When it comes to delivering a dose of flamboyant rock ‘n’ roll, few bands do it quite like The Struts, and their Pretty Vicious Tour 2024 is living proof. Known for their over-the-top performances and infectious energy, the British rockers have built a reputation for putting on shows that are as dazzling as they are dynamic. With Luke Spiller’s charismatic stage presence leading the charge, The Struts blend classic rock influences with a modern flair, creating an experience that feels both nostalgic and entirely fresh. As their latest tour rolled into Pittsburgh, they had every yinzer buzzing with anticipation long before they even set foot on stage.

Kicking off the night was the ever-energetic Barns Courtney, who brought his gritty blend of bluesy rock and infectious pop sensibilities to the stage, armed with songs from his latest album, Supernatural. From the moment he strutted out, Barns had the audience in the palm of his hand, delivering a high-octane set that had the crowd moving from start to finish. His chemistry with his band was undeniable, particularly with Andrew Martin on guitar, whose antics matched Barns’s own on-stage enthusiasm.

During “London Girls,” Barns went a bit too hard dancing on top of the drum kit and took a gnarly spill mid-song. Throughout the misshap, drummer Brittany Macc didn’t miss a single beat and kept on going despite having a disheveled singer spewed out on half her kit. Barns took a second to recover with a quick acoustic song, “Hellfire,” before hopping right back up on his rightful place atop the drum kit. The crowd roared as he rebounded, quickly getting back on his feet for a high-energy finale that had everyone jumping. It was the perfect start to an already charged evening.

As The Struts took the stage, the energy in the venue shifted into overdrive. From the very first note, Spiller commanded attention with his undeniable stage presence, dancing across the stage in true glam-rock fashion. The band opened with a few crowd-pleasers, including the ever-popular “Primadonna Like Me,” sending the audience into a frenzy, before launching into new material from Pretty Vicious. The new songs were instantly met with excitement, their infectious rhythms seamlessly blending with the band’s established hits. Whether Spiller was encouraging the crowd to clap along or inviting them to “shake your ass” to their latest single, Heaven’s Got Nothing on You, The Struts had the entire room moving in unison.

The setlist was a carefully curated mix of hits and deep cuts, showcasing the band’s versatility. From the stomping glam-rock anthem “Body Talks” to an acoustic rendition of the emotional ballad “Mary Go Round,” The Struts proved they could seamlessly transition between high-energy rockers and more introspective moments. The musicianship was top-notch, with Adam Slack’s guitar work adding a gritty edge to each song while Jed Elliott’s bass lines thumped with precision. Drummer Gethin Davies provided the driving force behind it all, his beats propelling the band through a set that never lost momentum. Every note, every move felt purposeful, keeping the audience fully engaged and electrified throughout.

What truly set The Struts apart was their ability to make the audience feel like they were part of the show. Spiller frequently interacted with the crowd, encouraging sing-alongs, hand claps, and lots and lots of dancing. His connection with the fans felt genuine, creating a sense of unity that elevated the entire performance. Whether he was balancing on the edge of the stage, jumping around, or twirling in his sequined jacket, Spiller embodied the spirit of a true rock frontman – glamorous, rebellious, and utterly captivating. By the time they launched into the final song, “Could Have Been Me,” the entire venue was on its feet, singing along at the top of their lungs.

As the final chords rang out and The Struts took their bow, the energy in the room was electric. The band’s combination of glam-rock theatrics and undeniable musical talent had left an indelible mark on the audience. The Pretty Vicious Tour is aptly named – it’s a tour that captures both the beauty and bite of rock ‘n’ roll, delivering an experience that is as fierce as it is fun. Barns Courtney’s explosive opening performance had set the stage perfectly, but The Struts had taken it to another level, proving once again why they are one of the most exciting live acts in rock today.

August 11th, 2024