The Struts come 'Across The Pond' for 'SOLD OUT' Show at XL LIVE

May 31, 2022

The Struts returned to Pennsylvania on Memorial Day weekend for the 'Across the Pond' tour and became the latest band to sell out at XL Live as part of the concert series produced by Harrisburg University Presents.

The Struts are no strangers to Pennsylvania as the British rock band have played the state since their early days from festival appearances at Made in America, radio sponsored shows with ALT 104.5 in Philadelphia, a free concert in Downtown Reading and of course multiple performances at XL Live in Harrisburg. Through out their growing career The Struts have been compared to many bands but the most important adjective that can be used to describe the band is revolutionary. While the United Kingdom may not have been in tune with the band during their emerging years the United States has never had a greater need for raw rock n’ roll music like the band offers; not to mention the fact that every single song is infectiously fun and catchy.


The band's latest tour was a short run of dates through the month of May that brought them back to a handful of very special venues and the majority of the shows were sold out as their fans were eager to see the band in such intimate venues. The Struts' XL Live return was once again sold out and the band became the first "three-peat" artist to hit the stage as part of the Harrisburg University Presents concert series in the venue.


While in reality it was the final weekend of May, it felt like a true summer evening as XL Live was packed to capacity and the large garage doors were opened to their sprawling outside bar to allow some cool air to fill the sold out venue. The Struts hit the stage just past 9PM and in true "Struts" fashion arrived with a bit of glam, fashion and on this night a memorable surprise for all fans in attendance. The stage was set with a plentiful amount of color LEDS that washed over the 'Union Jack' that had burst to life on the XL Live video wall behind the stage. All at once the band ran onto the stage to the roar of the crowd as they stage illuminated into a rainbow of color as they kicked the party off with a powerful rendition of "Primadonna Like Me." Luke Spiller worked the crowd in master fashion, behind him on the drums Gethin Davies was perched behind his giant Welsh flag in traditional fashion and to Spiller's left Jed Elliot was laying down the bass as effortfully as always - but to his right fans were treated to a special guest appearance from Philadelphia legend and guitarist Nick Perri on lead guitar who was filling in for Adam Slack on the last few dates of the tour. As The Struts moved quickly into "Body Talks" it became clear that fans were in for a unique and incredible show as Perri had not only done his homework on the material but brought his own signature sound to the stage as well.

The Struts' 15 song set at XL Live took fans across their entire discography and was filled with the mainstays fans have come to expect from their shows (and then some as the band included some deeper cuts). As the set progressed later into the night the sold out crowd didn't falter as the already warm venue began to swelter with the heat of the night. The Struts kept the crowd dancing as they powered through for a set of incredible moments including some shining highlight performances of "Dirty Sexy Money," "Wild Child" and "I Do It So Well."


Luke Spiller has always been an impressive front man for The Struts but the 'Across the Pond' tour has seen him rise to new heights as he took his masterful art of crowd interaction to new levels. Spiller's renewed energy combined his flawless vocal delivery in Harrisburg propelled the performance to a top tier list amongst the band's many appearances in Pennsylvania across the years.


The evening came to a crashing end as the band ended things on a high note as "Could Have Been Me" had the entire crowd in a fever - before leaving the stage Luke Spiller shouted to the crowd in tradition to "Remember the Name, The Struts" and the crowd filed out of the venue into the night.

Harrisburg University Presents and XL Live continue to remain at the forefront of the alternative scene in Pennsylvania. The collaboration of these two powerhouses has transformed the market and made Harrisburg a "must play" market - as well as a "must return" for many acts including The Struts. The summer concert series was officially kicked off with this show and The Struts set the bar incredible high for the months to come for fans.


Don't miss the next big show, be sure to follow XL Live and Harrisburg University Presents on Facebook for all announcements and visit their websites for tickets to all upcoming events.

Article Written By:

