A night of electrifying performances unfolded at The Fillmore Silver Spring as Finneas made his long-awaited Maryland debut, supported by indie-rock favorites Bad Suns. The show perfectly blended high-energy rock and introspective storytelling, creating an unforgettable experience for the packed venue.

Bad Suns Set the Stage

Opening the night, Bad Suns wasted no time getting the crowd moving. The California-based indie rockers, known for their shimmering guitar work and infectious melodies, delivered a set filled with fan-favorite hits and fresh material. They exuded an effortless cool from the moment they stepped on stage, balancing tight musicianship with high-energy showmanship.

By the third song, frontman Christo Bowman had already shed his jacket, a testament to the band’s powerful stage presence and the undeniable energy in the venue. The audience, a mix of longtime fans and first-time listeners, responded with growing enthusiasm, singing along to tracks like “Daft Pretty Boys” and “Cardiac Arrest.”

A standout moment came during their new song, Communicating, when the band attempted a crowding experiment involving cell phones. While it didn’t go exactly as planned, it still sparked excitement and, more importantly, got people talking—and streaming the track after the show.

As the set neared its end, Bad Suns took a moment to snap a photo with the crowd, later posting it on Instagram to commemorate the night. Their set was a perfect warm-up for Finneas and a reminder of their staying power in the indie rock scene. By the time they left the stage, they had successfully converted casual concertgoers into dedicated listeners.

Finneas Takes Over

With the stage set and anticipation high, Finneas emerged to thunderous applause. Despite having played in nearby Washington, D.C., multiple times, this was his first-ever show in Maryland, a milestone that made the night feel even more special.

Opening with the haunting and atmospheric “The Kids Are All Dying,” Finneas immediately pulled the crowd into his world. His 19-song setlist was a testament to his versatility, blending deeply personal ballads with stadium-worthy anthems. The “Love is Pain” vulnerability was balanced by the electrifying energy of “Let’s Fall in Love for the Night,” creating a dynamic and engaging performance.

Beyond his musical prowess, Finneas demonstrated his genuine connection with the audience. At one point, he dedicated a song to a fan whose birthday was the next day, a small but heartfelt gesture that made the night feel even more intimate.

Showing his attention to detail, Finneas correctly pronounced “Silver Spring,” earning cheers from the audience, who appreciated the nod to their hometown. He shared that he had spent his day off exploring the Smithsonian museums, fully embracing the area’s history and culture during Presidents’ Day.

An enjoyable moment came when he revealed that one of his band members had attended prom at The Fillmore Silver Spring, prompting a wave of cheers from the crowd. This was a full-circle moment that reinforced the venue’s significance to the audience and those on stage.

Finneas saved one last emotional punch for the finale as the set drew to a close. Instead of ending on a high-energy track, he chose to close the night with “For Cryin’ Out Loud,” a deeply personal and introspective ballad. The hushed crowd hung onto every note, fully immersed in the song’s raw emotion. It was a fitting end to an evening that had been equal parts euphoric and heartfelt, leaving the audience in quiet awe before erupting into a final wave of applause.

A Night to Remember

From start to finish, Bad Suns and Finneas created an evening with equal parts high-energy fun and heartfelt storytelling. Bad Suns set the tone with their infectious indie-rock anthems, and Finneas took it home with a cinematic and deeply personal performance.

His Maryland debut was long overdue, but it was well worth the wait. Whether performing in a massive arena or an intimate venue like The Fillmore Silver Spring, Finneas can transform a space into a deeply emotional and unforgettable musical journey.

If last night was any indication, this won’t be his last time in Silver Spring.