Alkaline Trio Lights Up The Fillmore in Philly

Words & Photos by Hristina Stoimenova (@hsmusicphotography)

Hey punk rockers, have I got a show review for you! The Fillmore in Philadelphia was transformed into a haven for all things loud, fast, and raw as The Alkaline Trio took the stage for a night of pure adrenaline-fueled punk rock madness. But before we dive into the headlining act, let’s talk about the fiery opening performance by Drug Church that set the tone for the night.

The moment Drug Church stepped onto the stage, you could feel the energy in the room shift. These guys came to rock, and rock they did! The intensity of their performance was palpable, with each member giving their all and feeding off the crowd’s energy.

With their gritty vocals and hard-hitting instrumentals, Drug Church delivered a set that left us all hungry for more. Their stage presence was electric, and it was impossible not to get caught up in the energy they exuded. From start to finish, Drug Church had us on our feet, headbanging and moshing like there was no tomorrow.

And then, the moment we had all been waiting for arrived – The Alkaline Trio graced the stage, and the crowd went wild. With a career spanning nearly three decades, these punk rock legends know how to put on a show, and they did not disappoint.

The Chicago-born band shocked fans at the end of last year when long-term drummer and co-songwriter Derek Grant left the group after 22 years behind the kit. However, they recruited the very talented Atom Willard.

Matt Skiba, Dan Andriano, and Atom Williard complemented each other perfectly on stage, their chemistry undeniable. From the first chord to the last, The Alkaline Trio had us in their grip, taking us on a musical journey that we didn’t want to end.

As The Alkaline Trio tore through hit after hit, the crowd’s energy never waned. Classic songs like “Private Eye,” “Time to Waste,” and “Blood, hair and eyeballs” from their tenth new, same title album that they just released January of this year, had us all singing along at the top of our lungs, creating a sense of unity among strangers brought together by a love for punk rock.

Seeing The Alkaline Trio live is a different experience altogether. Their raw energy and passion for their music transcended the stage, enveloping everyone in the venue in a whirlwind of emotion and nostalgia. It was a night that reminded us why we fell in love with punk rock in the first place.

So, if you ever have the chance to catch The Alkaline Trio live, don’t hesitate – do it. With 16 more dates left from this leg of the tour, you can still catch them in US and the in the summer starting in July till mid August they will be rocking in multiple countries in Europe!

Their performance at The Fillmore in Philadelphia was a reminder of why punk rock will always have a special place in our hearts. The energy, the passion, the sheer love for the music – it’s a feeling that can’t be replicated anywhere else.