Morgan Wade blends raw country, rock, and emotion, delivering an unforgettable, high-energy, soul-stirring performance at the Royale in Boston, MA
First act of the evening was The Lone Bellow. The Lone Bellow began as a songwriting project for Zach Williams, whose wife had suffered temporary paralysis following a horseback riding accident. During his wife’s recovery, Williams coped with the experience by writing in a journal. At the urging of his friends, Williams learned how to play the guitar and turned his journal entries into songs. Following his wife’s recovery, the couple moved to New York City.
Previously, Williams had been performing as a solo act around Brooklyn and New York City, occasionally being backed by a hired band. Williams recalls when The Lone Bellow’s guitarist and old friend, Brian Elmquist met at Dizzy’s Diner in Park Slope. Williams invited fellow singer Kanene Pipkin to join them at the diner, and it was then that the trio was initially conceived. Initially known as Zach Williams and the Bellow, the band shortened its name to The Lone Bellow before putting out any official releases.
In 2020, the group released their second album with Dessner, Half Moon Light. Their fifth studio album, Love Songs for Losers, was released on November 4, 2022.
The Lone Bellow took the stage with a warmth that immediately set the tone for a night of soul-stirring Americana and honest storytelling. Known for their powerful harmonies and emotional depth, the Brooklyn-based trio delivered a performance that was both intimate and electrifying, showing just why they’ve earned their place among the most captivating bands in modern folk and Americana music.
The crowd was fully engaged throughout the night, singing along to familiar hits and soaking in the newer tracks. From the more intimate ballads to the larger, more raucous songs, the audience’s energy ebbed and flowed with the band, creating a symbiotic relationship that made the night feel especially special.
As the band closed out their set with “I Let You Go” and the crowd erupted into applause, it was clear that The Lone Bellow had delivered a show that was more than just a concert — it was an emotional experience that showcased their ability to connect deeply with their audience. With heartfelt lyrics, powerful harmonies, and an authentic stage presence, The Lone Bellow continues to prove that their music is about more than just entertainment — it’s about creating real moments of human connection.
The final act of the evening was American country music singer Morgan Wade. She has released four albums: Puppets with My Heart (2018), Reckless (2021), Psychopath (2023), and Obsessed (2024). Morgan Wade is a native of Floyd, Virginia. Her parents divorced when she was 5 years old and she spent a lot of time with her grandparents, who took her to local bluegrass music events. In 2016, she graduated from Jefferson College of Health Sciences in Roanoke, Virginia with a bachelors in exercise science and a minor in public health.
As a freshman in college, she was inspired to write songs after breaking up with her girlfriend. She recruited musicians through Craigslist to record her first album, Puppets with My Heart, released in January 2018 under the band name Morgan Wade & The Stepbrothers.
Wade took the stage with her band, setting the tone for what would be a journey through the highs and lows of her music. It’s clear from the start that Wade isn’t just another country artist—she’s a storyteller with a knack for weaving vulnerability, strength, and heartache into each song. The audience was immediately drawn in by her presence, hanging on to every word as she effortlessly connected with the crowd.
Wade’s music is a mixture of gritty country rock, emotional ballads, and anthems of self-reflection. Her breakout album, Reckless, set the stage for the performance, and she delivered the tracks with all the fire and soul you’d expect. Opening with “Total Control” the crowd immediately responded to the song’s infectious energy and Wade’s ability to command attention.
Throughout the set, Wade seamlessly moved between songs that showed her raw vulnerability and others that were pure rock-driven power. Hits like “Last Cigarette” and “Run” had the crowd singing along, while “Reckless” demonstrated Wade’s ability to balance heartbreak with a sense of empowerment. Her voice—full of soul and grit—was the backbone of the performance, and it was easy to see how much of herself she pours into each song.
She didn’t shy away from tackling heavier emotions either, with slower songs like “Don’t Cry” hitting deep with the audience. The vulnerability in her voice, paired with the stripped-down instrumentation, allowed the raw emotion of her lyrics to truly resonate. It was in these quieter moments that Morgan Wade’s authenticity truly shone, reminding the audience that she’s not just a performer but a storyteller.
The audience was fully invested from start to finish. Fans were enthusiastic and vocal, whether singing along to the more upbeat tracks or hanging on every word during the poignant ballads. The connection between Wade and her fans felt personal, as if each song were a conversation between the artist and the crowd. Morgan Wade has built a loyal following, and the crowd’s energy showed it—they were fully engaged, feeding off her emotional highs and lows throughout the performance.
Morgan Wade’s concert was a powerful reminder of why she’s one of country’s most exciting up-and-coming talents. Her ability to blend rock, country, and raw emotion into a cohesive, unforgettable performance makes her a force to be reckoned with. Whether she’s belting out an anthem of resilience or singing a heartfelt ballad, Wade brings a level of authenticity and vulnerability that’s refreshing in today’s music scene. If her live shows are any indication, the future is bright for Morgan Wade, and fans are lucky to be along for the ride.
For those who appreciate music that’s both gritty and tender, Morgan Wade’s live performance is a must-see. Her passion is contagious, and her ability to connect with the crowd is unparalleled. A truly unforgettable night from an artist on the rise.
Morgan Wade
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