SILVERSTEIN – LIVE AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES – BOSTON
By Mia Palazzo
January 11, 2025 – Silverstein brought their 25 Years of Noise Tour to Boston’s House of Blues, with special guests Thursday, Arm’s Length, and Split Chain. This tour lineup is an early contender for the best show of the year, boasting a roster that will be incredibly tough to beat thanks to the inclusion of some of the most iconic punk rock bands in the scene. Featuring acts from the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, this bill offers something for fans with diverse tastes.
Despite the cold and slightly snowy January night, fans lined up early to secure prime spots in the venue. If you haven’t heard of it, the House of Blues in Boston is located on a street adjacent to the iconic Fenway Park. This street is also home to one of my favorite aspects of Boston: the legendary sausage stands. These stands are a must-visit on show nights, serving up some of the best sausages from true Boston natives. If you’re ever attending a show here, treat yourself to one—you won’t regret it!
But I digress. Back to the show.
Split Chain
The first band to take the stage was Split Chain. Silverstein has a reputation for spotlighting talented up-and-coming acts, and they truly outdid themselves with this opener. Hailing from Bristol, UK, and performing only their second-ever show in the U.S., Split Chain brought an astonishing level of energy to the stage. It’s not uncommon for foreign openers on such a stacked tour lineup to struggle with crowd engagement, but Split Chain defied expectations.
From the barricade to the back of the room, fans were singing along, dancing, and even opening up a decently sized pit on the floor. Split Chain left a lasting impression on the crowd and set the tone perfectly for the rest of the night. They were definitely a band to watch and were an exceptional introduction to what was yet to come.
Arm’s Length
Next up was Arm’s Length, a fellow Canadian band who had most recently visited Boston while touring with Real Friends this past November. The short gap since their last show was apparent—fans passionately sang along to every word, and the band’s presence drew a younger segment of the audience. Opening their set with “In Loving Memory,” the band delivered standout performances of tracks like “Formative Age” and “Funny Face.” It was only fitting that Silverstein’s 25-year tour included a fellow Ontario band, creating a shared camaraderie and lineage that Shane Told later referenced when reminiscing about Silverstein’s early days.
Thursday
While the openers performed concise 30-minute sets, they left plenty of time for New Jersey’s Thursday to deliver a perfectly curated performance as the main support. As frontman Geoff Rickly mentioned later in the set, the House of Blues holds sentimental value for the band. It was here, seven years ago, that Thursday played their first show post-hiatus. For Rickly, it was also the first show he performed sober, making their return to this venue all the more special.
The audience’s love for Thursday was evident from the moment their logo appeared on the screen. As each member took the stage, the cheers grew louder, culminating in Rickly’s grand entrance. Kicking off with a medley of “The Other Side of the Crash/Over and Out,” the band delivered a powerhouse performance. Rickly’s iconic vocals, combined with the band’s chemistry, created a set brimming with energy and passion.
The addition of Wade MacNeil (Alexisonfire, Gallows) as a new band member added a fresh dynamic, though his seamless integration made it feel as if he’d always been part of the group. Rickly introduced him early in the set, and MacNeil effortlessly led the band into a stunning rendition of “Cross Out the Eyes.” Highlights included the rarely played “The Lovesong Writer,” which sparked a flurry of crowd surfers—most memorably, a pair of preteens grinning ear-to-ear as they rode the waves of the crowd. Their father ensured they returned safely to their spot, a heartwarming moment that showcased how Thursday’s music continues to transcend generations. The band closed with “Understanding in a Car Crash” and “War All the Time,”.
Silverstein
Finally, Burlington, Ontario’s Silverstein took the stage. Long-time staples at the House of Blues, the band has been a consistent presence in Boston since their early days. Celebrating 25 years, Silverstein kicked off their set with the newly released “Skin & Bones” from their upcoming album Antibloom. The show opened with a nostalgic touch—a video montage of the band’s history, complete with a nod to AOL Instant Messenger and a recorded monologue by Shane Told. Reflecting on their journey, Told said, “Twenty-five years ago, we were just five dudes from Canada,” and, “For us, it was about making noise, doing what we love, and something amazing happened—you all showed up.”
From there, the band launched into one of their most dynamic performances to date. Mixing tracks from their latest work with classic hits, they maintained a relentless energy throughout the night. Highlights included “The Afterglow,” “Bad Habits,” and an acoustic rendition of their iconic track “My Heroine,” which drew tears and cheers from the crowd. The entire band shone, with Paul Marc Rousseau’s grins and harmonies adding to the joy of the performance. Their chemistry was palpable, and every album from their extensive discography was represented, even their debut EP.
The encore, featuring “Smashed into Pieces” and “Bleed No More,” was a cathartic finale, complete with a confetti explosion. As the band wrapped up the night, it was clear why Silverstein has remained a powerhouse for 25 years. With a new album on the horizon, fans can expect to see them back in Boston soon. If you’ve never experienced a Silverstein show, don’t miss out—they’re a testament to the enduring power of punk rock
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