Fans packed a sold-out Roadrunner on the night of Friday, June 6th, to see their favorite singer-songwriter return home to Massachusetts. An emotional Andrew McMahon dazzled with his usual showmanship, leaping from his baby grand piano between songs, crowdsurfing on a giant rubber duck, and encouraging the audience to join in song as much as possible. McMahon reminisced about the early days of Jack’s Mannequin: a solo project he started while on a break from touring with Something Corporate. The screens on stage featured montages from the band’s early time working on Everything in Transit, as well as emotional footage from hospitals and doctor’s appointments (the first album finished recording the same day McMahon was diagnosed with leukemia in 2005). 

Anniversary tours are always homecomings in their own way, but it’s worth remarking on the poignance of this victory lap: 20 years of a beloved album, on top of 20 years of survival and healing. Followers of Jack’s Mannequin are intimately connected to McMahon’s journey and find catharsis in his music; their dedication speaks volumes. Some folks had followed the tour up and down the coast a la the Grateful Dead, and shared stories about how his music helped them through the hardest times: addiction, family illness, loss and loneliness. He played all the hits including “Dark Blue”, “Spinning”, and “La La Lie”, but also mixed in some true deep cuts including “Hammers and Strings (A Lullabye)”. The band was supported by Yoke Lore.

Check out all of Wendy’s photos from the show below.