Bleachers on night two of two at the MGM Music Hall, June 17, 2026
Jack Antonoff is back at it again with a Bleachers world tour. On June 17th, the “Bleachers Forever” tour returned to MGM Music Hall for the second of two back-to-back sold-out Boston shows.
Hovvdy (pronounced “howdy”), the indie pop project of duo Charlie Martin and Will Taylor, began the show. Their understated opening set was a contrast to the elaborate sprawling set and exuberance of Bleachers’ headlining show. The spectacle was the characteristically vivacious experience that longtime Bleachers fans have come to expect. Celebrating the recently-released 5th Bleachers album, everyone for ten minutes, the setlist featured half of the new album, mixed in with an otherwise even distribution of selections from all other Bleachers LPs. Jack Antonoff, ever the showman eager to engage with the audience, made his way from the back of the expansive stage setup down to the front edge of the stage, and eventually down into the crowd where elated fans reached out to him. Back on stage, Antonoff was surrounded by the chaotic clutter of instruments, cables, amplifiers, and décor straight out of a mad scientist’s lab. The workshop-like theme of the setup seemed like a reminder that beyond the passionate frontman persona is one of the most prolific music producers of the 21st century.
An interesting note about the timing of the show was its coincidence with the FIFA World Cup. Visiting fans from overseas could be found in the audience, and the distinctive kilts of the visiting Scots of the “Tartan Army” were a blatant giveaway. Bleachers are always a strong enough draw to readily attract international fans on their own merits, but the obvious presence of the Scottish football fans was an entertaining bonus. As Bleachers ended their set with an electrifying performance of “Stop Making This Hurt” the crowd was slow to dissipate, and so was the energy. Before long, the chant heard all around Boston that week started: “No Scotland, No party!”
Check out the rest of Greg’s photos below!
