The Hives @ House of Blues - Houston

September 9th 2025: The Hives @ House of Blues Houston - Houston, TX

The Hives | Photos Courtesy of: Violeta Alvarez

The Hives returned to Houston for the first time since 2021, this time with Snooper opening. I only caught the end of Snooper’s set, but their high-octane punk energy set the stage perfectly for the night.

From the first note, The Hives proved why they’re one of the most electrifying live acts around. I photographed the first three songs from the pit, and in that short time, the band’s charisma was undeniable. Frontman Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist was everywhere at once, working the stage, locking eyes with the crowd, and even stepping down into the audience straight from the photo pit to sing shoulder to shoulder with fans. Guitarist Nicholaus Arson matched him in intensity, slashing out riffs while leaning into the crowd, feeding off their energy. The connection between band and audience was raw and immediate.

Unfortunately, after the third song, I was trying to head upstairs to get overhead images, but I ended up stuck in the venue’s elevator for over an hour and twenty minutes. By the time the Houston Fire Department got me out of the elevator, the show had ended, and fans were leaving the venue.

Even with this mishap, the brief time I spent in the pit was enough to remind me: The Hives don’t just play shows, they create an experience that’s larger than life. The Hives don’t just perform, they ignite the room.