Boys Like Girls Smoke the Fillmore

Boys Like Girls performing on the stage at The Fillmore in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Monday, October 16, 2023. (Photo by Jess Beck)

JESS BECK | Go Venue Magazine

Literally – they came out smoking.

The drummer had a cigar.

Another guy had a cigarette.

You love to see it!

Well, well, well…it seems the stars have aligned, or perhaps the planets have perfectly harmonized, because this fall’s hottest gig at The Fillmore in Minneapolis is left me a little “Love Drunk” (it’s ok, now I’m hungover). We’re talking about a concert that’s got more pop-punk power than a caffeinated rocket and enough infectious energy to put a Duracell bunny to shame. Who’s headlining, you ask? Why, it’s none other than LoloThe Summer SetState Champs, and Boys Like Girls! On October 16, 2023, Minneapolis raised the devil horns at The Fillmore for an epic night of pop punk fuckery!

Lolo, the fiery force of nature herself, is kicking things off, and she’s ready to unleash a vocal tornado that will leave you in awe. You may know her from her electrifying live performances and those powerhouse vocals that could shatter glass. And, honestly, is there a better way to start a gig than with an artist who leaves it all on the stage and doesn’t mind showing off her impressive vocal gymnastics? I think not. The pom poms were a nice touch too!

Fucking stoked to be part of her cheerleading squad now, by the way. Catch me rockin’ those pom poms all throughout the week!

But that’s just the appetizer because The Summer Set was up next, and they were ready to bring the summer vibes even if it’s nowhere near June. Let’s be honest; their name alone conjures images of sandy beaches and sipping on a cold one under the sun. These folks have perfected the art of making anthemic pop-rock hits from the bygone era of MySpace, and they’re going to make sure your heart feels as warm as a tropical paradise no matter how chilly it is outside. The Summer Set is like SPF for the soul, and although vocalist Brian Dales stated that he was under the weather a bit, “There’s no place I’d rather be than here on stage in front of you guys!” he shouted enthusiastically to throngs of screaming fans.

State Champs, the reigning kings of pop-punk, are the show’s crown jewels (and this completes my Hat Trick for these guys – they’re so stoked), and they were here to make sure your voice was hoarse and your feet were sore by the end of the night. Frontman Derek DiScanio (you know, my personal best friend which has been made abundantly clear on social medias) can turn any stage into a mosh pit, and you’re going to be headbanging your way into the wee hours of the morning after hearing these pop punk bangers live. Playing some of their most popular hits, there wasn’t a still body in the room when “Elevated,” “Fake it,” and “Secrets” started emerging. Just remember, if you’re not dripping with sweat and covered in bruises by the time they’re done, did you even attend a State Champs concert?

But wait, there’s more! Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Boys Like Girls strut onto the stage, like a blast from the past that’s been given a facelift by the fountain of youth. These pop-rock heartthrobs know how to melt your heart with their melodic tunes, and you just can’t help but sing along to every word like a lovesick teenager. It’s like a high school reunion, except way cooler and with better music.

Also no one from my high school was there, so that was also neat.

So, to sum it up, if you were looking for a night of unforgettable music, unforgettable moments, and unforgettable fun, you found it here at The Fillmore! As always, a big thanks to The Fillmore staff for working hard to keep the show safe for all the fans in whatever capacity you work there. It takes a lot of effort to make these work, and your efforts are appreciated! Please keep wearing deodorant, keep being excellent to one another, and remember that you are more than enough!

We’ll catch y’all at the next show!

Boys Like Girls

State Champs

The Summer Set

Lolo

All images © Jess Beck


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