Words & Photos by Jen Green
Five For Fighting took the stage and right from the start, the band members’ talent shined. The band opened the set with a warm greeting, joking, “Welcome to a night at the opera.” They expressed their delight in being on the road, especially as they were opening for their pals, the Barenaked Ladies.
“I think we’ve played every venue in this town except this one,” the singer proudly announced. Multiple times throughout their set the band was met with a standing ovation from the crowd. The band played all hits, with all the folks in the venue singing along to “Superman.”
As the concert reached its pinnacle, Five For Fighting closed their set with an unforgettable rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The entire venue was filled with a sense of unity and joy as fans sang along, making the moment truly magical. Before leaving the stage, the band expressed their gratitude leaving the audience with a sense of fulfillment and contentment.
“It’s nice to be back in Philly!” With these words, Barenaked Ladies ignited a night of pure joy, laughter, and musical brilliance at The Met in Philadelphia. The band brought their infectious energy and captivating on-stage banter, creating a memorable concert experience for the enthusiastic crowd.
From the moment they stepped on stage, it was evident that Barenaked Ladies had an extraordinary camaraderie and chemistry among band members. Their natural banter and humorous exchanges with the audience made everyone feel like they were part of an intimate gathering with old friends. The audience thoroughly entertained by the witty and lighthearted atmosphere, engaged with one another the entire night.
Addressing the crowd, the lead singer playfully asked, “Would you be willing to sing along with Barenaked Ladies? If you were dragged here reluctantly, you can sing along too!” This inclusive invitation set the tone for the rest of the night, as the band made sure everyone felt welcomed and involved.
As the concert progressed, the band’s lead singer shared a touching moment with the audience. “You were looking forward to the end of the night. This is for you,” he declared before diving into the heartfelt lyrics of “Gonna walk, won’t quit, ’til I can’t,” urging everyone to embrace the song’s message from the bottom of their hearts.
Amidst the excitement, the band announced they had just recorded a new record, an impressive accomplishment after 33 years in the music industry. They humorously recounted how they had a meeting in the dressing room earlier that day to decide what to call the record. A fan in the crowd shouted, “Call it Philly!” The band members laughed at the idea, and it was the recurring theme throughout the night.
Throughout the concert, the bass player, Jim, showcased his talent by playing the upright bass, adding a unique touch to the band’s musical performance.
In between songs, the lead singer shared his outlook on life, ”I’m trying to take the most positive viewpoint. I’ve been guilty of always coming to a fruition of a negative outcome. So I’m trying to go with it and be happy and be grateful and looking for the positive.” The audience clapped and sang along as the band started “Lookin’ Up.”
During this intimate acoustic set, the band performed a song from their very first record, taking the audience on a nostalgic journey back in time. The sentimental tune left a lasting impression on fans, cherishing the band’s evolution and their enduring connection to their music and followers.
Before concluding the unforgettable night, they couldn’t help but joke about naming the new record. “If anyone asked, why did we call it Philly? ‘Cuz one guy yelled it at one show,” he quipped, prompting laughter and cheers from the crowd.The concert featuring Five For Fighting and Barenaked Ladies was a night to remember. The bands’ engaging performances, witty banter, and genuine connection with the crowd made it an extraordinary experience for everyone present.The night was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the unifying power of music, leaving the fans with unforgettable memories of a remarkable evening in the heart of Philadelphia.
Check out more photos from the epic show below!
Five for Fighting by Jen Green:
Barenaked Ladies at The Met by: Jen Green
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