The humid August air at Camden’s Freedom Mortgage Pavilion crackled with a peculiar energy, there was a blend of youthful exuberance and an anticipation of a band that has spent two decades perfecting its singular brand of pop chaos. As the first notes of “Way Less Sad” blared to life, it was clear that AJR’s “Somewhere in the Sky Tour” was more than just a promotional run for their upcoming EP; it was a victory lap. A victory lap, fittingly, on the 20th anniversary of when the brothers first started busking in the very streets of New York City that helped shape their sound.
The stage was a kinetic wonderland, a testament to Jack and Ryan Met’s meticulous vision. Though Adam, the eldest of the three, was noticeably absent, taking a break from the road to focus on his climate advocacy work, his presence was felt in the band’s tight, dynamic performance. Ryan held down the fort on keys and production, while Jack commanded the stage with his signature boundless energy, a frenetic conductor of the crowd's every move. The setlist was a masterclass in controlled pandemonium, seamlessly transitioning from the triumphant horns of “The Good Part” to the pulsing, defiant bass of “Burn the House Down” and the infectious anthem “Bang!”
But what truly sets an AJR show apart is the unscripted, deeply personal connection with their fans. It's a tradition at their concerts to pause the show and spotlight members of the audience who catch their eye. This night was no exception. Jack’s eyes landed on a fan in a full-blown pigeon costume, a notorious phobia of his, and in a true moment of conquering fear, he descended into the pit to give the fan a heartfelt hug, to the rapturous cheers of the crowd. Later, another young fan was invited on stage to receive a replica of Jack’s iconic winter hat. The price? A song. The young audience member confidently belted out parts of “Hole in the Bottom of My Brain” and “Steve’s Going to London,” their voice strong and true, earning a prize as coveted as a golden ticket.
The evening crescendoed to a stunning finale. For the encore, Jack and Ryan reappeared, but not in their usual street-style gear. Instead, they were dressed in full marching band uniforms, their outfits a vibrant blue and red. They launched into a powerful rendition of their hit "Weak," but this time, they were not alone. The Central Bucks South High School Marching Band emerged, their brass and percussion section joining the brothers in a colossal, joyful noise. It was a perfectly AJR moment: unapologetically theatrical, deeply sentimental, and a celebration of creativity in its purest form.
Set List:
Way Less Sad
Karma
Yes, I'm a Mess
The Good Part
Betty
100 Bad Days
Burn the House Down
Bang!
Inertia (Ryan Solo Acoustic)
World's Smallest Violin (performed from the crowd)
Wow, I'm Not Crazy (performed from the crowd)
Come Hang Out / I'm Not Famous / I'm Ready / Break My Face / Finale (Can't Wait to See What You Do Next)
Steve's Going to London
Sober Up
Encore:
Weak (with Central Bucks South High School Marching Band)
Next Tour Stops:
Aug 8, 2025, Wantagh, NY
Aug 9, 2025, Mansfield, MA
Aug 10, 2025, Columbia, MD
Aug 12, 2025, Toronto, ON
Aug 21, 2025, Syracuse, NY
Sep 18, 2025, Puyallup, WA
Review and Photography by: Craig Eidell