CONCERT REPORT: The Struts in New Haven

The Struts performing at College Street Music Hall, New Haven, CT

The Struts are a UK band steadily on the rise in America, and have only released one full studio album that is now 4 years old, "Everybody Wants." That record is chock full of Pop Rock with a twist of Glam, earning comparisons to the great Cheap Trick and Queen. They're a throwback while still being fresh and original, thus allowing them to avoid being categorized as a copycat. Frankly, if they're good enough to open for the Foo Fighters, Rolling Stones and Mötley Crüe, then they are good enough for this concertgoer. Those bands have surely seen many young bands try to break out in their travels, so for the Struts to be handpicked out of a sea of hopeful Rock torchbearers is saying a lot for their credibility musically and performance-wise.


My 2016 experience seeing the Struts handle a sweatstorm of a show in NJ was fantastic, so I knew when they came back that I'd have to check them out again. I was delighted when they announced this headline date amongst their dates opening for the Foo Fighters, because although I've been fairly loyal to the Foos, the increase in ticket prices and choices in musical direction have put some distance between us for the time being. The price tag for a Struts headliner is much friendlier, the venues they play are much more ideal for a great show, plus they play a longer set. The decision to see them play on their own was not a very difficult one.

This was my first time attending a show at the Music Hall, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Once inside, I knew it was going to become a favorite. The floor is multilevel, with a sizeable height difference between each platform, along with the bonus of not having any obstructions of a VIP lounge/bar. That meant there were multiple opportunities to have a good view of the stage, rather than the restriction of having to choose between the stress of getting barricade and possibly not seeing a good 3/4 of the stage because of heads in your way. Flat general admission floors really are the worst if you're not a tall member of society.

As for show, I knew enough from the past to reasonably expect a good time was ahead and I was not disappointed. The Struts setlist was mostly from "Everybody Wants", but also included their new single "Body Talks" and recent one-off "One Night Only." They also decided to cover Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing in the Dark", giving it a slightly more Rock edge with their heavy guitars taking the place of any keyboards in the song. Spiller even called up a lucky audience member to sing along and re-create the iconic dance between Bruce and then-unknown actress Courtney Cox.

Overall, audience participation was high at this show, despite a slightly lackluster welcome once the band took the stage after an opening set by Badflower. However, they woke up fairly quickly once things got going, as it is hard to resist the charm of this band, especially Spiller's high energy and refusal to let the chance to uplift everyone's spirits go by. 

Soon after, the Struts announced another string of dates happening later this year. To view those, go to their official website.

To view my photos from the show, click here.