The Fools Celebrate 50 Years of Rock With Live Show at Samuel Slater’s in Webster
By-Hank Stolz
Photo-The Fools
Worcester, MA-The Fools have been making classic rock and roll for fifty years. This Saturday they will be at Samuel Slaters in Webster. Frontman, Mike Girard, joined the Talk of the Commonwealth to tell us about the show. Girad reflected on the Boston music scene of the 70s and 80s. How it was easier to be in a band then because you could play five or six nights a week with so many clubs in existence and how supportive radio stations like WBCN were for local bands that didn’t even have record deals. He said the band’s live shows were known for being theatrical and unpredictable, a style that developed from their very first gig when they had to fill three hours with only 20 songs. Girard said that he has always loved bands that put on a “show” like J. Geils and The Tubes. Their hit song “Psycho Chicken” came about when they were just goofing around at a pool hall and was picked up by WBCN after a member of the staff saw them perform it live and lobbied for it to be added to the rotation. “I personally feel it’s one of the stupidest songs ever written, but I’m kind of proud of that.” It was also picked up by the Dr. Demento Show. Despite the novelty nature of “Psycho Chicken,” the band successfully followed up with other songs like “It’s a Night for Beautiful Girls,” and secured a major record deal with EMI. After being dropped by EMI, the band started their own independent label, Ouch Records, which allowed them to release more music like “World Dance Party” and continue their career. Their contacts in the music industry allowed them to be among the first to launch their own label. A documentary about the band’s 50-year history is currently in production and is expected to be released in the late spring. The band’s audience now spans multiple generations, with original fans bringing their children and even grandchildren to shows.
Tickets for The Fools on Saturday, January 24, 2026, are on sale now at samuelslaters.com. Doors open at 7:00 PM; the show starts at 8:00 PM. Samuel Slater’s Restaurant is located at 200 Gore Road in Webster, MA, outside of Worcester and less than an hour’s drive from Boston, Providence, Hartford, and Springfield.
Worcester Stretch Code Debate Sparks Clash Over Leadership, Process, and Development
A procedural misstep in Worcester’s attempt to pause the special stretch code sparks a broader debate on leadership, transparency, and the city’s development future.
Worcester Pauses Stretch Code: Housing Crisis or Poor Planning?
Is Worcester’s pause on the stretch energy code a necessary adjustment—or a sign of short-sighted planning? The Rundown tackles the city’s biggest debates, from housing and development to backyard chickens.
Media ethics, Worcester politics, and local news changes
Hank Stolz speaks with Mark Henderson of the016.com about the Dianna Russini controversy, Worcester’s chicken ordinance debate, John Fresolo’s driveway confrontation, and changes in the city’s local media scene.
The Rundown: Worcester Housing Program Success and Mental Health Crisis Response Debate
On The Rundown, Mark Henderson and Tom Marino take a closer look at what has worked in Worcester—and where systems may be falling short. From housing policy to crisis response, the discussion highlights the importance of funding, training, and local context in shaping effective solutions.
Worcester Faces $35M Sewer Loss, 911 Lawsuit Raises Mental Health Concerns
A new lawsuit challenges how Worcester responds to mental health emergencies, while the city faces a $35 million setback in its long-running sewer dispute with Holden.
ABOUT
Discover the captivating world behind the scenes of local shows on Radio Worcester. At Radio Worcester, we go beyond just talking about what's happening in Central Massachusetts. We take pride in bringing you a uniquely local perspective on national politics, global affairs, and the rest of Massachusetts.
Our talented hosts and dedicated team work tirelessly to produce thought-provoking discussions, lively debates, and engaging content that truly reflects the pulse of our community. With an intimate knowledge of the region, our hosts bring their unique perspectives to the table, ensuring an authentic listening experience. Join us in celebrating the power of genuine conversations and the magic of community-driven radio.
Turn to Radio Worcester for the information you need to stay up to date on all things Worcester and central Massachusetts!
CONNECT
RADIO WORCESTER STUDIOS
Summit Street (Behind Polar Park)
Worcester, MA 01610.