Silverstein – Live at House of Blues – Boston
Author: Mia Palazzo
January 11, 2025 – silverstein They bring their 25 Years of Noise Tour to Boston’s House of Blues with special guests “Thursday,” “Arm’s Length” and “Split Chain.” This touring lineup is an early contender for Show of the Year and will be hard to beat as it includes some of punk rock’s most iconic bands. The bill features acts from the UK, Canada and the US, offering something for fans of all tastes.
Despite the cold January night and light snowfall, fans lined up early to grab prime spots in the venue. If you haven’t heard of it, the Boston House of Blues is located on a street near the iconic Fenway Park. This street is also home to one of my favorite places in Boston: the legendary sausage stand. These stalls are a must-visit on show night, serving up some of the best sausages from real Boston locals. If you ever attend a show here, treat yourself – you won’t regret it!
But I digress. Back to the show.
separated strands
The first band to take the stage was Split Chain. silverstein Known for spotlighting talented new talent, they truly outdid themselves in this opening act. Hailing from Bristol, England, Split Chain were playing their second show in the U.S. and brought an amazing amount of energy to the stage. In such a crowded tour lineup, it’s not unusual for foreign openers to struggle with audience engagement, but Split Chain was unexpected.
Photos Mia Palazzo
From the barricades to the back of the room, fans sang, danced and even created a sizable pit in the floor. “Split Chain” left a lasting impression on the audience and set the perfect tone for the rest of the night. They are definitely a band to watch and an outstanding introduction to the future.
arm length
Next up is Arm’s Length, a Canadian band that recently visited Boston last November while on tour with Real Friends. The brief gap from the previous show was palpable – fans sang along enthusiastically and the band’s presence attracted a younger audience. The band opened with “In Loving Memory” and performed tracks such as “Formative Age” and “Funny Face.” This couldn’t be more appropriate. silversteinDuring the 25-year tour, which also featured an Ontario band, they developed a shared friendship and ancestry, something Shane Told later mentioned when recalling the experience. silverstein‘s early days.
Photos Mia Palazzo
Thursday
While the opener was an abbreviated 30 minutes, they left plenty of time for New Jersey to put in a perfect performance as the primary backer on Thursday. As frontman Geoff Rickly mentioned later in the show, House of Blues has sentimental value to the band. It was here seven years ago Thursday that they played their first show since the hiatus. For Rickly, it was also his first time performing sober, making their return even more special.
Photos Mia Palazzo
From the moment their logo appeared on the screen, the audience’s love for Thursday was evident. The cheers grew louder as each member took the stage, culminating in Rickley’s grand entrance. The band kicked off the show with a medley of “The Other Side of the Crash/Over and Out”, delivering a stunning performance. Rickly’s signature vocals combine with the band’s chemistry to create a set that’s full of energy and passion.
The addition of Wade McNeil (Alexisonfire, Gallows) as a new band member adds a fresh energy to the band, though his seamless integration makes it feel as though he’s always been a part of the band. Rickly introduced him at the start of the show, and MacNeil effortlessly led the band in a stunning rendition of “Cross Out the Eyes.” Highlights included the rarely played “Love Songwriter,” which sparked a crowd of surfers – most memorably, a pair of pre-teens grinning from ear to ear as they frolicked in the crowd. Their father made sure they returned safely to their place, a heartwarming moment that showed how Thursday’s music continues to transcend generations. The band closed with “Understanding in a Car Crash” and “War All the Time.”
Photos Mia Palazzo
silverstein
Finally, Burlington, Ontario silverstein On stage. The group has long been a staple of the House of Blues, having performed in Boston since its inception. Celebrating 25th Anniversary, silverstein They kicked off their set with their latest release “Skin & Bones” from their upcoming album “Antibloom”. The show began on a nostalgic note – a video montage about the band’s history, including a nod to AOL Instant Messenger and a recorded monologue by Shane Told. “Twenty-five years ago, we were just five guys from Canada,” Todd said of their journey. “For us, it was about making noise, doing what we loved, and then something amazing happened.” What’s surprising—you all showed up.”
From there, the band launched into one of their most energetic shows to date. Mixing tracks from their latest work with classic hits, they maintained a relentless energy throughout the evening. Highlights included “The Afterglow,” “Bad Habits,” and an acoustic rendition of their iconic song “My Heroine,” which drew tears and cheers from the crowd. The entire orchestra shone, and Paul-Marc Rousseau’s smile and harmonies added joy to the performance. Their chemistry is palpable, represented on every album in their extensive discography, even their debut EP.
The encore, which featured “Smashed into Pieces” and “Bleed No More,” was a cathartic finale complete with an explosion of confetti. As the band concluded the night, it became clear why silverstein It has maintained strong strength for 25 years. With a new album coming soon, fans can expect to see them in Boston soon. if you have never experienced silverstein Shows Don’t Miss – They Prove Punk Rock’s Enduring Power
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