Pop Break Live: Brian Fallon, Craig Finn at The Keswick Theater in Glenside, PA
Brian Fallon and Craig Finn’s “Songs from the Hymnal Tour” made a stop at the Keswick Theatre, just outside Philadelphia, on October 6, 2018.
The two frontmen have toured the world with their respective bands, delivering high energy rock shows night after night. The seated theater and bare stage, outfitted with a dreamlike, picturesque winter town backdrop, a guitar, a keyboard, and a microphone set the scene for a different musical experience.
Craig Finn took the stage first and weaved his way through a set of eight songs, taking pause between songs to share stories and experiences. The vastness of the 1,300 seat room didn’t take away from the intimate feeling and respectful quiet that blanketed the audience while Craig shared background on the songs he played, his journey with music and the band, or whatever came to mind (he even asked about Gritty). The balance to Craig’s heartfelt performance was Brain Fallon’s comedic relief.
Craig Finn Setlist:
Maggie I’ve Been Searching for Our Son
Magazines (The Hold Steady song)
Preludes
No Future
Magic Marker
Newmyer’s Roof
Punk Is Not a Fair Fight
Certain Songs (The Hold Steady song)
The Gaslight Anthem’s lead singer bantered with the audience, declared his love of Coca Cola, and spoke about raising kids and argued that it isn’t great to live in Brooklyn, all while wearing an ear-to-ear grin. Laughter was as plentiful as the songs, which included favorites from Gaslight Anthem, Molly and the Zombies, and Brian’s solo records.
The paired down, acoustic performance felt fresh and special, despite many of the same songs appearing in recent sets by the Gaslight Anthem during their epic summer reunion tour and Brian’s spring solo outing with backing band the Howling Weather. The Songs from the Hymnal tour leaves you with a warm, satisfied feeling, like a great conversation with an old friend, acting as a perfect remedy to the ills and trials of the world outside. This tour continues through the end of October on the west coast. Don’t miss this musical treasure.
Brian Fallon Setlist:
Forget Me Not
Painkillers
American Slang (The Gaslight Anthem song)
Red Lights (Molly and The Zombies song)
My Name Is the Night (Color Me Black)
She Loves You (The Gaslight Anthem song)
Wherefore Art Thou, Elvis? (The Gaslight Anthem song)
Smoke (Molly and The Zombies song)
National Anthem (The Gaslight Anthem song)
A Wonderful Life
Handwritten (The Gaslight Anthem song)
Steve McQueen
If Your Prayers Don’t Get To Heaven
1930 (The Gaslight Anthem song)
Rosemary
Etta James
