The Beaches (with support from Debbii Dawson) performing at Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville, TN on September 18, 2025. All photos taken by Hannah Turner.
97X Next Big Thing Legends | Clearwater
97X Next Big Thing Legends featuring Cage the Elephant, Dexter and The Moonrocks, and Girl Tones performing at BayCare Sound in Clearwater, FL on September 17, 2025. All photos taken by April Anderson.
Wolf Alice | Philadelphia
The last time Wolf Alice made a stop in Philadelphia was in 2017 at the Trocadero Theatre. After a nearly eight year wait, patient fans in the city arrived in droves for the band’s sold out show at Union Transfer on September 15th. The crowd was fairly diverse in age and excitement was evident in every cluster of friends. Merch lines were wrapped around the venue lobby, and spirits were high for a Monday evening.
Wolf Alice is composed of lead singer Ellie Rowsell, guitarist Joff Odie, drummer Joel Amey, and bassist Theo Ellis. Though Joff was notably absent from the lineup (he’s back at home awaiting the birth of his first child), substitute John Victor meshed well with the group. The setlist showcased a careful blend of fan favorites, both old and new, spanning across all four of their albums.
The band released their fourth record, The Clearing, on August 29th ahead of the start of their North American tour. Earning generally positive reviews from critics, the album fittingly marked a start of a new era for the group. The band took a new, yet nostalgically familiar direction with an innovative 70s sound. Their writing skillset shined when paired with the stylings of the album’s producer Greg Kurstin.
After an opening set from singer-songwriter Willy Mason, Wolf Alice dropped the lights and hit the stage to eager cheers from fans. They opened with “Thorns,” the well orchestrated first track on the new album thick with melodrama. Kickstarting a packed 21 song setlist, the band commanded the stage with an infectious cool and loose energy. The enthusiasm floated with ease between the members as they entertained the hopeful audience.
One of the peaks of the show started with a punchy, rousing rendition of “Yuk Foo” when Ellie replaced her microphone with a large megaphone to chant “Cause you bore me / You bore me to death, well deplore me / No, I don’t give a shit!” The rabid energy carried over right into “Play The Greatest Hits,” where Ellie’s guttural vocals shined as she crawled across the stage on all fours. In another bout of fervor, the band took a fun take on the outro of “Giant Peach” off of their debut album, interpolating bits of The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” and Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man.”
The excitement was expertly balanced with some of their sentimental, slower songs. Joel took a moment to come out from behind the drums and lend his vocals to deliver a beautiful rendition of “Safe From Heartbreak (if you never fall in love)” with Ellie. The duo’s vocals also paired well over “White Horses” off of their latest album, a song rife with themes of identity and family over catchy acoustics.
The band closed the show with a two song encore — “Moaning Lisa Smile,” a nod to their debut album, and fan favorite “Don’t Delete The Kisses.” As the band danced around the stage, fans were surprised with a barrage of bubbles and a shining disco ball, matching the energy of the dream pop ballad. All in all, Wolf Alice put on a show that was definitely worth the wait.
SETLIST: 1. Thorns2. Your Loves Whore3. Formidable Cool4. Bloom Baby Bloom5. Just Two Girls6. Leaning Against the Wall7. How Can I Make It Ok?8. Safe From Heartbreak9. White Horses10. Smile 11. Delicious Things12. Bread Butter Sugar Tea13. Yuk Foo14. Play The Greatest Hits15. Silk16. Play It Out17. Giant Peach18. Bros19. SofaENCORE:1. Moaning Lisa Smile2. Don’t Delete The KissesWords and photos by AnnaMarie Otor
Dirty Honey | Sacramento
Returning to Ace of Spades in Sacramento, California, Dirty Honey delivered a high-energy performance that invigorated the crowd like an end of summer storm. The intimate venue amplified the raw power of the band’s sound, making their special guest performance for The Struts’ sold-out show feel like a personal jam session between the band and their loyal audience. The setlist balanced crowd favorites with fresh tracks, proving once again why Dirty Honey continues to leave a lasting impression whenever they hit the stage.
Taking to the spotlight with their signature blend of bluesy hard rock riffs and raspy vocals, the band had fans on their feet. Feral and chaotically fun energy emitted from each band member. Zooming into pit photographers, there was not a lens in the house that wasn’t fed by lead vocalist Marc LaBelle’s mischievous charm. Opening with “Gypsy” and “California Dreamin’” from their 2021 album Dirty Honey, concertgoers were starry-eyed, their energy palpable throughout the venue. Marc dedicated their 2019 EP Heartbreaker to the beautiful women in the audience, infusing the music with a playful and seductive vibe that captivated the crowd. Lead guitarist John Notto, bassist Justin Smolian and drummer Jaydon Bean kicked things into high gear with the song’s intro as each instrument blended seamlessly to highlight Marc’s alluring vocalization.
Concertgoers settled in as the band got up close and personal, performing a new track titled “Too Good at Being Bad.” This fresh song, with its chuggy and upbeat intro, was warmly welcomed by the audience. Toasted sunset orange and bejeweled like lighting danced through the band as they moved back and forth, gradually building the energy. As the quartet transitioned to “When I’m Gone,” recently featured in the box office success A Minecraft Movie, the audience erupted, raising their festive libations in the air. Marc connected with adoring fans, excitedly stepping into the sea of concertgoers. His portal like appearance seamless, as he entered the glimmering gateway from the stage to the venue floor. Proceeding to deliver his honey infused signature style, he later leaped on to the bar top as the band wrapped up their set with “Rolling 7s,” from their 2019 EP. Balancing the dusk hued mic stand above the audience, fans sang along to each lyric. The lasting guitar notes of the song’s outro rang against the venue walls, while the band invited concertgoers to meet them after the show. Truly setting the tone for the eagerly anticipated UK headliner. There’s no denying that this increasingly popular rock band will continue to shine brightly, like a star at first night.
As the last rays of day gave way to the sounds of a summer night, The Struts’ astounding set left fans seeing mirrored disco sparkle. Streams of glittered purple and gold was the headliner’s imagined aura that evening, cascading onto the streets of downtown Sacramento. Celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their debut album Everybody Wants The Struts, the band had the audience jumping, with hands raised to the sky, as they lively performed popular hits “Could Have Been Me” from their 2016 album Everybody Wants The Struts and “Primadonna Like Me” from their 2018 album Young&Dangerous. Concertgoers, who came for a taste of honey, left with a gold dusted strut. Lead vocalist Luke Spiller, guitarist Adam Slack, bassist Jed Elliott, and drummer Gethin Davies did not disappoint to li-li-light ‘em’ up as the rhythmic clapping of the audience echoed through the exuberantly joyous evening.
Join the celebration for the 10 year anniversary of Everybody Wants The Struts, with special guest Dirty Honey, as The Struts 2025 Northern American tour comes to a city near you: the struts.com / dirtyhoney.com
Words and photos by Andrea Garman
Spacey Jane | Brooklyn
Spacey Jane’s September 11th concert turned the atmosphere of the industrial Brooklyn Steel into that of a summer block party. The Australian band’s glowing indie-rock anthems felt all the more familiar performed live, filling the audience with a nostalgia for a moment that hadn’t yet passed.
The comfortable stage presence shared by Caleb Harper, Kieran Lama, Ashton Hardman-Le Cornu, and Peppa Lane eagerly invited the audience into their sun-drenched soiree. Any perceived separation between stage and floor evaporated. Cornu’s high-top Converse and Lane’s ribboned pigtails emphasized the carefree image of a casual kick-back on the lawn. The band frolicked around the stage all night, kicking and jumping like kids on a trampoline, somehow never missing a note.
Their latest album and focus of this tour, If That Makes Sense, released in May. The new record played outside of the bands’ comfort zone, experimenting with production elements and pushing Harper’s range to higher limits. New sonic challenges were conquered while still abiding to Spacey Jane’s signature formula: existential themes sugarcoated by warm guitars and catchy drum beats.
Standout tracks “Through My Teeth” and “Estimated Delivery” from If That Makes Sense kicked off the evening. “Estimated Delivery” was the most anticipated song on the setlist for dedicated Spacey Jane fan Jonathan Kirby. This was his fifth time catching the band in their purest form, as he mentioned, “I’ve also seen them in Austin, Dallas, Chicago, and Brooklyn the last time they were here.” At that last Brooklyn show, his devotion took him as far as bribing the bouncer to get him and seven other friends in after they couldn’t secure tickets.
Longtime listeners like Kirby were in for a treat at the present performance, thanks to a setlist that recognized favorites from across every era of Spacey Jane. As Cornu plucked the first few notes of “Skin,” it was easy to pick out the fans who have been in it for the long run. Smiles swept across their faces as they relished in the sweetness of the band’s first full-length album, Sunlight.
As the show progressed into “Lunchtime” and “Whateverrrr,” the familial feeling strengthened between audience and artists. Harper may have been hitting every lyric just as it sounded on the recorded versions, but that didn’t keep him from sharing the mic. Fans seamlessly took over the chorus of “Whateverrrr” and the callouts of “f*ck this” that decorate “Lunchtime.”
The harmony of electric and acoustic guitar on “Houseplants” soothed the room, preparing the crowd for what Harper referred to as “a Spacey Jane classic.” “Feeding the Family” shot a burst of energy through the audience. It was followed up by “Thrills,” which kept bodies jumping, honoring the band’s garage rock beginnings.
Capitalizing on the bliss of the moment, Lama hopped on the mic to acknowledge that this show in particular was extra special — it was Harper’s birthday. As a member of the bands’ crew brought out a cake with candles ablaze, everyone in attendance broke into a birthday serenade. The moment was without a doubt the most memorable exchange of the night.
Lama thumped the bass drum to resume the setlist with “Headcold.” Hips swayed and heads bopped through the next few songs, but the crowd was careful not to overexert their energy. Anticipation radiated off of them, so thick it could’ve formed a fog. Fans knew the beloved “Booster Seat” was soon to come.
By the time the song hit the chorus, all hands surrendered upwards. Hundreds of voices joined Harper and Lane in singing to the sky. Lane’s delicate backing vocals added a new dimension to the already-atmospheric track.
Their last hurrah — the encore, concluded with “So Much Taller” and “Lots of Nothing.” Harper paraded the mic around like a staff, wrapping his arms around his bandmates, and motioning the crowd to match their energy. His and Lane’s floating harmonies on the bridge of “Lots of Nothing” ended the evening in a lullaby
Concerts often serve as a first or an early introduction between a band and their audience. In the case of this performance, fans left the venue feeling the same fuzziness they would after a reunion with familiar old friends.
The house lights stalled off for a few more minutes while ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” held the tone Spacey Jane had set. Dance circles formed as the remaining crowd took their turn to prance around just as the band had done. For that moment, the ceiling beams opened up to a big blue sky and the concrete floor retreated under lush grass. The room rejoiced in camaraderie and contentment — the kind you’d feel twirling about in your best friend’s backyard.
Words by Emma Ehrhard
Photos by Olive Jolley
Japanese Breakfast | Lawrence
Japanese Breakfast performing at Liberty Hall in Lawrence, KS on September 8, 2025. All photos taken by Jake Donaldson.
Breaking Benjamin + Three Days Grace | Newark
Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace performing at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on September 10, 2025. All photos taken by Jessie Eshak.
Above & Beyond | Forest Hills
Above & Beyond performing at Forest Hills Stadium in Forest Hills, NY on September 5, 2025. All photos taken by Mike Golembo.
Hopscotch Music Festival | Raleigh
Hopscotch Music Festival featuring Bark Culture, Built to Spill, Earl Sweatshirt, Friendship, Frog, Merce Lemon, Pink Beds, Starcleaner Reunion, Triathalon, villagerrr, Wombo, Yeule, YHWH Nailgun, The Belair Lip Bombs, claire rousay, Frank Hurricane, Fust, Geese, Iceblink, Little Mazarn, William Tyler, Florry, Les Savy Fav, Superchunk, and This Is Lorelei in Raleigh, NC September 4 - 6, 2025. All photos taken by Maddie Barkocy.
Third Eye Blind | New York City
Third Eye Blind performing at Terminal 5 in New York City on September 4, 2025. All photos taken by Andrew Pintado.
Jake Minch | Brooklyn
Jake Minch performing at Baby's All Right in Brooklyn, NY on August 28, 2025. All photos taken by JoAnn Snavely.
Nova Twins | New York City
Nova Twins performing at Rough Trade in New York City on August 23, 2025. All photos taken by Janae Stewart.
Pink Martini | Los Angeles
Pink Martini performing at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, CA on August 23, 2025. All photos taken by Caroline Brodt.
Tennis | Los Angeles
Tennis performing at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, CA on August 20, 2025. All photos taken by Caroline Brodt.
Attack Attack! | New York City
Attack Attack! performing at Racket in New York City on August 17, 2025. All photos taken by Julie Hubschman.
Wiz Khalifa | Ridgefield
Wiz Khalifa performing at Cascades Amphitheater in Ridgefield, WA on August 14, 2025. All photos taken by Maddie Stellingwerf.
Lydia Night | Brooklyn
Lydia Night performing at Baby's All Right in Brooklyn, NY on August 15, 2025. All photos taken by JoAnn Snavely.
d4vd | Orlando
d4vd delivers an electric show to his Floridian fans. Texas native, d4vd, makes a triumphant return to the tour scene with his all-new Withered Tour at The House of Blues in Disney Springs, Orlando. On August 13th, 2025, rising star d4vd played the second of his two shows in Central Florida as part of his Withered Tour, and I must say, it was not anything short of amazing. By the time the doors opened, fans were excited to see their favorite artist. Fans packed the venue in blood-splattered shirts and bouquets of flowers that mirrored d4vd’s iconic attire featured in many of his music video releases.
When d4vd finally took the stage, the atmosphere changed in an instant. d4vd initially brings an electrifying energy to the crowd, zooming from end-to-end playing classics like “Take Me To The Sun” and new hits like “What Are You Waiting For” from the most recent WITHERED album. From there, the night took on a more somber tone. The stage was clad with decaying Roman-like architecture and flowers blooming out as if it were a form of death and rebirth.
The setlist mainly features older emotional tracks from d4vd’s discography, like “Sleep Well,” “WORTHLESS,” and “Backstreet Girl.” Yet seamlessly blends these with newer somber tracks like “Is This Really Love?”
Performing with the opener, Bryant Barnes, d4vd brings him back onto the stage to perform their collab originally by Barnes, “I’d Rather Pretend,” to the delight of fans of both artists.
In a triumphant finale, d4vd, in a soaring and piercing falsetto, sings the live version of arguably his most popular track so far, “Romantic Homicide.” d4vd is an artist whose voice resonates with those emotionally torn, making him one of the best rising artists of today’s age. He continues to leave his best on stage, and we can’t wait for what he has in store for us next.
Words and photos by Ryan-Samuel Borromeo
Outside Lands | San Francisco
A time was definitely had at Golden Gate Park over the weekend of August 8th - 10th during the highly anticipated San Francisco music festival, Outside Lands. Excited fans filled the area, eager to enjoy an unforgettable experience. This year’s festival featured a packed lineup and top-notch vendors serving some of the best food and drinks available. Lines of people swarmed the merchandise tents, particularly for the acclaimed clothing brand, Golf, created by headlining performer Tyler, The Creator. In front of the merch tent stood a large statue of “Big Poe,” a new persona introduced by the renowned artist to promote his recently released album, DON’T TAP THE GLASS, giving fans a glimpse of what to expect from his performance.
On Day 1, the crowd enjoyed amazing performances on the Land’s End stage from Mannequin Pussy, Thundercat, and Still Woozy, each bringing their own unique style and vibe. Grammy-winning artist Doechii dazzled the audience with an entertaining, heart-pounding theatrical performance that was truly unforgettable — her act alone could have easily closed the night. The evening concluded with an electrifying and sultry performance from the critically acclaimed Doja Cat, who rocked an 80s-inspired glam outfit reminiscent of Janet Jackson and Paula Abdul.
Day 2 featured exciting and high-energy performances from Bay Area native LaRussell and mega star Ludacris, who treated the crowd to his classic hits. UK sensation Bakar delivered a genre-bending performance, proudly singing into a microphone wrapped in the Palestinian flag. Gracie Abrams provided a heartfelt and introspective show that had her fans singing along passionately. The night was capped off by none other than Tyler, The Creator, who moved and danced atop a large shipping container adorned with the words “DON’T TAP THE GLASS.” The crowd erupted in cheers and danced wildly as he performed standout songs from his discography.
On Day 3, the Land’s End crowd was energized as the colorful and critically acclaimed bands, Bleachers and Glass Animals, took the stage. Each performance radiated energy, especially when Glass Animals’ lead singer, Dave Bayley, ventured into the audience to sing some of his lyrics. The night concluded with a soulful, folk-inspired, and haunting performance by the renowned artist Hozier, sending chills through the crowd as they were entranced by him and his band.
All in all, Outside Lands has a history of delivering great times and creating special moments for everyone attending, and this year was no different. By bringing together some of the top-charting artists of our generation and the best vendors in San Francisco, Outside Lands ensured that audiences enjoyed a weekend they would never forget.
Words and photos by William Smith
Simple Plan | San Francisco
Simple Plan performing at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, CA on August 12, 2025. All photos taken by Connor Dixon.