Massachusetts rockers Highly Suspect are one of the hottest bands around right now. It seems hard to believe that just a few years ago nobody knew who they were and then all of a sudden, things began happening for them in a big way. 2015’s “Mister Asylum” debut spawned the singles “Lydia” and “Bloddfeather” which remain fan favorites to this day. After their second album “The Boy Who Died Wolf,” the band suddenly was at the top of the rock world. Since that time, the band has toured incessantly while playing major rock festivals around the country. 2019 saw the release of their latest offering “MCID,” which stand for My Crew Is Dope, of course. This past Tuesday night, The Fillmore Charlotte played host as Highly Suspect hit the Queen City performing to a sold out crowd.
The band hit the stage promptly at nine with Ryan Meyer taking his spot behind his kit while brother Rich Meyer and Johnny Stevens made their way out all to a taped version of Elton John’s “Can You Feel The Love Tonight.” The band members bumped fists and were in great spirits before saluting the crowd with a fist in the air and hitting things hard right off the bat with “Bath Salts.” From that point on, the band commanded the attention of everyone in the venue as they ran through a rousing set of songs. As fans screamed “We love you Johnny,” he raised his hand waving at the crowd without missing a beat. The band sounded great although there were a few sound quality issues later in the set. Bass guitarist Rich Meyer took over lead vocals on “Round and Round” and “Arizona,” offering a different perspective and a chance for Johnny to interact with the crowd. After a rousing version of “My Name Is Human” that had the audience singing along, the band departed the stage for the first encore. People were jumping and bouncing to “Everything Is Sex.” The orange vests came out with a little rap help for their latest tune which Johnny urged everyone to request from their local radio stations, “16.” After hearing “Snow White” live for the first time, the night was almost complete The crowd was anxious for to hear the song that really broke the band, “Lydia” with everyone pulling out their phones in anticipation. Instead, we were treated to a poignant rendition of “Wolf.” After that, the lights came on and the entire venue remained rooted in their spots. Everyone was shocked and wondering if the suddenly the lights would dim and Highly Suspect would return for one more song. Alas, they did not and many fans left the venue in disbelief. After an amazing night of music, the show seemed to end on a strange note because of it.
Set List:
Bath Salts
Bloodfeather
Lost
Round & Round
Claudeland
These Days
Juzo
Arizona
Freakstreet
My Name Is Human
Fly
Everything Is Sex
Tetsuo’s Bike
Tokyo Ghoul
16
F.W.Y.T.
Snow White
Wolf
We would like to thank Keely Higgins at No Big Deal PR for the credentials to review the show.
