My first concert of 2025 set the tone for the rest of the year… the expectations are now VERY high. I discovered Ole 60 on TikTok last summer and have been an avid fan since. They have a relatively small discography, about a dozen songs over two EPs, but I could listen to them on repeat for weeks on end (and have) without getting bored. Their songs mostly cover heartbreak, yearning, and the typical turmoil that comes with being someone in your 20s trying to find your way in the dating world.
For my first time seeing them in person, I was fortunate enough to have my only other friend who is a fan in town to join me. After grabbing a bite to eat, we hopped over to the Van Buren (arguably the best venue in the greater Phoenix area) and settled into our place in the crowd. The opener was a small band called Sons of Habit. I had never head of them prior to this night, but am a convert now.
They opened with Dust to Dust, setting the night’s tone wonderfully. High energy, angsty, and great music all around, the crowd was excited to see the hear the rest of the set list. This was followed up by other fan favorites, such as Rose, Brother Joe, and insane.
They continued through their released songs with bangers like WDYWMTS and Memphis (Outta My Way) before entering into a few unreleased songs. They were definitely newer and not fully formed as a couple were just the lead singer and a guitar, but there was something peaceful about the acoustic vibe of one guy and a guitar.
The night was rounded out with the rest of their songs, Thoughts of You, Next to You, and walls, before finishing with their most recent explosive song, smoke & a light. In my opinion, it was the best song to end on with its high energy and extensive guitar riffs allowing the whole band to be highlighted before closing the place down (as seen here, blurry as it may be, with the behind the head shred).
This concert was a chart-topper for me and was certainly a memorable one. The great venue, amazing friend who joined, and electric energy all elevated such incredible music to a new high. And, as a bonus, our favorite pair of skeletons got to join in on the fun.
