PAM WHISENHUNT | Go Venue Magazine
On October 1, 2024, 101.4 the Blaze brought back Highly Suspect and Dead Poet Society to the Bourbon Theatre, kicking off the month of October the right way. Lincoln was treated to a nearly sold-out show on a beautiful fall Tuesday night.
One thing for sure, Lincoln loves Highly Suspect. Last time they were in town, it was a sold-out show. Tonight was very close, with only a few tickets left. Dead Poet Society (DPS) started off with some technically difficulties. Their computer wasn’t working, but the show went on and sounded great regardless. DPS played quite a few songs off their new album, FISSION, “Running In Circles”, “HURT” “I hope you hate me.” And “Uto”. They mixed in a few older songs, “.SALT.”, “.CODA.”, ”American Blood” and closing out the set with “.intoodeep.” I can’t wait for a headlining tour with DPS. Even though they have a fairly small catalog, they have so many great ones. A short opening set just isn’t enough.
Highly Suspect performed a 15-song set, easing into it with the familiar “Bath Salts” then rolling into three off the new As Above, So Below album, “Summertime Voodoo”, “Mexico” and “Plastic Boxes”. Next, midway through “Lydia” Johnny Stevens (lead vocals, guitar), stopped and encouraged the audience to put their phones away and just be in the moment with them. He noted there are plenty of shitty “Lydia” cell phone videos out there, and we don’t need anymore.
Mid-set, Highly Suspect dove into a new, 5-minute instrumental piece “The Reset” which felt like a big jam session. Before Highly Suspect started “23”, they brought DPS Dylan Brenner (vocals) on stage. It was a perfect, seamless pairing. Next, they brought up DPS Nick Taylor (Bassist) for “Human” and he shredded. After DPS members left the stage, the lights went down and a spotlight was left on Stevens to perform “16”. Stevens did a stripped down, acoustic version; it was much more impactful than the original release. I deeply felt the sadness in the song.
Highly Suspect finished up with new songs “Run For Your Death (More Pills)” and “Suicide Machine”. The encore had Rich Meyer (Bassist) singing “Lost” and the band finishing with the grungy, dark song “Pink Lulluby”.
Overall, it was a stellar night for rock music. Thanks again, 104.1 the Blaze for continuing to bring in top tier artists. Special thanks to the Bourbon Theatre and staff for being hospitable and keeping everyone safe.
Highly Suspect
Dead Poet Society
All images © Pam Whisenhunt
Follow our socials, only take a second and is free by finding us on: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram