which also included Yardbirds icons Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page.
Soon enough, Johnny A. got it.
By the 1970’s, he was forming bands in the New England area, drawing attention from several established musicians, like Derek and the Dominos’ keyboardist Bobby Whitlock and Doug Clifford of Creedence Clearwater Revival. Johnny A. became Music Director of J. Geils Band singer Peter Wolf’s outfit, coordinating the onstage arrangements, playing on several tours and co-producing Wolf’s 1996 album, *Long Line.* What’s more, he was even asked to join The Yardbirds as their lead guitarist in 2015.
All this is to say that Johnny A. has the chops, and that’s not to mention his prolific solo career. Spanning three full-length albums, Johnny A. has earned a Grammy Award nomination, the honor of Boston Music Awards, “Blues Artist of the Year 2010,” and a spot in the revered Boston Music Hall of Fame. Ever the restless spirit, Johnny A. continues to glide across genres effortlessly, exploring elements of jazz, soul. He still fervently carries on the tradition of the legends he respected as a teen.
Friday, May 8, 2026 at
7:30 PM
with Special Guest Johnny A
