FINNEAS Brings a Vibrant Set to Raleigh
February 16th, 2025 - Raleigh, NC
Having been to many, many shows in recent years, there are few artists that I can say have captivated an audience the way FINNEAS was able to so seamlessly. With his most recent album, For Cryin’ Out Loud!, still fresh in fans' minds, along with recent songwriting credits relating to Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco, he was bound to attract an audience. Attending any show at The Ritz in Raleigh, North Carolina is always a treat. This show, however, offered a bit more than that. With a line of anxiously awaiting fans wrapping around the building and back parking lot, all dressed in their concert best, it was obvious that this was a show that people had been counting down to and preparing for.
Photo by Muriel Margaret.
I went into this show knowing it was a sold out event, which is an amazing accomplishment on its own. The crowd, once everyone filled in the open space of the pit, was noticeably eager for the star’s anticipated entrance. After a captivating performance by opening act Bad Suns, the room went dark, only to be lit by a single light overhead on an onstage piano. He opened with “Starf***er”, a fan favorite off of his latest album. Immediately, the crowd was entranced by what was bound to be an unforgettable two hours. One thing I was able to pick up on quickly was how good he is at transitioning from slow, soft beats to absolute bangers, like “Lotus Eater”!
A few songs in, he began one of many crowd interactions, asking everyone on the floor, as well as the balconies, to keep up the dancing! Later on in the show, one of his bandmates announced that he drew a caricature of a random fan in the crowd, to whom he gave the drawing to. I can confidently say that I have never seen that happen at a concert, which just added to the specialty of the night. A fan near the front row also brought an American flag with a picture of FINNEAS’ dog, Peaches, pasted on it. FINNEAS got to keep it, and I am sure it is hanging up on his tour bus now. There was also an excellent use of stage lights throughout the entirety of the performance. From the red and pink during “Sweet Cherries,” to the flashing greens of “The Kids Are All Dying,” this was easily a fun addition.
Photo by Muriel Margaret.
Another notable part of the night was his storytelling. FINNEAS was able to prove his storytelling abilities through song, proven especially by “A Concert Six Months From Now.” He also told a few fun stories in between songs. These include his story of going to Waffle House with the members of Bad Suns the night before, and being serenaded by toddlers playing “Piano Man” on their little harmonicas. He also talked about how the last time he was performing in Raleigh was in 2020, right before the pandemic, when he was travelling with none other than his own sister, Billie Eilish, for the Where Do We Go Tour. He had very fond things to say for his best friend here, and he was able to dedicate “Family Feud” to her and their relationship.
Photo by Muriel Margaret.
It was evident that people would love his collaboration song with Ashe, “Til Forever Falls Apart,” as well as his closing song, which was fittingly “For Cryin’ Out Loud.” I only wish that I had prepared for how loud and ecstatic the crowd would be during these highlights of songs. There have been few concerts that have captivated an audience quite like FINNEAS. This is one that I, along with everyone else in attendance of this sold out show, will not soon forget.
