By the time HandClap rang out in the encore earlier this month, the walls of the House of Blues in Boston were practically vibrating. Fitz and the Tantrums, veterans of the feel-good indie-pop circuit, proved once again that their calling card isn’t subtlety—it’s neon exuberance at full volume.
Opening Act: SNACKTIME
Local Philly act SNACKTIME kicked off the evening, immediately setting a welcoming, enthusiastic tone. Their interjections between songs were short, but, as is their style, overwhelmingly positive. The crowd responded in kind—SNACKTIME encouraged everyone to let loose, delivering a brief, but spirited set that brought both energy and attitude. They’re a young band and may not have had the production quality of the performance that followed them, but they carried the same vigor and spirit. They were also a good balancing act for what followed. Being a more R&B/Soul band they helped diversify the concert. They also weren’t 100% 100% of the time like Fitz and the Tantrums; their moments of levity, including their hit, and one of the best songs of the night, “Enough.”
The band members in attendance were Ben Stocker on the tenor sax, Michael Spearman on the trombone, and keys, Larry Monroe Jr. and Eric Sherman on the guitar, Sam Gellerstein on the sousaphone, bass, Austin Marlow on drums, Nico Bryant on the lead vocals.
Main Event: Fitz and the Tantrums
(Photo by Max Cogliano)
Fitz and the Tantrums came onto the stage and kicked the concert into overdrive. The entire six-piece band—fronted by Michael Fitzpatrick and Noelle Scaggs—was visibly enjoying themselves. Their energy and movement, especially close to the stage, were infectious. With the release of their sixth studio album, Man on the Moon, the band had a lot of fresh material to play with. Even so, they didn’t lean too heavily on it and blended new with old. The titular “Man on the Moon” was one of the night’s highlights. As were the band’s obligatory hits, “Out of My League,” and “HandClap.”
When the band did slow down to play the crowd and speak, they were always segueing smoothly into the next song. The crowdwork during “Shake Your Money” was particularly notable with everyone joining in on the spectacle.
Setlist Highlights
Drawing songs from their latest album, Man on the Moon, the band delivered a dynamic set including:
- New material from Man on the Moon: “OCD,” “OK OK OK,” “Oh Maria,” and the title track
- Older favorites: “MoneyGrabber,” “Sway,” “Out of My League,” and “The Walker”
- Fan anthems: “I Just Wanna Shine,” “Young Days,” and “Umbrella”
- Encore highlights: “All the Feels,” “MoneyMaker,” and the inevitable closer “HandClap”
Running roughly an hour and fifteen minutes, the performance delivered seamless flow and a brilliant light show that bordered on blinding at times. The bass was also a standpoint for show. Although rare given Fitz and the Tantrums’ very light and buoyant sound, the bass, synced with the lights, would cause the whole venue to vibrate. The audience was a mixed crowd—families, longtime fans, younger listeners, and even some grandparent–grandchild duos—all were sharing in the glory. Fitz and Scaggs’s presence was magnetic, steering the crowd’s energy across the stage. The band’s infectious spirit and polished performance pulled everyone along for the ride.
Fitz and the Tantrums aren’t reinventing their formula—not that anyone here wanted them to. What they do offer is a reminder that pop music, in the right hands, can feel like a communal exhale.
Fitz and the Tantrums delivered a high-energy show of dazzling lights and sound that left everyone buzzing. From SNACKTIME’s R&B kickoff to the final encore, the evening was brimming with joy. Whether you were a longtime fan or a new discovery, the concert was an invitation to dance, smile, and soak in the magic of live music.
Full Setlist:
- OCD
- OK OK OK
- Oh Maria
- 123456
- Good Intentions
- Heaven
- MoneyGrabber
- Sway
- Out of My League
- Livin’ for the Weekend
- Ruin the Night
- Fool
- Man on the Moon
- Young Days
- I Just Wanna Shine
- Umbrella
- The Walker
- Let Yourself Free
Encore:
- All the Feels
- MoneyMaker
- HandClap
While Natick Report mainly sticks to Natick, we do branch out here and there to cover concerts and other events beyond the town. Feel free to pitch us: natickreport@gmail.com
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