Jock Itch A Street Dog's guide to sports

Street Dogs singer and noted Bostonian Mike McColgan is probably used to answering questions about punk rock, labor unions, and being the original (and best) Dropkick Murphys singer. But Jock Itch deals in the sports world, so we got him to open up about his beloved New England Patriots, the Avs, John Elway, and why even punks love sports in Boston. Street Dogs play the Marquis Theater Saturday, October 23 in support of their new self-titled album. 

The A.V. Club: What’s your favorite sport to follow?

Mike McColgan: Hockey, without a doubt. I was watching the Black and Gold as a whipper snapper from back in the day. Hockey is my first love.

AVC: How did you feel about former Boston Bruin Ray Borque coming out to Colorado to win a Stanley Cup with the Avalanche?

MM: I felt great for Raymond Borque. Number 77, the second greatest Boston Bruin defenseman. We all know who number one is: number four, Bobby Orr. It was great that Borque got to play with Peter Forsberg, Joe Sakic, and Patrick Roy. That team was phenomenal. And to see Raymond Borque hoist the cup with the Avalanche was great.

AVC: How do you think the Avs will do this year?

MM: I think in the last four years they were a young team just trying to gel, but I think this year they’re a little stronger and can make a little headway into the postseason—but I don’t think they have the pieces to make it to the finals.

AVC: How do you feel about the Patriots right now?

MM: I’m excited about the Patriots, and I think we’re all a bit ambivalent about the loss of Randy Moss. Losing him, you lose the vertical threat, and it puts more pressure on Wes Welker. I think you got to get more creative with the running game. I think reacquiring Deion Branch helps out.

AVC: Well, the one thing they do have in common is coach Josh McDaniels. And what people are really wondering is if you’ll take him back to Boston with you?

MM: I think he’s better suited where he’s at. I know one thing for sure: When New England Patriots fans see Denver on the schedule, you can guarantee everyone will tune in. I can recall some memorable tilts between the Pats and Broncos on Monday Night Football that were incredible. And to a man, I would say that John Elway was the best quarterback in the history of the game.

AVC: Wow. Now, you’re not just sucking up.

MM: Should I reference “The Drive” against Cleveland in the playoffs?

AVC: If you want.

MM: I think “The Drive” is the most storied, epic, and thrilling drive in the NFL. It’s one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen.

AVC: You’re not going to say the same kind of thing to the people in Bakersfield tonight, are you?

MM: No, I’m not, because California sports fans are somewhat more passive than Denver sports fans. And I don’t know who Bakersfield clings onto as far as football goes. I don’t know if they’re Raiders fans or 49ers fans, but in either scenario, neither team is doing so well last time I checked.

AVC: Sports and punk have always seemed to be at odds. Has that jock culture ever affected your enjoyment of sports?

MM: I don’t think punks recoil at the idea of sports, but the idea of frat-boy jocks who pick on punks or people who are different. When I got involved with punk rock, I didn’t hide the fact that I liked baseball, hockey, and football. How un-punk rock would that have been if I said I don’t like that stuff and then I’m fucking sitting every night behind closed doors to watch those games?

AVC: It seems that a lot of Boston bands have embraced sports more so than your average punk band. Is it because the city’s rich sports tradition has bled into it?

MM: The history of the city has always been entwined with the Red Sox. So you’re really born into the culture of the Sox, the Pats, the Celts, and the Bruins. You’re surrounded by it. Sports radio is bigger than any radio station in Boston that plays music. Sports corresponded with the seasons. It was that type of thing that kept the city moving, it got people excited or pissed off or bummed out or anywhere in between. Guys in Boston talk about their feelings through sports.

AVC: The Avs started using the traditional organ to play music in breaks, but if a team can’t do that, what should they replace the bad arena rock with?

MM: The Ramones, the Clash, Dropkick Murphys, Rancid, Bouncing Souls, Gaslight Anthem, Street Dogs. Those are a few examples.

AVC: If the Boston Bruins asked your band to provide an anthem, how quickly would you provide it?

MM: I’d say “Rattle and Roll!” (from the new album)

That would be my anthem right there. Are you ready to roll, are you ready to rattle? That would be my response if I needed to provide an anthem to any team.

AVC: Who’s your Super Bowl pick this year?

MM: The New England Patriots against the Minnesota Vikings. That can happen, right?

AVC: Yes.

MM: I just wanted to make sure of that. I’m not some “Svengali” expert; I’m just a townie with a few facts in my head.

AVC: The Mighty Mighty Bosstones’ Dicky Barrett is always talking about sports. He thinks he knows what he’s talking about.

MM: I know a little bit more than Dicky does. You can tell him that when you talk to him.