Thursday, June 19, 2025

298 -- Fitz and the Tantrums -- Saturday July 27, 2024 -- Merriweather Post Pavilion -- Columbia, MD

The first time I listened to Fitz, a few weeks before the show, there was no transition period. The rhythm, lyrics, and delivery were catchy from the start.

When I continued to listen, individual songs became hard to distinguish, and it made me remember that indie dance pop is not my wheelhouse. Nevertheless, I dug them. 

The good vibes continued into their set. Fitz was animated and committed — and, unlike The Hives, they put music center stage. I loved the band’s diversity as well: a snazzy, hair-streaked white lead, a bouncy, beautiful black co-lead, and a pianist, saxophonist, and guitarist of three other backgrounds. The variety fit the vibe of the performance: all sounds for the sake of the audience. That may sound forced, a college brochure come to awkward life. I swear, though, in the moment, it was true!!!!

--- “I Just Wanna Shine”: they got everyone to turn on their lights and wave in rhythm throughout!! Mini woo for the frontman casually flicking a guitar pick into the crowd at the end — well before the last song. Just rewards for a job well done!!!

--- “All The Feels” is appropriately named. “The Walker” continues the joy.

--- Awww, when they played at the Capitol 4th for PBS a few weeks ago, they met a kid named Fitz, who they invited to Merriweather. After a few seconds of scanning the crowd, everyone finds him, sitting on his parents’ shoulders!!!!

--- Intro to “Moneygrabber”: “We’ve been touring for 17 years. This is for everyone who’s been following us from the very beginning.”

--- “Hand Clap” confirms it: Fitz is a GREAT opener.

Grade: A


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