By Benjamin Joe
(Image above: Gates of Steel. Submitted image)

(Author’s note: Angel Rivera of Gates of Steel said last year that “St. Patrick’s Day was the super Bowl for punk rock.” This year he’s a repeat contender, playing consecutive days and nights over the weekend. He spoke a little more about the holiday).

BJ: When and why did you start playing music?

AR: Because of punk rock. I loved punk rock in high school and started playing back then.

BJ: Are you Irish?

AR: I am not Irish, no, but my wife is and my in-laws. Half my family is.

BJ: But you’re playing St. Patrick’s Day a lot! You’re doing three, four nights of shows. Why is it you play so much on St. Patrick’s Day?

AR: I legitimately love Irish punk. I grew up with the Pogues back in the ’80s, and then The Dropkick Murphys in the ’90s. And I love that style of music.

RELATED MEDIA: Gates of Steel at Molly Maguires.

BJ: What should we expect from the shows you’re playing this weekend?

AR: Lots of sing-a-long songs and lot of good times and cheer. Just a celebration of Irish punk.

BJ: Just one more question. Last year, you said St. Patrick’s Day is like the Super Bowl for punk rock. Would you clarify that a little more?

AR: Yeah, for Gates of Steel, it’s the Super Bowl because we’re playing every night of the week! Every year, we get more and more people asking for us and it keeps getting more and more successful. So, we’ll keep playing it.

Gates of Steel will be playing:

Friday, March 13, for the Irish punk takover at teh Lounge at Revolution Gallery (1419 Hertel Ave.), 8 p.m. Music will include songs from the Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly and the Pogues.

Saturday, March 14, for the St. Patrick’s Day Music Fest at Rusty Nickel & Ebenezer Brew (4348 Seneca St., West Seneca) at 1:15 p.m.

Saturday, March 14, for St. Punk’s Day in the Attic at Mr. Goodbar (1110 Elmwood Ave.) at 9 p.m., with the Soul Butchers.

Sunday, March 15, for the post-parade finale at the Tudor Lounge, 335 Franklin St., from 3 to 6 p.m.