For Cryin’ Out Loud! The Tour - Finneas in Silver Spring, MD
BY EMMALEE SULLIVAN
On February 18th, 2025, after waiting in 21-degree Silver Spring weather, fans poured into a sold-out Fillmore Auditorium for the highly anticipated Finneas show. An hour after doors opened, Bad Suns brought a Woodland Hills warmth into the chilly venue. Opening their performance with “Swimming in the Moonlight,” the opening line—“We’re outside, it’s cold enough to see your breath”—fit the chilly atmosphere. Later in the set, the band performed a cover of “Lovefool” by The Cardigans, engaging everyone in the venue. Towards the middle of the set, both the fans and Bad Suns started to warm up as lead singer Christo Bowman removed his shirt to the delight of his most passionate fans.
PHOTO BY RICKELLE HUNT
Before performing the next song, lead singer Christo Bowman played the band’s new song, “Communicating,” on HIS phone at the same time as the crowd to hear it all at once. The song was difficult to make out, so Bowman said, “Well, we will play it live so you can hear what it actually sounds like.” At the end of their set, fans were left in awe of the energy and style the California rock band emanated.
Finally, around 9:15, the lights dimmed and a spotlight shone directly on the center-stage piano. Finneas emerged, and as the venue bloomed with cheers, began his set with “Starfucker.” As the song ended, the rest of the band—David Marinelli on keys and backing guitar, Ricky Gourmet on guitar, Aron Forbes on bass, and Bad Suns drummer Miles Morris—came out to finish the song.
Finneas played many songs off of his new album, such as, “For Cryin’ Out Loud!,” “Little Window," "Sweet Cherries,” my personal favorite, “Lotus Eater,” and many more. Finneas also performed a few songs off of his first album, Optimist, including “The Kids are All Dying” and “A Concert Six Months From Now,” which he cleverly introduced by asking when fans bought their tickets. Answers ranged from October to the day of.
PHOTO BY MURIEL MARGARET
Every few songs, Finneas took the time to mention the DC area and how he spent the day prior. When explaining his day at the Smithsonian, he stated, “I can get through these museums in like three minutes, maybe I am just a bad museum goer.” He added, “but sometimes, I get entranced by a picture and stare at it like a total idiot.” During the show, he also mentioned how keys player and guitarist David Marinelli had his prom in this venue (The Fillmore in Silver Spring, MD) while in highschool. Hearing about how special the DC community is to Finneas and his band was exciting as a fan and new member of the DC community.
While songs like “What’s It Gonna Take to Break Your Heart?” had the crowd dancing, Finneas performed many emotional songs that provoked tears and hugs to loved ones. Songs like “Only a Lifetime,” “Family Feud,” “Little Window,” and “I Lost a Friend” took fans for an emotional ride, as these grapple with the family and friend struggles so many of us face.
To finish the night, Finneas performed the hit song “For Cryin’ Out Loud!” and the room erupted. This show was as electric as any other Finneas concert. I had the pleasure to attend the Optimist tour in November 2021 and getting to relive that night with new and old songs was everything I could’ve hoped for. Finneas is such a genuine human being, even with his massive success as both an artist and a producer, which is one of many reasons his fan base is rapidly growing.
PHOTO BY MURIEL MARGARET
On my way back home I was so happy about the night, buzzing from hearing all my favorite songs live and a bit sad that the night was over. Finneas brings this energy to a room where everyone suddenly feels like family rather than just fans.
Though the “For Cryin’ Out Loud!” tour is held in many Fillmore Auditoriums nationwide, it would come to no surprise if Finneas is selling out arenas in the near future as his music and talent is now taking the world by storm. The next time Finneas announces a tour you bet I am purchasing those tickets six months in advance!
