The Gaslight Anthem headlines at MGM Fenway

The Gaslight Anthem headlined the MGM Music Hall at Fenway with support from friends Joyce Manor and Pinkshift.
The first band of the night was Pinkshift. This Baltimore based rock band is inspired by the 90’s grunge era and was the perfect selection for a newer band to play as an opening act. Pinkshift is newer band, formed in 2019, and less known than the other two but did not let that stop them from hitting the stage full of energy to match their music. The band’s songs were full of energy just like their stage presence, fun and upbeat music that was made for rocking out to. Most of the crowd did not know Pinkshift before this night but surely were fans after the performance.

Next up was Joyce Manor. Joyce Manor has been a staple part of the pop-punk and indie rock music scene since forming in 2008. The band is known for their shorter songs with clever song writing that just easily lends itself to easy listening perfect for a car ride with the windows down in the summer. With such hits as “Constant Headache” and “Catalina Fight Song”, by the crowd singing along to almost every word the band sang, it was clear they had almost as many fans in the crowd as the headliner that night. Their set was filled with many songs because of the short song length and limited banter. When there was banter in between songs it was about Boston, the air smelling like cinnamon rolls when they started playing, and other fun banter thrown in. It is clear that the band is experienced playing live together and have got everything down to every single note, all the members playing their songs flawlessly together.

Finally it was time for the stars of the night, The Gaslight Anthem. There was cheers that filled the venue as the band stepped onto stage. The band had an aloof cool air to them as they walked onto the stage, all taking their places and started playing. They had a relaxed vibe to their stage presence that was not lazy but more so comfortable and laid back, just focusing on doing their thing and playing their music.

The band was formed all the way back in 2006, nearly two decades ago, and still has most of it’s original members which is a feat within itself in a rock band. A couple of hiatuses and six albums later, this performance was surely a treat for fans who have been around since the early years.

Hit after hit song was played including but not limited to “45”, “Here’s Looking at You, Kid”, and “Great Expectations”. The performance for the most part kept the laid back and relaxed vibe to it. Their show isn’t as flashy as some others that hit the same stage there but the music was the main focus and the fans were not disappointed. There was some special treats and surprises towards the end of the performance including a Billie Ellish cover and a special guest star from bass player Karina Rykman and the opening act Pinkshift.

THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM
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JOYCE MANOR
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PINKSHIFT
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MGM MUSIC HALL AT FENWAY
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