"Give it to me harder!!!"
March 25, 2025 – On the first of two nights, the band from my mother’s land, Franz Ferdinand took the stage at the Commodore Ballroom, with their high flying (sometimes literally) show.
Off the top I’d like to thank the band, and the copious amounts of light they bestowed on us pit dwellers. It was almost too much to handle. I mean, I’m usually trying to adjust my camera in search of letting MORE light in, not less. It’s especially appreciated when there’s as much movement as singer, Alex Kapranos gives us.
Maybe I’m old…even though when I looked out at the crowd I was surprised at their youth…younger/mid millennial youth at least. The reason I was surprised is because usually when I show up at a show where a band hit it big when I was in high school, there’s a lot more grey hairs throughout the masses. Of course there are a few exceptions, with the most recent being Mariana’s Trench in December, but I digress. There was even a few kicking it to back in the day, capturing the band with not their phone, but a point and shoot camera…to which I whole heartedly approve.
"This one's about a very handsome man called Michael"
Regardless of whether the crowd was old or not, they grooved through the hits and beyond. Yes, a couple of “THE” hits had the dance floor bouncing more than others. The first being “Do You Want To?” which I could feel the rhythmic beat of the jumping throng from the third tier (on the side). They’re a band that isn’t afraid of the hits, or seems tired of playing them. I won’t say where in the set “Take Me Out” takes place (of which it could also change), but it’s not last, which I respect, as most bands make you wait until the end. And when they played it, the roof rattled. I mean even the bartenders where rocking to the 2004 smash hit. One in particular started unabashedly dancing, and didn’t care about any judgment may have come his way. I’m sure you can see for yourself as I’m sure social media is littered with blurry shaky video, as half the crowd had their phones out, even though that was clearly their second priority in that moment.
"Damn, you guys can sing. I love it."
Kapranos stopped frequently between songs to converse with those in attendance. Either with a quick line of appreciation for the crowd, or a longer story. One was about the last time they played the Commodore. All I’ll say I hope if “he” wasn’t there the first night, he is the second. And if you happen to be reading this before the second show, I won’t spoil the surprise.
"This one's for you if you are"
In all, as someone who’s only familiar with Franz Ferdinand from the hits. I may just find myself going down a deeper rabbit hole of the rest of their discography.
To you sir’s and ma’am, you’re welcome back anytime.
"Thank you very much, thank you."
Hey, Jade here. Thanks for visiting Backline Beat. If you like the site and would like to help support it, I’d be very grateful. Every little bit helps. Right now I’m an army of one, and would like at some point to be able to bring on other voices, to be a part of Backline Beat. Below, are links to Patreon, PayPal, and Linktree.
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— Jade Dempsey