Way, way back in 2019 The Hold Steady announced they would be coming to Melbourne for 3 nights of celebration. One night they would play 'Boys and Girls in America, one night they would play 'Stay Positive' and one night would be 'fan favourites'. I chose the first night and then waited with anticipation. Then in 2020 COVID hit and everything changed. The shows were postponed a couple of times but eventually they were set for last weekend in Melbourne. It was a long wait but boy was it worth it. So my show was Friday night and I loved every minute of it.

The Hold Steady are a great band and even better live. They really embrace the audience like few other bands do and can. Craig Finn doesn't look like a rock star but he acts like one. Constantly moving and engaging with the the crowd. Interestingly I expected the band to play 'Boy and Girls' in total from start to finish but they mixed it up. They played them all but interspersed their other great songs through out the set list. From start to finish it was all great. And despite the sound not being great I just had the best time. My favourite part was 'First Night' leading into 'Stuck Between Stations' but it was truly all very special. Music makes feelings like no other and The Hold Steady tap into this every single time.

Set List

Constructive Summer

Hot Soft Light

The Swish

You Can Make Him Like You

Party Pit

Hurricane J

Chips Ahoy!

Heavy Covenant

I Hope This Whole Thing Didn't Frighten You

First Night

Stuck Between Stations

Same Kooks

Entitlement Crew

Girls Like Status

Arms and Hearts

Your Little Hoodrat Friend

Family Farm

Chillout Tent

Citrus

Massive Nights

Southtown Girls

The Feelers

Banging Camp

Sequestered in Memphis

Killer Parties