Rock band The Maine stopped in Boston on Saturday as part of its “I Love You But I Chose The Maine” tour, following the release of their 10th studio album, “Joy Next Door,” on April 18th.
The band is no stranger to the Boston music scene, with their most recent show in the city occurring at Boston Calling last year. Coming off a long festival circuit and a brief stint of cruise ship performances, this tour marks The Maine’s first headlining run in two years.
Formed in Arizona in 2007, the band consists of lead singer John O’Callaghan, guitarists Jared Monaco and Kennedy Brock, bassist Garrett Nickelsen, and drummer Patrick Kirch. Since their debut album “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop,” which was released in 2008, The Maine has been known for their high-energy live performances and close-knit fanbase.
From the moment The Maine took the stage at House of Blues, the energy was palpable. Opening with “Another Night on Mars,” the band had fans singing along from the start.
The show featured a mix of fan favorites, deep cuts, and hits from their newest album. When the opening notes of “Die to Fall” began, The Maine was met with loud screams and a passionate crowd singing along, despite the lead single only being released a few months prior. The band also treated the audience to an energy packed performance of “Lips,” which according to O’Callaghan, the band has not played live in a long time. For another fan favorite, “Take Me Dancing,” the Maine brought out all three openers: Grayscale, Nightly, and Broadside to sing along to more of the crowd’s roaring applause.
Lead singer O’Callaghan made sure to show his appreciation for the band’s dedicated fan base multiple times throughout the night. From dapping up fans as they crowd surfed to the barricade to singing “Like We Did (Windows Down)” with the crowd from the pit, O’Callaghan and the band made the audience truly feel like not only a part of the show, but a part of the band’s journey.
The crowd returned the love by lighting up the venue with phone flash lights during one of the band’s most popular songs “Taxi” and shouting the line “8123 means everything to me,” from the song “We All Roll Along,” extra loud. The number is a nod to a parking garage the band used to hang out at in Tempe, Arizona but has grown to mean so much more for the band and its fan base.
The Maine concert was undoubtedly a fun night of singing and dancing, but it was also a touching reminder of how music brings us together. The Maine are doing more than just making music, they’re building community.
Purchase your tickets to the “I Love You But I Chose The Maine” Tour here.
