Wallows
Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
San Francisco, CA
September 8th, 2024
Photos and Review by Alexander Andrade
Wallows delivered an amazing performance at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, bringing their energy to an enthusiastic crowd. The venue buzzed with anticipation as fans waited behind a large curtain adorned with the band’s name, a fitting symbol for the unveiling of what would be an unforgettable show.
The set began around 8:40 PM with a striking visual: the silhouettes of band members behind the curtain, as the intro of “Do Not Wait” filled the auditorium. The seamless transition into “Your Apartment” was met with roars of excitement from the front row, which grew louder as the curtain dropped, revealing the band in full view. Dylan Minnette, the lead vocalist, stood up from his spot near the drum set and approached the microphone to kick off the vocals, while Braeden Lemasters, guitar in hand, interacted playfully with the audience by walking across the stage.
Midway through “Your Apartment,” Minnette took his energy up a notch, removing the microphone from its stand and getting up close with the audience at the front of the stage. His interactions, including pointing out individual fans, sent waves of excitement through the crowd, and the energy was infectious. As Minnette jumped, so did the crowd, and the palpable movement beneath my feet made it clear that Wallows had reached a new peak in their career. The sheer force of their presence in such a large venue was a testament to how far the band has come, growing from sold-out shows at smaller venues like Ace of Spades in Sacramento in 2022 to nearly filling the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium this time around.
Despite their growing popularity, Wallows has managed to maintain an intimate connection with their fans. The interaction between the band and the audience was genuine and frequent, as the band members expressed gratitude and shared personal anecdotes, making the experience feel personal despite the size of the venue. After a fan-favorite performance of “Scrawny,” Minnette took a moment to acknowledge the significance of performing in San Francisco, stating, “Wow, almost home,” a nod to their Los Angeles roots. The crowd responded warmly, especially when Minnette reminisced about their last Bay Area performance at The Warfield in 2022. The cheers of recognition from returning fans and first-timers alike showcased the band’s ever-expanding fanbase.
One of the standout moments of the night came when the band set up a mini stage in the middle of the crowd for a stripped-down rendition of “Drunk on Halloween.” With chairs, lamps, and a piano brought on stage, the scene felt almost like an intimate living room performance, allowing the band to feel deeply connected to the fans surrounding them. Moments like these reminded everyone of Wallows’ authenticity and appreciation for the support they’ve received along the way.
The evening continued with hits like “Don’t You Think It’s Strange?,” and each song was met with the same level of enthusiasm from the crowd. Wallows are on the verge of concluding their current tour with three more California dates, including a performance in their hometown of Los Angeles on September 12th. After that, they’ll embark on their world tour, a sign of their ever-growing presence in the music world.
Watching Wallows evolve from smaller venues to larger stages has been exciting, and their San Francisco show was a perfect reflection of how much they’ve grown. I’m grateful to have witnessed their journey and look forward to where they go next.
Check out their album “Model” down below via Spotify.
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