Matt Christine

Summer of Loud Turns the Historic York Fair Into a Full-Throttle Metal Mayhem

By Matt Christine • July 22, 2025
There are few tours as dynamic on the road this summer as The Summer of Loud tour and somehow this pyro heavy mega tour made it's way to the most unlikely stop in Pennsylvania as it touched down at the 260th Historic York Fair - a country fair mainstay that is more likely to have some country twang than a dozen mosh pits and crowd surfers. As America’s oldest fair, dating back to 1765, the York Fair has hosted everything from tractor pulls to livestock shows to fried Oreos. But this year? It became a coliseum of breakdowns, blast beats, and crowd roars thanks to the Summer of Loud Festival. The historic fairgrounds were transformed into a headbanger’s haven, echoing the legendary chaos of past Mayhem Fests. The rotating lineup of the tour was at full force, and for this stop, we were treated to Dark Divine, Alpha Wolf, The Devil Wears Prada, The Amity Affliction, I Prevail, Beartooth, Parkway Drive, and the mighty Killswitch Engage. Eight hours. No breaks. Just pure, relentless metalcore magic. However, for a festival of this magnitude, the York Fair security was absolutely not up to par. Fans were frequently dropped while crowd surfing, mosh pit safety was neglected, and response times to injured attendees were embarrassingly slow. Multiple crowd members complained about being shoved back into the pit after being pulled from it, visibly disoriented. It wasn’t just disappointing—it was dangerous. And some bands noticed… loudly. Kicking off the mayhem was Dark Divine, a fast-rising force in the world of theatrical metalcore. With a sound that blends haunting melodies, crushing breakdowns, and a visual aesthetic straight from a horror flick, these guys turned heads early on. Frontman Anthony Martinez prowled the stage with purpose, backed by a tight, atmospheric set that included fan favorites like “Deadly Fun” and “Halloweentown.” For a band still on the rise, they played like seasoned vets—and set the tone for a day of pure chaos. Then came the Aussies in Alpha Wolf, and with them came an avalanche of sound. “Akudama” was a war cry that blew the roof off the barn—figuratively, of course. “Creep” was a brutal wall of noise that had the pit convulsing. Lochie Keogh looked like a man possessed, pacing the stage like he was ready to pounce. Their set was raw, hostile, and unforgettable. The Devil Wears Prada hit the York stage with a blend of metalcore muscle and emotional weight. Mike Hranica’s intensity was unmatched—every scream felt like a release. Their tribute to the late Dave Shapiro was heartfelt and beautiful, a rare moment of quiet in an otherwise relentless set as Shapiro's legacy loomed large over this tour as the Summer of Loud was one of his final tours booked/announced currently. Next up The Amity Affliction brought their signature blend of melody and brutality to the crowd, and the audience was here for it. Joel Birch wasn't slowed down at all by his broken ankle and had a sea of fans belting out the lyrics during “Like Love,” and his screams during “Pittsburgh” could be heard all the way across the fairgrounds near the deep-fried candy stand. I Prevail hit the stage with a non stop burst of pyro with “Bow Down” and kept the firestorm rolling through “Hurricane.” Their tribute to Dave Shapiro and their now-iconic cover of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space” brought big crowd reactions as did their comical country fair face paint that they all had done before hitting the stage. Their set was bombastic, emotional, and perfectly executed. And then there was Beartooth. From the first scream, Caleb Shomo was a man on fire—but not just from the music. Throughout the entire set, he repeatedly called out security for dropping fans, ignoring crowd injuries, and failing to control the barricade area. “Do your job and catch people!” he shouted mid-song, his voice frustrated with anger and at a guard who clearly snarked back at him in the barricade. The security's short comings didn't prevent Shomo and Beartooth from delivering the best set of the day but it was certainly a frustrating undertone during their performance. Things got so tense that by the end of their set, crew members had to hold Caleb back as he stormed the edge of the stage, visibly furious about how fans were being handled. It was clear: this was more than just a show for him—it was a mission to protect his people. And while his performance was, as always, tight and passionate, it was the rage that left the biggest mark. What better way to follow that intensity than with the godfathers of modern metalcore? Killswitch Engage were absolute professionals, blasting through “The End of Heartache” and “Holy Diver” with surgical precision. Jesse Leach remains a powerhouse of presence, spending as much time connecting with fans as he does belting out anthems. Finally, Parkway Drive lit up the York Fair like the 4th of July with the most theatrical, explosive set of the day. Winston McCall stalked the stage like a general in war, commanding the masses through “Glitch,” “Prey,” and “Crushed.” But the highlight? The spinning drum cage with pyrotechnics erupting like a volcanic finale. It wasn’t just a show—it was a spectacle. Parkway Drive are the kings of controlled chaos, and they reminded everyone why. The 260th York Fair just got a new page in its long history—one written in sweat, distortion, and cathartic screams. While security needs a major overhaul before next year, the music, the passion, and the unity of the fans made this a day for the history books. Let’s do it again next year—but maybe hire security that knows a mosh pit from a hay bale.

