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Mission of Burma bids Maxwell’s adieu

There has been a lot of ink spilled of late about the imminent demise of Maxwell’s, the beloved rock club in Hoboken, N.J., that, over the past 35 years, has played host to all manner of awesome, offbeat acts, from the Feelies and Fleshtones to Nirvana and Yo La Tengo. In recent weeks, many bands who had a history with the place have been returning to Maxwell’s for one final show. Sunday was Mission of Burma’s turn. The Boston post-punk combo played two sold-out shows, and it was a bittersweet goodbye. “It was always such a welcoming place for Boston bands,” said Burma bassist Clint Conley, who thinks MOB played at Maxwell’s three times between 1979-1983. “It was a place for dedicated listeners. You’d play a big room in New York, like Danceteria, and that was a tremendous honor, but it was filled with trendy scenesters. You’d play Maxwell’s and the people were there to hear you.” He said the experience was no different Sunday. “There’s no question love was in the room,” said Conley. “Love was on stage, blasting at 110 decibels, and love was in the audience.” And not just love. Singer Moby also made the scene, flying in from LA to catch Mission of Burma’s final Maxwell’s show.