The War on Drugs blissed out The Tower for their biggest hometown show to date

vThe War on Drugs | Photo by Kate McCann | katemccannphotography.com

War on Drugs shows becoming a major event is a trend I can get behind. Last night, the Philly psych-rock favorites kicked off their winter tour by headlining the Tower Theater – their biggest-ever hometown show, preceding a run through the largest U.S. venues they’ve played to date.

It was the sixth time I’ve seen them perform and, like every other time, just when I think they can’t get more exciting, they up the ante. The rhythm section was solid with drummer Charlie Hall bringing enthusiasm to even the slower songs and Dave Hartley providing a nuanced low end. Getting the hits (“Under the Pressure,” “Baby Missles,” “Arms Like Boulders”) out of the way early, the band gave the blissed-out crowd transcendent renditions of fan favorites such as “Come to the City” and “Buenos Aires Beach,” which frontman Adam Granduciel dedicated to his dad.

The Tower was quite literally packed to the rafters and the vibes, at least from where I was sitting up in the balcony, were tremendously positive. Below, check out a gallery of photos from The War on Drugs’ show, see the setlist and watch a roundup of fan videos of the show from YouTube.

Setlist
Under the Pressure
Baby Missiles
Arms Like Boulders
Burning
Lost in the Dream
An Ocean in Between the Waves
Disappearing
Eyes to the Wind
Red Eyes
In Reverse
Come to the City

Encore:
Comin’ Through
Suffering
Your Love Is Calling My Name
Buenos Aires Beach