Photos by Merideth C. & Review by Dave G.
Seth and Scott Avett, Bob Crawford, Joe Kwon, and Jacob Edwards, of The Avett Brothers, were welcomed to the stage at the Fillmore with almost deafening screams on May 18 in Detroit. Fans clapped and cheered as vocalist and banjo player Scott Avett played the opening harmonica chords for “The Fall.” The crowd was clearly ready for a great show and this up-tempo folk rock jam got them dancing immediately.
The event, titled “An Evening with The Avett Brothers” featured a 2-hour, 29 song set that swung between heartfelt ballads like “The Perfect Space” and rocking songs like “Talk on Indolence,” which closed out the set. During “I Killed Sally’s Lover,” it felt like an old-fashioned bluegrass hoedown. One of my favorite moments of the night was when they played “Laundry Room.” This might be one of the most perfect Avett Brothers songs and was sincere and beautiful with the crowd repeating the lyrics back during the chorus.
The most emotional moment for me was when they played the gospel hymn “Just a Closer Walk With Thee.” I’m sure I’m not the first person to hope that they release a full gospel album. They have a way of turning a beautiful old hymn into something even more wonderful. Honestly, I could listen to a full 2-hour set of just hymns performed by the Avetts.
The Avett Brothers have an almost magical quality live. This was a hard show to not get completely drawn into. At times I felt myself tearing up, at others I felt like my face would break from smiling so hard. It was like a perfect springtime big tent revival service. Some bands play great live music, others like The Avett Brothers create an experience that sticks with you forever. I will never forget this show and will never miss a chance to see The Avett Brothers live again.
Don’t forget to “like” us on facebook and follow us on twitter for live updates from shows and to see what shows we’ll be covering next!
Set List
Download songs from this set list by clicking the iTunes icon!
- The Fall
- Will You Return
- Famous Flower of Manhattan
- The Perfect Space
- Paranoia in B Major
- Signs
- January Wedding
- At the Beach
- Pretty Girl from Cedar Lane
- Head Full of Doubt / Road Full of Promise
- Down With A Glistening Shine (Not available on iTunes)
- Blue Ridge Mountain Blues (Earl Scruggs cover)
- The Once and Future Carpenter (Not available on iTunes)
- Laundry Room
- I Killed Sally's Lover
- Just a Closer Walk With Thee (Gospel Hymn)
- Sanguine
- Bella Donna
- Peltre (Not available on iTunes)
- Colorshow
- Go to Sleep
- Kick Drum Heart
- Gimmeakiss
- I and Love and You
Encore:
- Please Pardon Yourself
- And it Spread
- Let Me In (Ola Belle Reed & Family Cover)
- Living of Love
- Talk On Indolence
Find out more about The Avett Brothers
- theavettbrothers.com
- Buy merch from The Avett Brothers' online store
- Twitter: @theavettbros
- The Avett Brothers on iTunes:
