Multi-Platinum rock band, Blue October brought their ‘King’ Tour to Philadelphia’s nearly sold out Union Transfer on April 18th. Blue October is currently out on the road in support of their latest album titled, I Hope You’re Happy, which was released last year (2018). Bringing along special guests, Nashville-based Alternative band, MONA to open up the show. Although most of the crowd was unsure what to expect from MONA, it seemed that they thoroughly enjoy the band from the launch of their stripped-down set. Which consisted of drummer, Justinian Wilson and vocalist/pianist, Nick Brown and not the full band like they usually have for their live performances.
Blue October formed in Texas in 1995, with brothers Justin Furstenfeld as frontman and Jeremy Furstenfeld on drums, and the current lineup still hosts the Furstenfeld brothers in their aforementioned positions in the band but also includes Matt Noveskey on bass, Will Knaak on lead guitar, and Ryan Delahoussaye on keyboards/violin. The band has been through hell and back, having had ups and downs through their nearly two and a half decade long career, it’s not just a captivating history, but a showcase to the power of their bond and persistence as a band. It is no surprise that they are still dominating radio, topping the charts and selling out tours with lyrical content that truly resonates with the listener and is one big compelling story of frontman Justin Furstenfeld’s life and the struggles that he has faced throughout becoming a better, stronger person. Showing that if you fall you can get back up and that there is a light at the end of that what seems like forever spiraling dark tunnel. Also, shining a light on if you want something bad enough, you can get it with perseverance and that is what Blue October’s music is all about. Not to mention their rejuvenating sound in rock music, with their signature violin addition to their dark rock sound past revitalizing their sound to a more upbeat, brighter sound with inspiring lyrical content for those who got back up after falling down.
The band brought their refreshing new rock sound to Philadelphia’s Union Transfer for a very close to capacity show full of raw energy, compassion, and emotion that was highly contagious. Justin Furstenfeld went to discuss some of the songs meanings throughout their set, also acknowledging the pain that went into writing most of the songs. As mentioned the powerful message behind most of Blue October’s songs gives fans who connect with them hope that there is a way out of the darkness, and Furstenfeld is the perfect example of that.
Their 19-song set included the bands obvious hits like “Into The Ocean,” “Sway,” “Home” and also included their latest radio-ruling single “I Hope You’re Happy.” We really enjoyed their stripped down acoustic montage performance of “Further Dive (The House That Dylan Built),” “18th Floor Balcony” and of course the fan-favorite single, “Hate Me.” It was a beautiful rendition of the otherwise rockin’ radio version that we’re all used to. During this stripped-down acoustic portion of the set, you could see fans truly feeling the lyrics within the song as tears ran down their faces. The encore included “Your Love Is Like A Car Crash,” “Fear” and a happy dance-break with their latest record’s title track “I Hope You’re Happy.”
Blue October really brought out the production on this ‘King Tour’ with exceptional lights from their lighting director, Wade Ratliff. Especially noted during “Fear” when Furstenfeld went to the back of the stage and his shadow illuminated the background of the stage for a spooky feel to their dark set. Not to mention, the band is sounding better than they have ever sounded live with an explosive rock performance that will leave you craving more. Click HERE to see all of Blue October’s upcoming tour dates.
Check out our photos of Blue October from the show below:
Upcoming Blue October Tour Dates:
April 24 – Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre
April 25 – Washington D.C. – 9:30 Club
April 27 – North Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues Myrtle Beach
April 28 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel
May 1 – Chattanooga, TN – Walker Theatre
May 2 – Athens, GA – Georgia Theatre
May 3 – Lake Buena Vista, FL – House of Blues Orlando
May 4 – Lake Buena Vista, FL – House of Blues Orlando
May 5 – Destin, FL – Club L.A.
May 8 – Baton Rouge, LA – Varsity Theatre
May 9 – Beaumont, TX – Jefferson Theatre
May 10 – Arlington, TX – KAABOO Texas
June 6 – Flagstaff, AZ – Orpheum Theatre
June 7 – Bakersfield, CA – Fox Theater
June 8 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues
June 9 – San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall
June 12 – Reno, NV – Cargo
June 14 – Las Vegas, NV – Brooklyn Bowl
June 16 – San Diego, CA – The Observatory
June 19 – Bend, OR – The Midtown
June 20 – Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory Concert House
June 21 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox
June 23 – Vancouver, BC – VENUE
June 26 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory Concert House
June 28 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre
June 29 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre
June 30 – Alberqurque, NM – Sunshine Theater
