When the alt-indie band Wallows was formed in 2011, the Southern California teenagers only dreamed they would make it big. Now, in 2024, they’re playing sold-out shows and arenas worldwide, proving they can go the distance. Currently on their ‘Model’ World Tour, the trio recently performed on the iconic Madison Square Garden stage. Lead singer Dylan Minnette enthusiastically addressed the crowd, proclaiming at the start of their show that their debut at MSG would not be their last.
Curious new Wallows fans may not know the entire lore of the band. Most know Minnette, lead vocalist and guitarist, from his rise to celebrity through his lead role as Clay Jensen in Netflix’s teen drama 13 Reasons Why. The band lineup also includes Braeden Lemasters on guitar/vocals and Cole Preston on drums. Before they were “Wallows,” they were “Feavor” and “The Narwhals.” Over the last six years, their following has grown with every album and tour, commanding larger crowds and fame with such nonchalance, prioritizing their passion for making music.
To kick off the concert, New Zealand pop singer BENEE took the stage, immediately captivating those unfamiliar with her music. The lively crowd was automatically wrapped in BENEE’s upbeat stage personality and renditions of her discography. During her performance of “Supalonely,” she brought New York pop artist Gus Dapperton on stage for his feature in the song. They sang and danced around the stage as if they were in the comfort of their bedrooms. BENEE also unveiled a new single (shh!), which will be released soon, treating the MSG audience to a first listen. She wrapped up her set with her sensational TikTok banger, “Glitter,” leaving everyone in high spirits, eagerly anticipating the Wallows’ performance.
Fans could hear the band before seeing them. Minnitte, like a shadow puppet, began the show singing the opening lines to “Do Not Wait” behind a large sheet curtain. As the song progressed, the spotlights followed the members’ silhouettes, finally unveiling the band with a dramatic curtain drop. Without taking a break for an introduction, they immediately started playing “Your Apartment,” energizing the audience for what was to come.
Early on, Minnite stated he wanted the point of the show was for everyone to have a “f*cking good time.” The simple stage set design made it clear that was the focus instead of pushing an overly produced show. Every fast-paced track elicited strong reactions from giddy concertgoers, hoping to hear their favorites played. Even without taking much time to converse with the crowd, the trios’ casual, carefree demeanors made them fun to watch. Nonetheless, the crowd rocked out and shouted every lyric alongside the guys all night. If this was someone’s first Wallows performance, they got to witness something unique in the industry: each band member played different instruments throughout the set. Minnitte played the electric guitar, bass, drums, and, for one number, a harmonica.
Besides Minnite maneuvering through the pit to arrive at the second stage during “She’s An Actress,” the most surprising part of the concert was the diverse demographic in the stands. Sure, most of GA standing room were young females, but there were also an astonishing number of older folks combined with date-night couples.
The band devoted their second stage to acoustic arrangements of their indie songs. This vibe switch allowed each band member to showcase their vocals. Minnitte’s voice flowed through the mic, pitch-perfect, smooth, and confident, while bassist Lemasters’ voice offered a rock-rasp quality to his solo of “Worlds Apart.” Running through tracks such as “Pictures of Girls” from the Spring EP and “Drunk on Halloween,” the B-stage gave a needed break in the action to create a sense of intimacy within the stadium and a more complete Wallows experience for listeners.
“Saving their hit songs such as”Pleaser ” and “Are You Bored Yet?” for their encores left the crowd extremely satisfied. Overall, it was a successful night for Wallows, and loyal fans would agree that this was the beginning of many shows at MSG.
