Six years after the fateful Curveball, Phish will once again host a summer music festival, this time in Dover, Delaware, on the grounds of Firefly Music Festival.
The news was broken on social media today, with a Save the Date for August 15-18, 2024.
The announcement – nearly 11 months before the event kicks off, included the following message:
“Save the Date for the next Phish festival! August 15-18, 2024 at The Woodlands in Dover, Delaware. More info about tickets, camping, Glen Close and travel packages coming later this fall. Make sure you’re signed up for the Phish Update to hear about it first (via email + our shiny new SMS list). Sign up at phish.com/update.”
Phish last held a festival in 2015 with Magnaball in Watkins Glen, their 11th overall music festival. Curveball in 2018 was cancelled just before the musics started, due to water supply issues, leaving many fans wondering if a Phish festival would ever return to Watkins Glen, or anywhere else. Today, Phish fans can rest assured as they plan for a unique music festival experience, featuring only Phish as well as plenty of unexpected surprises, art installations, and much more. Stay tuned for updates on Phish’s first shows in Delaware since 1994.
Splitting the bill on a 23-date trek of North America which commenced in the Pacific Northwest in early August, dubbed the Summer Odyssey Tour, indie-rock heavyweight Beck and French pop rockers Phoenix descended upon the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport, CT this past Wednesday evening, September 6.
Beck | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
No strangers to one another, Beck joined Phoenix during their Los Angeles residency at the Fonda Theater in 2018, performing the tracks “Lost Cause” (Sea Change, 2002) and “Jack-Ass” (Odelay, 1996). And this past June, the two artists joined forces on a new single titled “Odyssey,” with vocals from both Beck and Phoenix’s lead singer Thomas Mars. Prior to the collaboration, Phoenix released Alpha Zulu (Glassnote Records) in November of last year (their seventh studio album), while Beck most recently issued his fourteenth studio album Hyperspace (Capitol Records) in 2019.
Thomas Mars of Phoenix | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
On a late afternoon filled with sweltering heat, the festivities kicked off promptly at 5:45 pm as the first of two opening acts, Sir Chloe, took to the boutique amphitheater stage nestled along the Long Island Sound waterfront. Despite the early start time on hump day, the quintet hailing from Bennington, VT, led by frontwoman Dana Foote, had amassed a strong contingent of die-hard fans along the steel barricade of the general admission floor area. Although their set was over all too quickly, the collection of young alt-rock musicians (rounded out by Foote’s brother Palmer, Teddy O’Mara, Emma Welch and Austin Holmes) made the most of their allotted 25-minutes while braving 90+ degree temperatures – particularly that of Foote, who rarely stood still.
Sir Chloe | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
As the picturesque, 6,000-capacity venue that opened in July 2021 continued to fill up with fans of all ages, Natalie Laura Mering, professionally known as Weyes Blood (pronounced Wize Blood), was next up to perform support duties on behalf of Beck and Phoenix. Born in Santa Monica, CA and raised in Doylestown, PA, Mering is touring in support of her fifth studio album, And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow (Sub Pop), released in late-2022. A talented artist whose musical catalog crosses several genres – chamber pop, indie pop, folk rock, noise music and experiment rock – Mering sported an elegant, off-white dress with a flowing cape while backed by a guitarist, bassist, drummer and keyboardist. Her set piece was decorated with numerous candelabras perfectly matching the romantic tone of her glorious, nearly 45-minute long set.
Weyes Blood | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
The sun having mercifully set and temperatures finally bearable beneath the amphitheater’s massive canopy, co-headliner Phoenix entered stage left at 7:40 pm to a raucous ovation from the packed house. With a history dating to 1995, when Phoenix started releasing synth pop singles which were later featured in their debut album United (Rhino/Parlophone) released in 2000, the band has remained unchanged since their formation, comprised of the aforementioned Mars, Deck d’Arcy (bass, keyboards), Christian Mazzalai (guitar) and Laurent Brancowitz (guitar, keyboards). In Bridgeport, the French band was rounded out with touring musicians Thomas Hedlund (drummer) and Robin Coudert (keyboards, percussion).