Jack's Mannequin return to Philadelphia for another SOLD OUT show

By Matt Christine • June 13, 2025
On June 8, Jack’s Mannequin swept into the Fillmore Philadelphia for the hometown stop of their Made For Each Other 20th-anniversary tour, turning the storied ballroom into a reunion between new Andrew McMahon fans from his solo era and the fans who grew up with his songs in Jack's Mannequin. A burst of lights and the band made their way to their places on set as the massive LED screens behind them flicked to life with the roar of the crowd—almost before the crowd could catch its breath—the band dove head-first into “Bruised,” instantly launching a full-room sing-along for the first time of the night. The family style sing-alongs would continue all night long because a Jack's Mannequin show is more than just a concert, it's a gathering of fans of all walks of life. Rather than lean solely on radio favorites, McMahon built a career-spanning arc that kept veterans and newcomers guessing. Early standouts “The Mixed Tape” and “Amy, I” landed with arena-sized fervor, while deeper cuts like “Spinning,” “Television,” and the introspective “Cell Phone” offered welcome detours for die-hard listeners. Mid-show, the tempo dropped for a surprise, lights-down, almost-whispered rendition of “Hammers and Strings (A Lullaby)”—performed nearly a cappella, save for a few plaintive piano chords. It was McMahon’s first time revisiting the lullaby in years, and the silence that followed its last note spoke louder than any applause. The final stretch was a one-two-three knockout: “I’m Ready,” “The Resolution,” and the soaring “Dark Blue,” each chorus louder than the last. After a brief exit, the band returned beneath a single spotlight for the encore. McMahon tipped his cap to the tour’s namesake, easing into the gentle “Restless Dream” before the full ensemble erupted into the sprawling suite “MFEO: Pt. 1 — Made For Each Other / Pt. 2 — You Can Breathe,” turning the title track into a communal vow to keep moving forward together. Twenty years on, Andrew McMahon and company showed how to honor a past without getting trapped in it: by laughing at the room you’re in, risking a fragile ballad in the middle of the party, and playing every song like it still belongs to today.

Shakira brings the 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour' to Atlanta

By Matt Christine • June 4, 2025
After a rocky start to her U.S. leg, with technical issues forcing the postponement of both the Washington, D.C. and Boston dates, Shakira delivered an electrifying, glitch-free performance in Atlanta that more than made up for the delays. The sold-out show at State Farm Arena proved why the Colombian superstar remains a force in global pop music: it was a spectacle of raw emotion, razor-sharp choreography, and dazzling stagecraft. Every moment felt polished and purposeful, yet deeply personal, a balance only a veteran performer like Shakira can pull off. The night opened with La Fuerte, a powerful declaration of intent that set the tone: this tour is about resilience, evolution, and feminine power. With minimal delay, she launched into a fierce rendition of GIRL LIKE ME, originally with the Black Eyed Peas, injecting it with her signature moves and vocal style. The audience, many of whom were adorned with glittering wolf ears and flashing LED bracelets, responded instantly, roaring as she transitioned into a nostalgic medley of Las de la intuición and Estoy aquí. It was a clever juxtaposition—early-career Shakira meeting her modern self, both artists occupying the stage in harmony. One of the most emotionally potent sequences came with Empire blending into Inevitable, where her vocals took on an operatic, almost volcanic intensity. The screen behind her exploded with elemental visuals—lava flows, crashing waves—mirroring the emotional crescendo on stage. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a catharsis. Later, Acróstico offered a softer moment, featuring a touching video of her children Sasha and Milan singing along, which visibly moved many in the crowd. You could hear a pin drop as Shakira sat on a stool, wiping away tears mid-performance. In terms of showmanship, the middle of the setlist was where Shakira proved her mettle. Copa Vacía, La Bicicleta, and La Tortura formed a seamless trinity of reggaeton and cumbia-infused pop, each song melting into the next with smooth transitions and high-energy dance breaks. She momentarily disappeared backstage during Chantaje, only to reemerge in a vibrant new costume and launch into a salsa version of the hit that transformed the entire arena into a nightclub. By the time she reached Whenever, Wherever, complete with a dramatic belly dance introduction using knives, Shakira had the entire arena in the palm of her hand. Her hips truly didn’t lie, and neither did the crowd, erupting into a thunderous sing-along. That energy spilled right into Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), which featured a thrilling Champeta breakdown and pulsating rhythms that was the infectious anthem of the 2010 World Cup. Shakira left the stage like a mythic figure—part woman, part legend—having proven once again that she isn’t just a performer. She’s a storyteller, a mother, a rebel, and above all, a she-wolf with a story still very much in motion.