The Fun. lead guitarist and his newest project Bleachers blew the roof off of The Ready Room Thursday Aug. 21.
Having never been to such a small, intimate venue and never really listening to Bleachers before, I had no idea what to expect when I was invited to go nearly three and a half hours before doors opened. But who could turn down a free show, right?
When the opening group MisterWives took to the stage a bit late due to vehicle issues, I knew I was in for a good show immediately. One of the members had a saxophone, and any band with a saxophone is bound to be good. It’s a rule, I promise.
Nevertheless, MisterWives’ high energy performance couldn’t prepare anyone for what Bleachers would bring.
Jumping onto the stage in a blue jacket and dark, chipped nail polish, Antonoff and the rest of Bleachers hit The Ready Room with “Shadow,” the third song off of their debut album ‘Strange Desire.’
The presence that Antonoff alone brought to the stage was incredible. Not once did he stop moving, and in between songs he interacted with the people in the crowd.
“I like that wave, you and I are having a moment,” Antonoff said to a guy in the crowd. “What’s your name?”
The rest of the members, including two drummers, along with Antonoff really brought the music to life.
After leaving the stage and the lights in the room dimming, a chant broke out. The entire room yelled Bleachers repeatedly until Antonoff alone appeared back on stage with only an acoustic guitar. After a short speech, he began playing “Bullet,” a song from an old band of his called Steel Train.
After the remaining members of Bleachers returned to the stage but before connecting the last two songs of the encore, “Who I Want You to Love” and “I Wanna Get Better,” Antonoff addressed the crowd one last time.
“You’re the best crowd, I really mean it,” Antonoff said.
The combination of the great music and small room made for a very energetic show. After having been to 11 concerts prior to this one, this was one of the highest energy shows that I have been to. The crowd never stopped moving. If you entered The Ready Room not knowing what to expect, you definitely left as a Bleachers fan.