Punk rock enthusiasts assembled at The Intersection in Grand Rapids on September 26th, 2024, for the Alkaline Trio concert. This tour marks the second leg of their Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs US tour, this time hitting the cities that they missed and treating fans to more intimate shows at smaller venues.
Starting the night out was Slomosa, a band from Norway that’s already garnering fans here in the US. They defined themselves as “stoner rock”, which definitely fit the description of their sound. They played tracks from their new record Tundra Rock such as “Battling Guns,” “Cabin Fever” and “Red Thundra”. Their talent was evident and it was clear that they truly earned their spot on this tour.
Next up were Spanish Love Songs, who had the audience jumping up and down and bobbing their heads with excitement. Their performance was highlighted by songs like “Losers,” “Pendulum” and “Clean-Up Crew.” Their music deeply resonated with the audience with their honest and relatable lyrics about yearning for an escape and struggling to pay rent.
Once 9:30 hit, it was time for the main event. Alkaline Trio opened intensely with the track “Hot for Preacher” that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Alkaline Trio’s chemistry was flawless, especially with Atom Willard on drums. Willard joined the band last year after the departure of Derek Grant, and it was clear that he has seamlessly integrated himself into their sound, proving to be a master behind the drum kit. Matt Skiba, the band’s lead singer and guitarist, connected with the crowd throughout the night. His genuine interactions created special moments for many fans, as he would dedicate songs and distribute guitar picks.
Despite suffering from a burn on his left hand just days prior, Skiba performed with remarkable poise. Meanwhile, bassist Dan Andriano delivered impeccable bass arrangements and was totally immersed in the music. The trio performed a robust setlist of 22 songs featuring tracks from seven of their albums. Songs like “Mr. Chainsaw,” “Sadie” and “Fatally Yours” made appearances. Most of their set was pulled from their newest release, Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs. “Broken Down in a Time Machine” made its live debut a week earlier in Wallingford, Connecticut, and had only been played five times prior. The audience was treated to an outstanding performance of this new song.
Alkaline Trio showcased their never-ending influence on the punk community that night. It’s very endearing to see fans who grew up attending Trio shows now bringing their children to share this musical experience with them. Their music has the ability to connect strangers in a shared space as they collectively scream out lyrics together, forging lasting memories and friendships. This concert at The Intersection was no exception, leaving the audience with a night to remember.
GALLERY: Alkaline Trio, Slomosa & Spanish Love Songs
at The Intersection in Grand Rapids — September 26, 2024