With a stage backdrop of stunning visuals continually plastered across a jumbotron video wall, Phoenix offered up an 18-song set spread across five albums in their discography, with the most presentations (eight in total) coming from their 2009 studio album, and fourth overall, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (V2 Records). Mars and his bandmates transformed The Amp with the lushness and beauty of their arrangements, exquisitely balancing swirling guitars and synthesizers on songs such as “Lisztomania,” “Too Young” and “Love Like a Sunset, Pt. 1,” with its guitar ostinatos and driving percussion.
Phoenix | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
As the set turned for the homestretch, the beloved group from Versailles gifted their fans “Funky Squaredance,” with its country-inspired slide guitar couple with bluesey-funk and “Winter Solstice,” a tune drenched in vocal distortion and building synths. Before Phoenix’s night closed with “1901,” the tune which propelled the band to immense popularity and recognition, the charismatic Mars thrilled his fans by leaving the stage for a journey into the crowd, making his way to the rear of the venue, and back again. He paused several times along his route, interacting with ecstatic souls who would no doubt remember this night forever.
If Phoenix weren’t enough to satisfy your indie rock taste buds, there was still one headliner left – Mr. Beck David Hansen of Los Angeles, CA – who if you don’t know, rose to fame in the early-1990s after living in a rat-infested shed and dead broke. Armed with a Silvertone 1448 guitar made of particle board that he bought from the Sears catalog, the lo-fi, art pop musician guru would never look back as he released album after album to critical acclaim, beginning with the breakthrough single and worldwide hit “Loser” from 1994’s Mellow Gold.
Appearing onstage with musicians that have contributed to his success in one way or another during the span of his 35-year career, Beck’s set got underway at 9:40 pm with “Devils Haircut,” lifted from his fifth studio album Odelay (DGC Records) released in 1996. Beck would later bequeath upon his faithful listeners two more incredibly successful singles from said album including “The New Pollution,” and the final number of the set, “Where It’s At,” a tune during which he would be accompanied onstage by Phoenix, Weyes Blood and Sir Chloe for an epic party atmosphere conclusion, complete with a conga line.
Beck & Co. | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
The crowd already in a fervor from the jump, a performance of the humorous ode to a girl named “Debra” from Beck’s seventh studio album released in 1999, Midnite Vultures (DGC Records) at the half-way point put us all over the top. Hilariously improvising his signature falsetto lyrics as the soul R&B-ballad pastiche went along – about meeting a girl named Jenny who works at JCPenney and who had a sister named Debra that Beck wanted to ‘get with’ – I had to reproduce some of them here:
I just wanted to do something nice for her, to show her how much I cared. So, I went down to Bed Bath & Beyond. And I went straight to the back, to the beyond section. And in the beyond section, there’s a little door. That’s where they keep all the potpourri and the scented candles and the apricot exfoliator. I bought all that shit. And I loaded it up in the car. And I drove down to the shopping center where she works. And I came to surprise her after work on a Wednesday night. I said “Lady, step inside my Hyundai.”
Beck | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
The hits kept coming, including “Gamma Ray” and “Chemtrails” from 2008’s Modern Guilt (DGC Records/XL Recordings), “Lost Cause” from 2002’s Sea Change (Geffen), and of course a duet execution of “Odyssey” with Mars reappearing to contribute his share of the vocals. As the clock struck 11:00 pm and the show neared its denouement – having showcased more than two decades of material traversing eight albums (from Stereopathetic Soulmanure released 1994 via Flipside Records to Colors released in 2017 via Fonograf Records) – the summer party was officially over, and I was glad to have been invited. The Summer Odyssey Tour wraps on September 10 with an outdoor gig at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD.
