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.
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!
Dylan Gossett @ House of Blues - Houston
April 16th, 2024: Dylan Gossett @ House of Blues - Houston, TX
Dylan Gossett - Photos Courtesy of: Brittaney Penney
It was a humid, Tuesday night when we headed over to the House of Blues in Houston for Dylan Gossett’s show. It seemed the entire city was out and ready to jam out with Dylan and his touring band.
If you are not familiar with Dylan Gossett, he is a country singer-songwriter, hailing from Austin, Texas. So although this wasn’t his hometown show, we are close enough that it felt that way! He had a lot of his family and friends in the crowd, which made it feel even more special that he sold out the Bronze Peacock room at HOB.
Not only is he on a massive upward trajectory, you’d think Dylan had been releasing music for his entire life, but his first official release was only in 2023. It just goes to show that if you really believe in something or know what you want to do with your life, just do it. You never know where it will take you!
We were incredibly impressed with Dylan and the way he was able to captivate the fans in the audience. Everyone was hanging onto his every word and it was beautiful to witness. Our favorite songs from his set were
: “Coal,” “Beneath Oak Trees,” and “To Be Free.”
We will be keeping an eye out for Dylan Gossett and his upcoming releases and tour. Next time he is in Texas, we’ll be front row cheering our fellow Texans on!
Maisie Peters @ House of Blues - Houston
October 5th, 2023: Maisie Peters, Grace Enger @ House of Blues - Houston, TX
Maisie Peters - Photos Courtesy of: Brittaney Penney
Maisie Peters brought The Good Witch Tour to Houston, Texas last week and it was a beautiful day filled with incredible energy.
Grace Enger opened up the show and she was so lovely. With just herself and her guitar, she took us on a journey with her beautiful vocals. She even deviated from her setlist, when a fan in the crowd asked for a demo she made while in college. In shock that someone knew the song, she played it and the entire crowd was mesmerized. We will be keeping an eye out for more releases from Grace in the future. We can see her going very far in her career as a singer/songwriter.
Maisie Peters was up next and boy, was the crowd ready! Maisie’s setlist started out with the tour’s namesake, The Good Witch, and immediately got the crowd on their feet. The energy that was exchanged from the crowd to Maisie up on stage throughout the entire show was an incredible thing to witness. Everyone in the crowd either came as a fan or they for sure left as one.
Standout tracks of the night: Her medley of older songs, BSC, and History of Man (with Grace Enger) coming out on stage to sing with Maisie.
Grace Enger
