New Jersey indie rock giants, The Gaslight Anthem, bring the History Books Tour with special guests Joyce Manor and The Dirty Nil.
Summer tours are in full swing in Houston, Texas, and The Gaslight Anthem brought one of the hottest tours to the state. The Gaslight Anthem’s album, History Books, released in October 2023, marked their first full-length album since 2014’s Get Hurt.
The night kicked off with the Canadian rock band The Dirty Nil. The three-piece band delivered an earth-shattering performance, with thunderous drums, a powerful bass and electrifying vocals. Despite playing in a large venue, The Dirty Nil created an atmosphere reminiscent of a small DIY show. Elements of punk rock were evident in their fast-playing style. The band played multiple tracks from their album Free Rein to Passions, released in April. The energy they brought to the stage was palpable, and their constant engagement with the crowd made the experience even more enjoyable.
Up next were punk rockers Joyce Manor from Torrance, California. Formed in 2008, the band has been touring for many years, releasing multiple albums and EPs throughout their career, blending punk, emo and indie rock elements. The band celebrated the 10-year anniversary of their critically acclaimed album Never Hungover Again. They performed eight tracks, including hit songs “Falling in Love Again,” “Schley” and “Catalina Fight Song.” The band’s performance was upbeat and fast-paced, with the crowd often erupting in excitement whenever a track from Never Hungover Again was played, singing along throughout each song. Throughout the night, mosh pits and crowd surfers rejoiced whenever their favorite songs played. Joyce Manor consistently delivers high-energy performances. In addition to tracks from Never Hungover Again, the band also played songs from 40 oz. to Fresno and their self-titled album. Fans truly enjoy their music, and Joyce Manor has made a significant impact on many lives.
Anticipation filled the air for the headliner, and once The Gaslight Anthem hit the stage, fans screamed with excitement. They opened the night with the track “American Slang,” which set the tone with its blend of Americana, punk, and indie rock elements. The band stormed the stage and captivated the audience. They followed with their hit single “45,” causing fans to dance and sing their hearts out. The song was widely recognized across all age groups at the show, and it was thrilling to see the crowd’s reaction to hearing it live. The band performed for an hour and thirty minutes, playing over twenty songs from their discography. The night included a mix of slower tracks for couples to dance to and energetic songs for fans to rock out. The performance offered something for everyone, showcasing the band’s skillful blending of multiple genres and delivering a memorable rock and roll experience. Tracks from the album History Books were a highlight, along with songs from The ’59 Sound and Handwritten. The Houston crowd cheered past midnight for each song, and the band closed the night with “The ’59 Sound.” The Gaslight Anthem left fans with a night they will remember forever.
I am a Houston-based photographer who has been attending concerts since MP3 players were a thing. I graduated from the University of Houston in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in advertising. In my free time, you can find me headbanging at hardcore/rock shows, collecting movies, and training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu!