Phoenix Setlist: Lisztomania > Entertainment > Lasso > Too Young > Girlfriend > Alpha Zulu > Ti Amo > After Midnight > Armistice > Love Like a Sunset, Pt. 1 > Love Like a Sunset, Pt. 2 > If I Ever Feel Better > Funky Squaredance > Tonight > Winter Solstice > Rome > Trying to Be Cool > 1901
Beck Setlist: Devils Haircut > Mixed Bizness > The New Pollution > Qué Onda Guero > Girl > Wow > Nicotine & Gravy > Debra > Gamma Ray > Soul of a Man > Chemtrails > The Golden Age > Lost Cause > Odyssey (Beck & Phoenix cover) > Dreams > Loser > E-Pro > One Foot in the Grave > Where It’s At
Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band have postponed all performances currently scheduled for September 2023, beginning with Thursday’s show scheduled for the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse.
Mr. Springsteen is being treated for symptoms of peptic ulcer disease and the decision of his medical advisors is that he should postpone the remainder of his September shows.
Springsteen made the following comment:
“Over here on E Street, we’re heartbroken to have to postpone these shows. First, apologies to our fabulous Philly fans who we missed a few weeks ago. We’ll be back to pick these shows up and then some. Thank you for your understanding and support. We’ve been having a blast at our US shows and we’re looking forward to more great times. We’ll be back soon. Love and God bless all, Bruce”
Ticketholders will receive information regarding rescheduled dates for the postponed shows, which are listed below.
The new date for his Albany show is for April 15, 2024.
Thurs, September 7 – Syracuse, NY @ JMA Wireless Dome Sat, September 9 – Baltimore, MD @ Oriole Park at Camden Yards Tues, September 12 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena Thurs, September 14 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena Sat, September 16 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena Tues, September 19 – Albany, NY @ MVP Arena Thurs, September 21 – Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena Fri, September 29 – Washington, DC @ Nationals Park
Sound On Sound 2023 kicks off on the banks of the Long Island Sound in Seaside Park in Bridgeport, CT later this month, as the the second annual edition of the festival will take place Saturday, September 30th through Sunday, October 1st.
Alongside the music, Sound On Sound is delivering a stellar lineup of food and beverage options with 50+ vendor locations sitewide. The choices highlight local Connecticut and regional favorites including: Zuppardi’s Apizza, PopUp Bagels, Walter’s Hot Dogs, Chef Damon Sawyer’s 29 Markle Ct., Bona Bona Ice Cream, Nordic Fish, Pau Pau’s Pizza Cones, Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ, Ted’s Restaurant, Grumpy Dumpling Co., Freskos Greek, Parker. Eatery & Bar, Liberty Rock Tavern, This Girl Shucks, The Tasty Yolk, Una Dolce Vita, Garelick & Herbs, Lemonate’s, Rise Brewing Co., Micalizzi’s, Little Pub, The Blind Rhino, Wakin’ Up Waggin’, Crispy Melty, Donut Crazy, Fire Engine Pizza Co., Manchester Cheesecake Company, Gotham Burger Social Club, and many more.
When it comes time to wash all those delicious bites down, Sound On Sound delivers with yet another impressive lineup. A selection of wines from vintner Josh Cellars will perfectly compliment a plate of freshly shucked oysters.
Beer fans can have their pick from a variety of offerings from Blue Point Brewing Co., East Rock Brewing Company, Fiddlehead Brewing Company, Kona Brewing Co., Sloop Brewing Co., Stella Artois, and Two Roads Brewing. Or perhaps mix it up with Downeast Cider, Fishers Island Lemonade, Hoop Tea Spiked Iced Tea, JuneShine and White Claw. And those in the mood for an expertly crafted cocktail can choose from a bright and bubbly Aperol Spritz, the Don Julio Californication Margarita, a Dos Hombres Mezcaloma, a Redemption Whiskey Old Fashioned, or a refreshing Tito’s Sparkling Lemonade.
The increase in the amount and variety of food vendors isn’t the only thing to look forward to. The 2023 edition of Sound On Sound will deliver a massive reconfiguration of the festival experience from last year’s event. This year, expect more space (doubling the festival footprint), a redesigned and relocated festival site with walkways for ease of movement within the grounds, upgraded restroom facilities (flushable restrooms throughout the entire festival site), lighting and directional signage enhancements across the venue and parking lot areas, and increased mobile connectivity and coverage through the placement of additional portable cell towers. Learn more HERE.
This year’s festival will also present ticket buyers with a new stage and viewing experience as well. All performances will take place on a single massive turntable stage outfitted with a state-of-the-art audio and visual system. The new set up will allow for back to back performances with no overlapping sets, giving festival fans the opportunity to see every single performance without having to move between stages.
Fans can sign up to receive email and text message alerts to be the first to receive new information at SoundOnSoundCT.com.
The 14th annual Montclair Jazz Festival, produced by the acclaimed Jazz House Kids, has announced the lineup for this year’s Downtown Jamboree, held on September 9th. This year, headliners include Regina Carter, Antibalas, Steve Turre, Melanie Charles, Person to Person with Eric Person and Houston Person, Christian McBride, the festival’s music director and curator, as well as many others.
The Montclair Jazz Festival is one of the most popular jazz events in the greater NYC area that is free to the public. In addition, it is one of the largest jazz festivals in the country. With music directed and curated by Grammy-winner Christian McBride, it comes on the heels of McBride’s famed Newport Jazz Festival, where he serves as artistic director.
What is so unique about the Montclair Jazz Fesival’s downtown takeover is that it represents the coming together of Jazz House Kids’ full mission to provide access, learning, career development and community building through the American artform of jazz. Its treasured practitioners provide inspired mentorship for our emerging talent throughout the year and will create a joyous afternoon with incredible performances for thousands of fans.
Melissa Walker, founder & president of Jazz House
This year’s Montclair Jazz Festival returned to downtown Montclair, NJ this summer with two Soundcheck Series concerts and jam sessions, community events, and two marquee Saturdays with live music on multiple stages. One of the hallmarks of the festival will be the Jazz House alumni and peer performance on the Jazz Cruise Alumni Stage @ Midtown. The performance will feature some of the nation’s top talent who trained at the Jazz House, the country’s foremost jazz education organization.
It’s going to be yet another fabulous year at the Montclair Jazz Festival with such great artists, both up and coming and legendary, joining us. Regina Carter, Antibalas, Steve Turre, Endea Owens, our Jazz House Collective and so many more, promise to make this year another hit.
Christian McBride, director and curator
The Montclair Jazz Festival is free to the public. More information can be found at montclairjazzfestival.org or on the official Montclair Jazz Festival app, available on the Google or Apple App Store.
On the threshold of releasing their 12th studio album Relentless (Rhino Records) on September 15, their first in three years, frontwoman Chrissie Hynde and The Pretenders are supplementing their seven summer stadium shows in support of Guns N’ Roses with their own U.S. headlining tour.
The string of special dates – nine in total – are bringing to their fans a rare look at the iconic English-American rockers as they play intimate clubs across America. The trek kicked off at NYC’s Bowery Ballroom on August 16, followed by a second gig in Nashville, TN on August 26. This past Tuesday (August 29), on a humid night in Asbury Park, NJ, it was The Stone Pony’s turn to perform host duties.
Photo: Michael Dinger Photography | Pit Perspectives
The new album’s title, as described by Hynde, refers to “The life of the artist. You never retire. You become relentless.” And relentless she and her crew were as they thrilled the 850-capacity crowd with a 20-song assault that featured deep cuts across the landscape of their 44-year discography. Made famous by their helping hand in launching the careers of local natives Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi into superstardom, the seaside bar was filled to the rafters with a healthy contingent of Baby Boomers, hundreds of which were queued along Ocean Avenue more than 2 hours before doors!
Photo: Michael Dinger Photography | Pit Perspectives
Promptly at 8:30 pm, as the entrance aria from the 1875 French opera Carmen played over the house PA, the quartet discretely slipped into the venue from a side door and entered stage right to a raucous ovation. Rocking knee-high leather boots, Levi’s and a black Stony Pony tee over a waffle-knit shirt, Hynde took up her Fender – she would relinquish it only once during the night – and immediately offered up a brand new track (“Losing My Sense of Taste”) for their forthcoming release. Speaking of The Boss, Hynde quipped early in the set, “Bruce, are you hear? I lost your phone number, or I would’ve called.”
Photo: Michael Dinger Photography | Pit PerspectivesPhoto: Michael Dinger Photography | Pit PerspectivesPhoto: Michael Dinger Photography | Pit Perspectives
While playing all their hits in the stadium gigs with Guns N’ Roses – choice numbers the likes of “Don’t Get Me Wrong,” “Back on the Chain Gang,” “I’ll Stand by You,” “Brass in Pocket,” “Middle of the Road” and “Talk of the Town” – tonight’s setlist was tailor-made for all the die-hard Pretenders fans in attendance, the ones who know every album inside and out. For nearly 90-minutes straight, Hynde enchanted her followers while showcasing powerfully distinctive vocals and captivating, emotional depth, making it evident as to why The Pretenders have long since carved their name into the annals of rock history with unwavering authenticity. The only hiccup in an otherwise flawless performance was a false start to the opening verse of “Thumbelina,” a track taken from their third studio album Learning to Crawl (1984).
Photo: Michael Dinger Photography | Pit Perspectives
Injecting a raw, edgy quality into the performance, infused with the unmistakable sound that defines The Pretenders’ signature style, “The Buzz” (Hate for Sale, 2020) was dedicated to the late Johnny Thunders who came to prominence in the early-70s as a member of the New York Dolls and with whom Hynde made a guest appearance on his first solo album. The Pretenders would dedicate another song later in the night, albeit sarcastically to the Sackler family, with their delivery of “Junkie Walk,” another track from Hate for Sale. The epic night of rock and roll concluded with a three song encore featuring the lone cover of the night, “I Go to Sleep,” an homage to The Kinks by Hynde and The Pretenders whose very first single in 1979 was a cover of The Kinks’ “Stop Your Sobbing,” quickly giving the newly founded band critical attention that they would preserve for nearly the next five decades.
Setlist: Losing My Sense of Taste > A Love > Turf Accountant Daddy > The Adultness > Downtown (Akron) > The Buzz > Domestic Silence > Time the Avenger > Biker > Boots of Chinese Plastic > Don’t Cut Your Hair > Gotta Wait > You Can’t Hurt a Fool > Tequila > Thumbelina > Let the Sun Come In > Junkie Walk Encore: I Go to Sleep (The Kinks cover) > Precious > Tattooed Love Boys
UPCOMING TOUR DATES
September 3 – Toronto, Ontario (Rogers Centre)* September 5 – Detroit, MI (Shelter)^ September 7 – Minneapolis, MN (7th St Entry)^ September 9 – St. Louis, MO (Busch Stadium)* September 17 – Leicester, UK (BBC Radio 2 In The Park)◊ September 19 – Paris, France (Maroquinerie)† September 20 – Paris, France (Maroquinerie)† September 21 – Utrecht, Netherlands (Tivoli Vredenburg Ronda)† September 23 – Hamburg, Germany (Reeperbalm Festival)◊ September 25 – Berlin, Germany (Columbia Theatre)† October 1 – Dana Point, CA (Ohana Festival)◊ October 2 – Los Angeles, CA (The Regent Theater)^ October 4 – Pioneertown, CA (Pappy + Harriet’s)^ October 6 – San Francisco, CA (Bimbo’s 365 Club)^
* With Guns N’ Roses ^ Headlining show(U.S.) ◊ Festival appearance † Headlining show(Europe)
Vermont-based jam quartet Twiddle have announced The A-List: A Live Compilation of Music from April 2022-March 2023, releasing September 8th, their first live record since 2019’s Unplugged in Burlington.
Produced by Adrian Tramontano, mastered by Dave DeCristo, and recorded and mixed by Sam Johnson, the 24 live cuts were hand-picked by the band from some of their favorite shows over the past year, adding up to more than 4.5 hours of music from 14 different shows.
The first single from the record is now available on all streaming services – a beautifully extended “Jamflowman” from their 10/26/22 show at The Underground in Charlotte, NC.
The “Jamflowman” from Charlotte in October of last year was one of those moments of musical synchronicity that we aim for in our improv. We hope you dig this as the first cut from the A-List, and can’t wait for you all to hear the full thing in a few weeks!
