Aside from an intimate one-off stop at The Sinclair last year, The Hives haven’t played a headlining set in Boston in over a decade. The audience, undoubtably eager to see the Swedish rock band, were treated to an absolutely electric show with never-ending energy from the group as well as from support Bad Nerves.
There’s something special about Bad Nerves. Since the the Essex-based punk rockers made their debut in 2020, they’ve garnered a cult following here in Boston - a result of multiple stops in the city, including a headliner this spring at Arts at The Armory, and a support slot on Royal Blood’s 2023 tour. A perfect fusion of garage rock and punk, it’s no surprise that the Boston scene has welcomed the quintet with open arms.
A match made in rock and roll heaven, Bad Nerves made the undoubtably tricky task of opening for a band like The Hives look easy. The combination of their high octane performing style and undeniably catchy hooks made the group an immediate crowd favorite. Add in a signature punk rock attitude and with a look highlighted by Chuck Taylors, leather jackets, and thick black sunglasses, and you have a live-wire performance like no other.
If you missed out on it this time, have no fear! Bad Nerves be making a second stop in the city later this week at House of Blues, supporting Nothing But Thieves on their current US leg.
Clad in matching zig-zagged suits, The Hives demand your full attention from the jump. Early in the set, frontman Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist made a point to show his dislike of the disconnect electronics make in live music settings, plucking phones from audience members and setting them on the stage and asking the crowd to set down the screens for the rest of the night - “Let’s get loose, after all it’s the ‘90s! Dance!” To my surprise, the audience actually listened, and for the majority of The Hives’ set there wasn’t a phone in sight.
The Hives know how to perform. Each member brings their own charm to the stage - power posing, kicking, and jumping across the stage, The Hives created one of the most dynamic live performances I’ve ever seen, and sounded damn good doing it. Playing quite a few tracks from their newest record, The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons, as well as greatest hits like “Hate To Say I Told You So” and “Tick Tick Boom,” there was something for everyone to latch onto.
The Hives may be wrapping up their current tour, but the group is showing absolutely no signs of slowing down. I can’t recommend catching them next time they’re in a town near you enough - just be sure to leave your phone at home and bring your best dancing shoes!
BAD NERVES CAN BE FOUND AT:
THE HIVES CAN BE FOUND AT:
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