AJR Delivers Electric Performance at Pine Knob Music Theatre
UPDATE: AJR rocked the Pine Knob Music Theatre on July 29, 2023, captivating over 13,000 fans with a dynamic performance despite the absence of eldest brother Adam Met. The trio’s energetic show featured a mix of their biggest hits and new material, showcasing their unique ability to connect with audiences in a personal way.
The concert, part of the summer’s Somewhere in the Sky Tour, highlighted AJR’s evolution over 20 years of performing and 12 years of music releases. With Adam promoting a new book, brothers Jack and Ryan Met took center stage, supported by talented accompanists Arnetta Johnson on trumpet and keyboards, and Chris Berry on drums. The absence of their brother was not addressed, but the duo maintained the high-energy spirit that fans have come to love.
AJR has risen to fame without traditional radio play, exemplifying a new era in the music industry driven by social media and streaming platforms. The concert was a testament to their innovative approach, with a setlist that included 19 songs from their catalog, featuring the new single “Betty” from their upcoming EP, What No One’s Thinking, set for release on August 29.
Fans were treated to a visual spectacle, including clever interactions with video projections, such as Jack engaging with images of himself. The performance also included a step-by-step insight into their songwriting process for “100 Bad Days,” deepening the connection with their audience.
As the show reached its climax, the band transitioned to a video percussion duel, leading to a surprise encore featuring a marching band that joined them for a rendition of “Weak.” The creative elements captivated the audience, although some segments felt over-extended, such as orchestrating multiple singalongs, which some fans found excessive.
Musical highlights included fan favorites like “Way Less Sad” and “Burn the House Down,” while Ryan’s solo performance of “Inertia” allowed the other members to regroup for their popular tracks “World’s Smallest Violin” and “Wow, I’m Not Crazy.” A six-minute medley featured rarely performed songs, including “I’m Ready,” marking its first live appearance in eight years.
AJR’s performance at Pine Knob Music Theatre underscored their journey toward what they describe in “The Good Part” as their “best years.” With a dedicated fan base and innovative approach, there’s a palpable sense that even greater moments lie ahead for the band. As they continue to push the boundaries of their music, fans eagerly anticipate what’s next.
Stay tuned for more updates on AJR and their upcoming releases!