Mihali Savoulidis
The 14-minute odyssey captures the band clicking on all cylinders during a period of significant growth, traversing peaks and valleys, showcasing the band’s technical skills, and capturing the magic of their live shows.
photo by Dave Decrescente
A limited edition Gatefold Double LP featuring 11 of the best live tracks from the record is also now available for pre-order on the band’s merch store. Pressed on clear wax with green and purple splatter, the LP’s artwork features the photography of longtime band-photographer, Dave Decrescente.
Twiddle The A-ListTracklist
1. Syncopated Healing (11/12/22 – Delmar Hall, St. Louis, MO)
2. Jamflowman (10/26/22 – The Underground, Charlotte, NC)
3. Gatsby the Great (2/26/23 – Crystal Bay Crown Room, Crystal Bay, NV)
24 years ago, Disco Biscuits guitarist Jon Gutwillig wrote a steampunk rock opera about a hopeless romantic’s quest to fly, called “Hot Air Balloon.” Gutwillig and his Philadelphia-based bandmates have performed the nine songs from the opera hundreds of times since, but the music has never been adapted for a theater stage.
Earlier in 2023, Jon and bandmate Aron Magner (composer) began writing a musical, inspired by “Hot Air Balloon,” with Nick Schmidle (author, screenwriter, playwright, and longtime New Yorker writer) and Alex Bechtel (arranger, musical director). Staging two sold-out performances of “The Very Moon: A Steampunk Musical” in May, the four are gearing up for another series of shows very soon.
“The Very Moon” is an epic tale about mastering flight, defying tyranny, and the transcendent power of love and creativity. Much of the original music is included in the musical, with more than a dozen new songs written for the musical, including “Falling,” which has become a staple in the Disco Biscuits’ repertoire in the past few months.
With the success of the May workshop presentation of “The Very Moon,” the team has brought along Eva Steinmetz to work alongside Alex Bechtel, as they build out the show with additional music, new instruments, and plenty of surprises.
In the process of hiring talented actors, musicians, and technicians, the team has begun to raise funds via an IndieGoGo campaign, to help fund the venue, actors, director, music director, lighting technician and more, to help bring the musical (eventually) to Broadway.
Earlier this year, Jon and Aron started writing a musical, inspired by “Hot Air Balloon,” with author Nick Schmidle. They staged two sold-out performances of “The Very Moon: A Steampunk Musical” in May, and are gearing up for another series of shows very soon. pic.twitter.com/feWEXwQkTn
Support the campaign here and find more info here, where you can sign up for the mailing list and be notified of upcoming shows and pre-sale opportunities.
The Disco Biscuits will welcome the arrival of 2024 in the City of Brotherly Love, with a stop in Times Square at an old stomping grounds under a new name.
On Thursday, December 28, the Palladium Times Square (formerly known as Playstation Theater, Best Buy Theater and Nokia Theatre Times Square) will host the Disco Biscuits for a lone late-night show in the Big Apple, their first since December 31, 2019, which was the final show at the then-Playstation Theater.
Following a night off on the 29th, Disco Biscuits will head down I-95 to their homebase of Philadelphia for two nights at Franklin Music Hall, with Neighbor opening up the night on December 30th.
An artist pre-sale period begins on Wednesday, August 23rd at 10am ET with password: WHYWEDANCE.
VIP Packages for the two Philadelphia shows will be available as part of the pre-sale and on-sale.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, August 25th at 10am ET at discobiscuits.com.
