The Interrupters First Headlining Show in Philly Proves This Band is Can't Miss

Pop Break Live: The Interrupters ‘Fight the Good Fight Tour’ featuring Skinny Lister and Sharp Shock at The Fillmore Philadelphia

Words & Photos by Willy Mellott

The Interrupters are no strangers to Philadelphia. Over the past year they have played in Philly on three separate occasions — for Radio 104.5’s Winter Jawn, the Radio 104.5 Birthday Show, and opening for 311 and Dirty Heads. But on Wednesday November 6 at The Fillmore Philadelphia was their first headlining show in the city since 2017.

Just before 10:00, the lights in The Fillmore dimmed and the crowd’s applause echoed through the venue as a recording of The Specials’ “Ghost Town” played over the sound system. The band ran out on stage and kicked things off with “A Friend Like Me.” As the night went on, the band’s energy flowed to the crowd and had concert goers dancing and singing along. Some highlights from the set were “Take Back the Power” and fan voted addition to the setlist, “The Valley.”

Lead singer, Aimee Interrupter, had amazing interactions with the crowd throughout the night. She was constantly jumping down from the stage high-fiving, hugging, and holding fans’ hands as she sang. Her infectious smile was on display all night as well and her vocals were spot on, sounding just as great live as she does on studio recordings. Most of the band is comprised of family members including Kevin Bivona on guitar, and twin brothers Jesse and Justin Bivona on drums and bass. Also joining them on stage was former Reel Big Fish trombonist Billy Kottage, who played organ as well as trombone for a cover of Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy.”

The main set ended with “Gave You Everything”, their latest single from their most recent album Fight The Good Fight. Before starting their encore the crowd erupted with chants of “this is awesome.” The band was blown away by the crowd and said this was the first time they heard that chant. After playing “The Metro,” they slowed things down with a reprise of “A Friend Like Me.” During this song, Aimee found a young girl in a leather jacket and had her join along in singing into the microphone. The encore ended on a high note with the band’s hit “She’s Kerosene.” The contagious energy and crowd interaction from the band was unlike any other band I have seen. That combined with a genuine ska-punk sound make The Interrupters a band you do not want to miss.

Setlist:

A Friend Like Me
By My Side
Take Back the Power
Title Holder
Be Gone
The Prosecutor
Haven’t Seen the Last of Me
Bad Guy (Billie Eilish cover)
Broken World
Easy on You
Got Each Other
Good Things
Rumors and Gossip
Jenny Drinks
A Message To You Rudy (The Specials cover)
On a Turntable
The Valley
Not Personal
She Got Arrested
Gave You Everything