Photos and Review by Robert McDonald
Galleries: Bare Naked Ladies, Five for Fighting, Del Amitri
On July 9, 2023, the Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston was absolutely buzzing! Why, you ask? Well, it was all thanks to the Barenaked Ladies’ 7th almost-annual, Last Summer on Earth 2023 American Tour. These guys started this epic tradition back in 2012, when the Mayan calendar was all “Hey, the world might end!” So, BNL thought, “Why not throw a killer tour?” And guess what? They had a blast! So much so, they’ve hit the road for this tour seven times in the last 12 summers.
The night kicked off with a bang, thanks to the Scottish rockers Del Amitri. They cranked up the energy, blasting out their unique pop-rock sound and getting everyone pumped for the epic night of music ahead.
Next up, Five for Fighting rocked the stage, belting out crowd favorites like “Chances,” “The Riddle,” and “Superman.” John Ondrasik, the man behind the band, is a total humanitarian hero. He shared a touching story about his recent trip to Kyiv before launching into his new song “Can One Man Save the World.” They wrapped up their set with a surprise cover of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which had everyone singing at the top of their lungs and totally amped for the main act.
Then, the moment we’d all been waiting for – the Barenaked Ladies hit the stage! These Toronto rockers, known for their playful vibes and witty lyrics, totally owned the night. Even though Ed Robertson confessed to a tired voice, they kept the energy high and the crowd bouncing. They played a killer mix of their classic hits and fan favorites, creating a musical experience that was a total blast from the past and a fresh new adventure all at once.
The Barenaked Ladies kept the crowd in stitches with their hilarious banter and storytelling, making the concert feel like a giant party with your best buds. Their performance of “Brian Wilson” was a total showstopper, getting everyone on their feet and ready to rock the rest of the night. The crowd was totally into it, singing along to every song and cheering like there was no tomorrow.
As the night wound down, Barenaked Ladies played their iconic “If I had $1,000,000,” a song that’s become a total anthem for the band. They wrapped up the night with a soulful cover of “Jet Airliner” by Paul Pena, leaving the crowd buzzing and wanting more.
Just like previous Last Summer on Earth tours, this year’s lineup was a killer mix of diverse bands, creating a concert experience that was totally unique and unified. From Del Amitri’s opening act to the grand finale by Barenaked Ladies, the Last Summer on Earth 2023 tour was a musical journey that was absolutely unforgettable. What a night!