Disco Biscuits Fall 2023 Tour Dates
September 15 – Austin, TX – Far Out Lounge and Stage * September 16 – Austin, TX – Far Out Lounge and Stage ^ September 20 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue September 21 – Chicago, IL – Riviera Theatre ^ September 22 – Milwaukee, WI – Pabst Theater “ September 23 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue Theatre September 24 – St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall October 6-7 – Lafayette, NY – BISCOLAND October 24 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground + October 25 – Hartford, CT – Infinity Hall October 26 – Portland, ME – State Theatre October 27 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre October 28 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre December 28 – New York, NY – Palladium Times Square December 30 – Philadelphia, PA – Franklin Music Hall ! December 31 – Philadelphia, PA – Franklin Music Hall
The Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport, CT bore witness on Sunday, August 20, to an epic convergence of Norse mythology and haunting mystique as two Swedish metal powerhouses, Ghost and Amon Amarth, graced the stage for their highly anticipated “Re-Imperatour” tour. The night unfolded as a mesmerizing journey through the realms of heavy metal, with each band offering a distinct, yet equally captivating performance that left the audience entranced and exhilarated, an indelible mark etched into the hearts of metal enthusiasts.
Ghost | Photo: Michael Dinger
As the sun gradually dipped beneath the horizon, an electric energy crackled through the air, a palpable anticipation that heralded the impending sonic onslaught. The stage underwent a transformation, a living tableau of Norse legends emerged before the crowd’s eyes. Amon Amarth’s stage presence was nothing short of breathtaking, a testament to their commitment to creating an all-encompassing experience that transcends music alone. With their drummer perched atop a colossal, illuminated Thor helmet and flanked by stone statues whose piercing eyes glowed with intensity, the visual spectacle was akin to stepping into a living mythology.
Amon Amarth | Photo: Michael Dinger
Amon Amarth’s setlist was a symphony of raw power and mythic storytelling, a riveting journey that delved deep into Viking lore. The ferocious energy of “Raven’s Flight” ignited the night, propelling the audience into a realm where axes clashed, and ships sailed on stormy seas. Each subsequent song, from the rallying anthem of “Guardians of Asgaard” to the epic crescendo of “Twilight of the Thunder God,” was an auditory saga that stirred the soul. The unexpected moments, like the crowd becoming Viking rowers during “Put Your Back Into The Oar” or the dragon battle during the aforementioned finale, demonstrated Amon Amarth’s ability to create an immersive experience that bridges the gap between music and the mythic.
Amon Amarth | Photo: Michael Dinger
Following Amon Amarth’s thunderous display, the stage underwent a transformation of a different kind, the atmosphere shifting to one of enigmatic reverence as Ghost made their entrance. The band’s mastery of theatricality and musical prowess was immediately evident, with every song seamlessly weaving into the next. The setlist, a carefully curated journey through their discography, was an ode to their unique blend of infectious melodies and haunting storytelling. Tracks like the infectious “Rats,” the dark allure of “Cirice,” and the mesmerizing chants of “Year Zero” resonated deeply with the audience, who became ensnared by Ghost’s mystique.
Yet, it was the unexpected twists that truly showcased Ghost’s ability to captivate and surprise. The resurrection of Papa Nihil during “Miasma” for a masterful saxophone solo was a moment that underscored the band’s penchant for defying expectations. Amid a stage design evoking the ambiance of a gothic church, Ghost spun a spellbinding narrative that balanced arcane themes with auditory enchantment.
Ghost | Photo: Michael Dinger
Amon Amarth and Ghost, each in their distinctive ways, crafted performances that married music and visual artistry, weaving a tapestry of sights and sounds that enveloped the audience in a visceral embrace. The “Re-Imperatour” tour etched itself into Bridgeport’s musical history as a night when the spirit of metal surged to the forefront, a powerful testament to the enduring appeal of heavy music. Attendees departed with not only cherished memories, but also renewed fervor for the immersive possibilities of live music.
Amon Amarth Setlist: Raven’s Flight, Shield Wall, Heidrun, Deceiver of the Gods, Put Your Back Into The Oar, The Way of the Vikings, Guardians of Asgaard, Raise Your Horns, Twilight of the Thunder God
Ghost Setlist: Kaisarion, Rats, From the Pinnacle to the Pit, Spillways, Cirice, Absolution, Ritual, Call Me, Little Sunshine, Con Clavi Con Dio, Watcher in the Sky, Year Zero, He Is, Miasma (featuring Papa Nihil’s saxophone solo), Mary on a Cross, Mummy Dust, Respite on the Spitalfields Encore: Kiss the Go-Goat, Dance Macabre, Square Hammer
