Photo & Words by Beck Green
Icelandic rockers KALEO are currently on tour in North America bringing their Way Down We Go tour across the US to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of their 2016 breakout album A/B (anniversary deluxe edition out now here!). On Wednesday night KALEO brought their tour to Philadelphia stopping at The Fillmore with Darren Kiely and his band as support and our photographer and writer Beck Green went to capture the magic. Relive the show with her below!
The very Irish Darren Kiely and his band set the tone for the evening at the opening act, bringing a warm and authentic charm to the stage. Between his strong vocals and unique band, he had no problem captivating the crowd. Harmonica in hand, he could sing, play guitar and bring the crowd to life.
Beyond the music, it was his quick wit and banter that won the crowd over! He introduced a track with a laugh as “the only happy song on the setlist,” which still felt like a sad song. He also shared a bit of his backstory as a musician, working in accounting and making the leap into music. It was a heartfelt performance where their love for what they do and passion genuinely shone through the show. Listen to Darren Kiely‘s new single “White Flag” and 2025’s “Weight” below, along with his 2023 album Lost:
There are very few things quite like the feeling of leaving a concert with a brand-new appreciation for a band you thought you already knew. KALEO brought their Way Down We Go Tour to Philadelphia at the Fillmore, celebrating the major milestones of the 10-year anniversary of their 2016 debut album A/B (anniversary deluxe edition out now here!) and newest album Mixed Emotions, and delivered a night that was nothing short of exciting.
Very rarely these days do you hear a band live and think, not only does this sound exactly like the record, but somehow it’s better. From the moment KALEO lead singer JJ Julius Son opened the show without hesitation, his raw, commanding, yet deeply emotional vocal delivery moved me to my core. Surrounded by his band, every rich guitar tone and soulful harmonica swell seemed to breathe pure emotion directly into the crowd. Coupled with the moody lighting and the band’s genuinely heartfelt expressions, the whole room felt incredibly intimate, holding a captivated audience in the palm of their hand.
Now, if you like tons of stage banter, this might not have been your night. Audience engagement was minimal. But honestly? It worked. The music did all the talking, creating a deeply personal flow that didn’t need fluff to keep everyone hooked.
By the time the encore rolled around, the energy shifted into pure fun. The singer walked back out repping a Philadelphia 76ers jersey to kick off the final set, driving the crowd wild one last time. Missed the Philly show? Catch them in NYC tonight at The Rooftop at Pier 17, D.C. at The Anthem on Saturday, in Canada September 9th, and across Europe starting in Spring 2027 next year! See KALEO‘s tour dates here!
Setlist:
Still No Good
Bloodline – Break My Baby
Save Yourself
Pretty Girls
Broken Bones
Can’t Go On
Automobile
Gringo
Hot Blood
USA Today
Run No More
Vor
Skinny
Back Door
No Good
Way Down We Go
Glass House – Rock n Roller
KALEO at The Fillmore by Beck Green:
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