Bleachers forever tour
Merriweather Post Pavilion
COLUMBIA , MARYLAND
JUNE 12th 20266
BLEACHERS
★
BLEACHERS ★
One of the most exhilarating shows I have ever experienced.
Thirteen-time Grammy Award-winning producer Jack Antonoff, and his band Bleachers, know how to put on a rapturous performance. The set felt minimal with no unnecessary fuss, allowing the performance to speak for itself. With numerous platforms and towering amps, the set felt like it was paying homage to a garage where a start-up band would rehearse. The stage also had many levels, allowing each band member—Zem Audu, Mikey Freedom Hart, Sean Hutchinson, Michael Riddleberger, and Evan Smith—to remain visible to the crowd. Antonoff spent the entire set running between these different platforms, sometimes receding to the back so other members could take the spotlight, and other times climbing to the highest point and soaking up the attention himself.
The show began with two new songs from their latest album, “everyone for ten minutes”, easing the crowd into what would become an electric, all-encompassing performance. The first song, "sideways," has the dreamy quality that Bleachers is masterful at creating, with Antonoff's vocals feeling distant and wistful. The transcendent instrumental break near the middle of the song brought Audu's and Smith's otherworldly saxophone skills front and center. The strong saxophone presence throughout their setlist left me feeling like I was floating.
Their second song, “the van”, was another slower song, allowing for a buildup into “Modern Girl.” The crowd erupted into pure euphoria the moment the band counted, "One, two, three, four," and launched into the unmistakable opening saxophone riff of their track "Modern Girl." It was these sudden shifts from slower songs to upbeat, instrument-heavy anthems that kept the crowd on its toes and in a trance all night. Their setlist was a curated blend of new material and older fan favorites such as "Rollercoaster" and "I Wanna Get Better”—they even performed "Merry Christmas, Please Don't Call," despite it being June and 80 degrees outside. Baltimore-based musician Bartees Strange joining in on guitar for "dirty wedding dress” was a celebrated surprise, and Antonoff’s solo performance of "Margaret" left the audience wiping their tears. There was something in this show for everyone.
It is clear that the audience is part of the performance at a Bleachers show. With so many of their songs including call-and-response sections and interactive lyrics, such as the chorus of “Don't Take the Money,” this is a band best experienced live. Antonoff seems to love engaging with the crowd, and was often standing on large platforms directly in front of the barricade, getting as close as possible to his adoring fans. Many were lucky enough to hold his hand or hug him during “you and forever.”
While the crowd was having a ball, the band seemed to be having just as much fun onstage—utilizing every platform, sharing microphones, and leaning on one another during guitar riffs. Though the show was not heavily choreographed, every movement felt intentional. One of my favorite moments came during “Goodmorning,” when Antonoff, glowing in a spotlight, kneeled on the highest platform and reached out with both hands toward Smith at center stage, who serenaded him with a saxophone solo.
The band’s impressive instrumentals and stage presence paired with the spirited audience made this a night to remember. I entered Merriweather Post Pavilion as a novice Bleachers fan and left on cloud nine, immediately queuing up their songs for the drive home.