NOTHING BUT THIEVES - BOSTON, MA 9.14.2023

Words And Photos By Maria A. Mata

English rock band Nothing But Thieves took over a sold out Big Night Live, as part of the long awaited Dead Club City Tour. Fans lined up early on at the door, packing the venue just in time for opener Kid Kapichi to kickstart the evening with a blast of energy. 

With barely any room to move, fans were visibly excited, anxiously waiting for the show to begin. As the lights went down, the band took their spots on stage and went right into “Welcome To The DCC”, and the crowd immediately exploded; the screams were loud and the floor was shaking. The band’s energy was electric, and there was a palpable link with the audience that felt very emotional: singer Conor Mason was constantly addressing the crowd in a way that made everyone in the room feel personally connected. He jokingly pointed out a balloon that kept him distracted, and requested for someone to pop it, in reference to one of the songs they’d perform later in the set. 

One of the many highlights of the show was the way the audience interacted with the band: the crowd spontaneously took over singing duties many times, as they did during the first chorus of “Sorry”, with the band staring back with delight. The constant involvement prompted Mason to express how much he loves performing in America, and shared how he has always had a special connection to Boston. Later during the set, a fan politely handed over their phone to the singer so he could record himself during “Futureproof”. The deep love between the band and their fans was undoubtedly one of the most compelling elements of the show.

Despite focusing mostly on their last two albums, Nothing But Thieves also brought in some old favorites, from the stunning “Lover, Please Stay” to the haunting “Trip Switch”. After a brief exit, the band returned for an emotionally charged encore, with fan favorite “Amsterdam” and the uplifting “Overcome” bringing the show to a close. The Dead Club City Tour exceeds any expectations fans may have had, with a massive sound and a genuine connection, making for an unforgettable experience.