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| The Gaslight Anthem at the Stone Pony, August 2018 |
2018 was a big year for fans of the Gaslight Anthem. After playing their last show as a band in 2015 and going their separate musical ways, the faithful held on to the hope they might get to see their favorites together once again some day, or at all in the case of those who discovered them after via Brian Fallon’s subsequent solo career officially began in 2016. Well, they were granted their wish when the band announced tour dates would actually happen to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their album “The ’59 Sound”, which catapulted them into the public eye back in 2008.
I was lucky enough to catch their August dates in their home territory, beginning with their Philly date at the Fillmore, and their three-night stand at the Stone Pony. After the 3 year break from seeing them play as a group playing these songs, I can safely say that although I thoroughly enjoyed whenever Fallon would break out a Gaslight tune during his solo shows, there is nothing like seeing them as a group playing the same songs.
There is something special about Fallon playing with these specific guys behind him. Drummer Benny Horowitz, lead guitarist Alex Rosamilia, rhythm guitarist Ian Perkins, and bassist Alex Levine create a vibe that doesn’t happen when they play with others. Not to say seeing Horowitz play with his new project Mercy Union, Rosamilia with his new venture Dead Swords, or even Perkins and Rosamilia backing Fallon with other musicians taking on the parts of the rhythm section are anything but great. It’s just that the energy of this collection of personalities on stage, and of course personal nostalgia, can’t match those experiences. It’s basically reuniting with your old gang vs hanging with your new work friends. At least until these other projects have had more time to make a bonding impression on fans.
The set involved playing the entire album in order, along with a few other rotating tunes thrown in. Though I’m sure people would come out even if it was just the tracks from that specific record and nothing else, it was great that they played music from the rest of their catalog too. They have so many wonderful and memorable songs spanning their career that it would be a shame not to include a few more songs, so it was much appreciated that they did.
Each night had various people opening. First up each night was Jared Hart, then Matt Mays in Philly, Dave Hause on night 1 at the Stone Pony, and Chuck Ragan on nights 2 and 3. Most of Gaslight’s crowd was already familiar with each act to the point they’re diehards of those acts as well. So once again, it helped boost that feeling of a reunion to make it all even more of an emotional evening for everyone involved.
Overall, it was one of the most memorable Summer weekends of my life. If you go by what’s been said in the press, another Gaslight Anthem tour is not on the table at this time. So I feel very fortunate to have been able to partake in the festivities. I was also able to capture some moments from the shows. Check them out here!
