The Struts Rock DC With The Strange Days Are Over Tour
Date: September 7th, 2021
Venue: The Lincoln Theatre
Washington, DC
There’s no arguing that many of us spent a majority of last year in sweatpants on the couch, baking bread (I still don’t understand why that was a thing), or maybe you were All Dressed Up With Nowhere to Go. Regardless of what you did I think we can all agree that they were, and still are, Strange Days. That’s exactly what inspired the album that England’s rock band The Struts created during the lockdown. I’ve been a huge fan of The Struts ever since I first saw them live in Charlotte, NC back in 2016 as they toured America in support of their debut studio album Everybody Wants. I was blown away by the sheer energy they fill the room with while also blending true classic rock vibes with modern subjects. Not to mention their wardrobe and style is that of true rock royalty.
This night of music also allowed us to celebrate the reopening of The Lincoln Theatre. A historic staple of Washington, DC, The Lincoln Theatre was built in 1922 and has hosted acclaimed artists such as Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday. It truly is a beautiful venue that offers a great juxtaposition with modern staging and performances.
Kicking off the night was Nick Perri & The Underground Thieves. Straight from Philadelphia, this was their first night on tour with The Struts and they really brought the party. Celebrating their debut album Sun Via they transported us back in time as their style and sounds drew inspiration from the best elements of the ‘70s and ‘80s rock scene. Songs like “Feeling Good” got us clapping along with our hands in the air while the audience also grooved along to songs like “Let You Know” and “I Want You”. They proved that rock and roll is still very much alive and the respect for the craft and its roots still remain. Before closing their set they also sang a brand new song that has yet to release that focuses on breaking free from our own mental limitations and sharing the inner voice that says “I wanna be free” so be sure to check out their album and be on the lookout for new music coming soon.
As the Union Jack (the national flag of the United Kingdom) filled the background it was time for the moment many had been waiting for. A room filled with die-hard fans and even online fan bases eagerly awaited the moment that The Struts took the stage. From the moments the lights flashed on and the band rushed to the stage the crowd went nuts! Lead singer Luke Spiller then ran out and yelled “Hey you! Don’t you know who I think I am?” as he began to sing “Primadonna Like Me.” The energy level instantly skyrockets as Luke and the boys give us their iconic hip-thrusting and hand-clapping sounds.
At a concert with The Struts, you are watching rock stars but they make you feel like one as well as their music and stage presence makes your body move in ways you never knew as you sway and whip your head from side to side while throwing your hands up in a flamboyant way that just feels right. It’s not just songs like “Kiss This” or “Dirty Sexy Money” that create these moments, it’s the whole entire set!
Since it was their first time touring since the release of their 2020 album Strange Days it was the first time many got to hear and that the band got to perform the new songs live. Songs such as “I Hate How Much I Want You” which is a personal favorite of mine which features Phil Collen and Joe Elliot on the recorded track. Just a few songs into the set, sweat begins to drip as we all dance and sing through our masks and the lights hit us as we sing “Fire.”
Shortly after we slowed it down just a tad with one of their latest singles “Low Key In Love” which features Paris Jackson, a song that I’m sure was a fun collaboration as some of their music and certainly Luke’s dance moves draw influence from the likes of Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson. Keeping with the slower tempo, Luke requested that all the lights be shut off. Then the crowd illuminated the room with their phones as they sang a stripped-down version of “Mary Go Round” as we sang along with passion.
As the lights came back on it was time to kick the party into overdrive as they took us back in time and blended the old with the new with a medley of songs like “Put Your Hands Up,” “These Times Are Changing,” “Where Did She Go,” and “All Dressed Up (With Nowhere to Go)” some of which made their live debut this evening. Then as Luke began to sing “Put Your Money On Me” he encouraged us “cheeky buggers” to jump as he threw a high kick into the air proving that the electric energy they bring doesn’t stop after a few songs. Following an insane guitar solo from guitarist Adam Slack, Luke returned to split the audience in half for a yelling duel before having everyone sit down in their seats as “I Do It So Well” prompted everyone to jump up simultaneously.
As the night drew to an end, fans cheered with excitement as they weren’t ready for the fun to stop. After the band is off stage for a few minutes, Luke returned by himself and sat down at the piano to take all of the fans, the staff, and the crew for choosing to be part of this night as he then began to sing “Strange Days.” Halfway through, Adam, bassist Jed Elliott, and drummer Gethin Davies returned to the stage as the song began to build. As they transitioned into “Could Have Been Me,” the lights began to strobe and the audience was still singing along without missing a beat. Drenched in sweat, much like the fans, they took a bow and proved yet again why The Struts are some of the best musicians and performers around.
After seeing them in 2016, I have tried to go to any show The Struts had nearby but for some reason or another over the years I hadn’t been able to see them since. It was a pure delight and a refreshing feeling getting to see them again. From your favorite Photographic Ginger, this is a show you don’t want to miss and music you need to hear. The Struts will be continuing their tour throughout the fall and you can and you should get your tickets now. I’ll make it easy for you, click here.
If you happened to capture any shots of the night, tag us on social media at Shutter 16 Magazine and throw in #Shutter16 and #TwitFromThePit for the world to see.
