OTwo Co-Editor Isabella Ambrosio revels in a familially loved band, The Gaslight Anthem, and their performance on their first of two nights in Dublin.
Picture this: New Brunswick, New Jersey – a college town, full of both students and the general public – between New York City and Philadelphia in the early 2000s; it’s nearing 11 pm and it’s as quiet as possible, except for the occasional sound of a bass line or drum solo. Faced with curfews, the underground scene in New Brunswick was meticulous about avoiding noise fines (Alternative Press). With a town so rooted in underground punk and rock culture, some fantastic bands were bound to emerge. The Gaslight Anthem was one of them.
With a town so rooted in underground punk and rock culture, some fantastic bands were bound to emerge. The Gaslight Anthem was one of them.
Originally founded in 2006, the quartet consists of Brian Fallon (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Benny Horowitz (drums), Alex Levine (backing vocals/bass guitar) and Alex Rosamilia (backing vocals/lead guitar) and have released six records over the last eighteen years – including an indefinite hiatus announced in 2015. Indeed, a year after their anniversary tour for their The ‘59 Sound release in 2021, Fallon announced the band’s reinstatement of full-time status and they haven’t stopped since.
With a jam-packed 2024 ahead of them, one tour under their belt, and another two on their horizon, The Gaslight Anthem is taking their signature moody, emo-punk on the road and playing for anyone who will listen, including two shows in Dublin to close off their European tour.
FunkoPops and WWE figurines decorated the amps next to the drum kit as The Gaslight Anthem and two touring members entered the stage with “Raiders March” playing, a triumphant roar from the crowd in amusement. Throughout the set, Fallon’s way of back and forth with the crowd, lighthearted and down-to-earth, was obvious from the beginning of the gig. Early in the set, he stopped at one point to sign a flag with an incredible sketch of their drummer asking for drumsticks and presenting her with said drumsticks. And when a fan threw her hat on stage, the singer didn’t hesitate to put the hat for the whole duration of the song, adding that it is a ‘punk’-looking visor hat. Fallon understood that while was there to perform, he was there to entertain and connect with his audience.
The band opened with the first song, “Autumn” from their most recent release, History Books – a much more smooth and mature rock sound that reflects the years that have gone on since starting their band eighteen years ago. Critics have attributed their newer sound to something of a convergence between old The Gaslight Anthem and Brian Fallon’s newer solo material. The crowd was pleased, but they roared to life on the second track, “Handwritten,” from the band’s eponymous 2012 release. Fallon’s raspy, guttural voice sounds the same as it did on the original studio version and continued to do so throughout the entire show.
Critics have attributed their newer sound to something of a convergence between old The Gaslight Anthem and Brian Fallon’s newer solo material.
The band powered through tracks “Biloxi Parish,” “Keepsake,” “Halloween,” and “The Patient Ferris Wheel” with no signs of stopping. Indeed, it seemed as if The Gaslight Anthem would continue playing well into the night had there been no time limit to their set. Ultimately, it was obvious that the band had been playing together for years: there was a seamless, unspoken harmony between the group that allowed for an exciting and uninhibited show that kept attendees entertained and engaged.
It was obvious that the band had been playing together for years: there was a seamless, unspoken harmony between the group that allowed for an exciting and uninhibited show that kept attendees entertained and engaged.
Boasting over twenty songs on their setlist, The Gaslight Anthem made sure to provide songs from each of their records, suiting the tastes of listeners without straying away from who they were as a band. The appearance of their opener, Emily Wolfe, on two tracks towards the end of the set signalled the collaborative nature of The Gaslight Anthem, creating an inviting and fun concert experience for long-time listeners and new-found fans.
Recommended listening based on their setlist for their first night: “Biloxi Parish,” “I Coul’da Been a Contender,” and “Mulholland Drive.”