As Rocksteady Freddie (left) and I sat on the back steps leading up to the Commodore, hundreds of high school graduates and their parents milled about in a skuzzy alley usually populated by rats and dumpster divers. The high schoolers were all in their cap and gowns, there for their graduation ceremonies at the Orpheum.

We chatted as girls fretted about their hair and makeup and boys cringed awkwardly as wiry Grandmas grabbed them for long hugs.

Rocksteady Freddie wasn’t wearing his trademark sweatsuit and dark glasses and the kids were all oblivious to the soundcheck for the Datarock show right nextdoor. When the interview ended, I tried to convince Freddie to do an impromptu performance for all these potential new fans. Freddie was tempted, but he had a Skype appointment with his wife and new daughter.

Datarock on the interview show

Datarock “Fa Fa Fa” (Fa-Fa-Fast Furious Discomix)

Datarock “I Used to Dance With my Daddy” (Para One remix)