The two-time Grammy nominated band the Plain White T’s took the main stage at Union Transfer on Tuesday night to an enthusiastic crowd. Philadelphia served as the third stop along the east coast trek of the tour in support of the band’s latest album. Released in November 2023, through Fearless Records the band’s ninth album is self-titled, Plain White T’s.
Tom Higgenson (lead vocals, guitar), Tim G. Lopez (lead guitar, backing vocals),
Mike Retondo (bass, backing vocals), and De'Mar Randell Hamilton (drums, percussion) opened the show with their straight-ahead raucous anthem Our Time Now, from their 2006 release Every Second Counts. They followed that up with the acoustic syncopated Young Tonight and Fired Up, form the new album.
Around midway through the show Tom relinquished the lead vocal duties to Tim for a tremendously emotional version of The Giving Tree. One of several songs that found the crowd singing ardently to a band that was more than willing to let them take the spotlight. This was evident again when Tom remained on stage as the other members when backstage while he played Girl from Pasadena, an extremely soulful song from the new album.
The vibe picked up again later in the show as they started into the harder sounding Would You Even from the new album. As an additional treat they invited Jill, from the opening band Pollyanna (@thisispollyanna), to join them onstage to belt out the backing vocals.
The encore started with a medley of Friends Don’t Let Friends Dial Drunk, Natural Disaster, and Welcome to Mystery before going into their multi-platinum hit Hey Their Delilah and finishing the night with Rhythm of Love. All-in-all they put on a great performance and included several gems from their extensive catalog that appealed to everyone. Although the tour is heading to the mid-west don’t be surprised when they make their way back to Philly. So, if you missed them this time around make sure to secure your ticket next time.
Next Stops on the Plain White T’s Tour
Fri, FEB 9 Thunderbird Café & Music Hall Pittsburgh, PA
Sat, FEB 10 Rumba Café Columbus, OH
Tue, FEB 13 Fine Line Minneapolis, MN
Wed, FEB 14 The Rave / Eagles Club Milwaukee, WI
Thu, FEB 15 Delmar Hall Saint Louis, MO
Sat, FEB 17 Summit Music Hall Denver, CO
Review and Photography by: Craig Eidell