Picture this: the weather had finally turned, and it’s officially Doc Martens season. Your playlist is starting to sound like a soundtrack straight out of ‘The O.C‘ and you are reaching for your leather jacket while booking tickets to see your favorite band as they swing by your city. Autumn is in the air, and your demure phase is long gone. The artists who capture these vibes are doing something essential—something lasting. Bringing us right to this seasonal euphoria, was The Hives at their show in Boston. What we expected to be a high-energy punk show also turned into something entirely vast: a phone-free experience with a band that values their time on stage as much as the fans did. Here’s how it all went down.
Bad Nerves
Bad Nerves opened the night with a burst of energy, delivering a sound that felt both fresh and nostalgic. Their sharp humor and candid reflections on the challenges of being an opening act (especially on a Wednesday night), made them instantly relatable, fitting seamlessly into The Hives’ high-octane atmosphere.
Bad Nerves formed in Essex, UK, and have only officially released a handful of songs including their self-titled debut album in 2020. Despite this, their stage presence was anything but small. Their performance was punchy, familiar, and packed with crowd-pleasing energy. As they travel with the Hives on the current Death of Randy Fitzsimmons Tour, we saw fans eagerly grabbing vinyls and t-shirts to show support. If you’re into bands like the Clash, DEADLETTER, or Amyl and The Sniffers, you’ll vibe with their sound. We can’t wait to see them again as we have our fingers crossed for an intimate basement gig.
The Hives
The Hives set the bar high with their stage setup, creating an interactive and visually appealing backdrop. The band’s team had crafted the word ‘HIVES’ in large white block letters, complemented by a similar pattern on their curtain (echoing the designs on their suits). The show kicked off brilliantly as each band member appeared one by one, getting into character with every beat of the drums. As they awaited the arrival of lead vocalist Pelle Almqvist, the crowd grew increasingly excited.
Once Pelle stepped onto the stage, the entire mood transformed. He lifted his mic stand toward the audience, and the amount of energy from the band made it hard to be bored throughout the entire performance. It was captivating to witness how they engaged with fans—moving through the pit and asking fans how far they traveled. The connection they established added an extra layer of excitement to the show for many.
All things Lore
The band originally formed in 1993 and has remained active ever since, giving us tour after tour, albums, and even featuring in popular films and TV shows like ‘The Vampire Diaries‘ and ‘Taken’. What was a cool insight into their lore was the tour name interacting with their latest album. This character, present in their music from the very beginning, has drawn long-time listeners to experience a fresh and stirring take on their live shows.
Don’t Sleep on The Hives
While the shows might have felt enigmatic to those unfamiliar with their lore, it didn’t take long for newcomers to get swept up. Fans ensured that the tradition continued, with their kids as young as four or five beside them. There wasn’t a dull moment throughout the entire set, and judging by their energy, the Hives aren’t stopping anytime soon.
Towards the end of the set, they parted the crowd, interacting with them, and thanked everyone for coming. If you’re looking for a show you shouldn’t miss, consider this your sign to hop back on the indie alt train. Treat yourself to a two-hour, phone-free experience—you won’t regret it!
Check out our gallery below!
Have you gotten the chance to see The Hives live yet? The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons tour is currently underway! You can purchase tickets for the rest of their tour here.
Have you been following The Hives’ journey throughout North America? We want to know what part of the show you’re most amped to see. Let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook or Instagram!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HIVES
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BAD NERVES
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE
