Words and photos by Isabelle Jonsson
Halloween came early for Los Angeles. The Growlers transformed the historic Hollywood Palladium into a night of horror as they sold out the last show of their Beach Goth tour in the U.S. After the alluring Kirin J Callinan opened up the evening, as well as a thrilling performance by Michael Jackson, the band was welcomed onstage by Madame Elvira where they played a two hour set in wicked costumes and makeup.
Photographs by Kayla Fernandez
The Growlers surprised fans with a very intimate show at The Echo, days before their beloved Beach Goth Festival.
Review + Photos by Lilli Banks
The Growlers, Baltimore Soundstage, May 19.
On a quiet night in Baltimore, the venue, Baltimore Soundstage was growing louder as The Growlers set time came closer. The Growlers decided to stop in Baltimore, MD during their “City Club Tour”.
I’d never known that so many people in Baltimore knew and listened to The Growlers. Many college kids and teens were in the crowd as the older folk occupied the back of the venue.
The venue told me that there was no barricade, so that put on a challenge for me to get as close to the front as I could. To be honest, didn’t really work out. The crowd is different from barricade or in the photo pit…
I saw the crowd so engaged in the band. There were no phone use restrictions nor did the band ask them to put down their phones. Their “beach goth” sound put on the right atmosphere for a Thursday night in Baltimore. The solos brought from the guitarists were chill, but so captivating. The Growlers are one of those bands where if you listen closely, each instrument is heard and never overshadowed by another. The crowd was still energetic as ever as the first few notes of their favorite songs played. The band knew how to choose their setlist, they varied it a bit from other shows which always brings an element of surprise. They chose a great selection from their multiple albums to please all their fans. In one song, Matt, the lead guitarist, takes over singing a song and the entire crowd started cheering! It was a moment where not all bands put the spotlight on other members. Not all fans in the crowd knew he did this either, so seeing the shift and excitement was thrilling for both the band and the crowd themselves!
The best part of a concert is truly seeing how much the fans are in love with the band and live music. The universal effect of music truly is wonderful.
Music can bring such joy to peoples lives. However, on May 22, Manchester Arena was bombed during an Ariana Grande concert. Although The Growlers show was May 19 and the Manchester event occurred afterwards, it is still important to talk about.
PLEASE email your local venues and ask them to up their security. The bombing occurred outside the arena, but venue security is still a problem. Sometimes bags aren’t even checked. Continue to go to concerts. Try to make a change! Even the slightest enhancement can save a life.
All our staff at LDM are sending condolences to those affected by this tragedy.
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