FINNEAS made his return to Boston on February 21, performing his biggest solo show to date at MGM Music Hall in celebration of his most recent album, For Cryin' Out Loud! Having attended his previous Boston show at the House of Blues in 2021, which was his biggest solo show at the time, it was incredible to see him sell out an even bigger venue this time around.

For this leg of the tour, his openers were Bad Suns, a rock band from Woodland Hills, California. FINNEAS talked briefly about how much of a fan he was of Bad Suns growing up, even recruiting drummer Miles Morris to join his band during tour. He commended Morris for handling double duty on this leg of the tour, reminiscing about the times he had to do it while on tour with Billie Eilish. I first discovered Bad Suns through Billie and FINNEAS during an episode of Eilish's pandemic-era Apple Music show titled me and dad radio. In the episode, the sibling duo compiled songs from their childhood, including the song “Cardiac Arrest” by Bad Suns. I immediately fell in love and the song has been one of my most played ever since. Needless to say, I was excited to finally hear the song live. Band vocalist and lead guitarist Christo Bowman still sounds just like the record 10 years after the song’s release. The entire band’s energy could be felt throughout the crowd, who at one point were instructed to try and play the act’s newest song, “Communicating," a funny moment Bowman tried to catch on film. Surely, Bad Suns gained some new fans that night and received an enormous round of applause at the end of their 35-minute set.

FINNEAS started the show with a singular spotlight on him at the piano, singing the album’s opening track "Starfucker." One by one, his band members took the stage: Aron Forbes on bass and guitar, David Marinelli on modular synth and guitar, Rickey Gourmet (who FINNEAS lovingly refers to as “Rat”) on guitar, and once again, Miles Morris on drums. As always, FINNEAS played his collection of instruments, including acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano, and most importantly his voice. Each member had an opportunity to shine on stage. Morris had all eyes on him during the drum solo of “What’s It Gonna Take to Break Your Heart?” Marinelli showed the power of his synths during “Lotus Eater," a layer of sound that really rounded out the music, and Rickey Gourmet shredded his solo during “2001."

Throughout the show, FINNEAS took moments to appreciate the great city of Boston, recounting his childhood obsession with Paul Revere and telling the audience about his visit to the frozen Boston Commons the day before the show. He showed his love for the city during the midway point of the show, saying “It’s gonna be hard to top Boston” and promised this was not the typical tour white lie.

After his Boston performance, FINNEAS played two sold-out shows in Brooklyn, NY, and will continue touring through the Midwest and West before wrapping up his American dates in his hometown of Los Angeles, California. After, he will be taking the show across the Atlantic for a slate of sold out shows throughout the spring and summer. FINNEAS continues to prove why he is a multi-time Grammy and two-time Oscar winner during his time on the road, showcasing his excellence in songwriting and collaboration as well as live show production. It's about time he receives the applause and respect he deserves as a solo artist, and perhaps with a bit of bias, I believe Boston did just that.

// Nena King '25 is a guest writer for Record Hospital.