The Struts @ House of Blues - Houston

July 23rd, 2024: The Struts @ House of Blues - Houston, TX

Photos Courtesy of: Violeta Álvarez

Rock 'n' Roll Revival: The Struts Electrify Houston

After Hurricane Beryl's devastation that left over 2 million Houstonians without power for weeks during a record-breaking heat wave, the city was desperately in need of a pick-me-up, this concert was the perfect remedy for the city's weary spirits. On July 23, 2024, the British rockers, The Struts kicked off their Pretty Vicious Tour with a bang at Houston's House of Blues. Despite a looming flood watch, fans packed the venue, eager for a night of rock 'n' roll magic, bringing a much-needed dose of excitement to the Bayou City. And OH WOW, The Struts delivered!

From the moment the band hit the stage, the band's energy was magnetic. The band launched into "Bulletproof Baby," performed for the first time since 2019, the audience sang along to every word, creating a unified wave of voices that echoed through the venue. Frontman Luke Spiller, ever the showman, strutted across the stage with his signature moves, igniting the crowd with his charisma. The band draws influences from hints of Queen and David Bowie, which shone through in their performance, but The Struts have undeniably crafted their unique modern flair of sound and style.

The stage setup was nothing short of spectacular. A backdrop featuring iconic London historic buildings added a touch of the band's roots, while rows of illuminated amps lined the stage. Pillars of light and smoke effects created an atmosphere that was both intimate and larger-than-life. The dramatic stage lighting transformed the venue, giving it a stadium-like feel but without losing that cozy vibe.

Guitarist Adam Slack was on fire all night, his solos reaching new heights. The rhythm section of Jed Elliott on bass and Gethin Davies on drums provided a rock-solid foundation for the band's performances.

One of the most touching moments came when Spiller asked everyone to raise their phone lights, creating a sea of twinkling stars in the crowd. As he led the audience in a singalong, the connection between the band and fans was electric. Throughout the night, the House of Blues staff could be seen dancing along and I even spotted one of the security guards who couldn't resist playing air guitar. A particularly touching moment was when a father and son duo danced together, the young boy perched on his dad's shoulders, both lost in the music. It was a beautiful reminder of how music can unite people, transcending generations.

The setlist was a perfect mix of new tracks from their latest album "Pretty Vicious" and fan favorites. The crowd went wild for classics like "Could Have Been Me" and "Kiss This," while also embracing new gems like "Better Love," which made its live debut.

Thank you, The Struts, for bringing your shining light to Houston. This concert was exactly what the doctor ordered. After weeks of heat waves and power outages due to Hurricane Beryl, this was exactly the energy we needed. Your music and vibrant performance reminded us of the power of rock 'n' roll to heal and uplift. Houston can't wait to welcome you back!