One night only…for a SOLD OUT evening at The Roxian in Pittsburgh, PA, The Struts rolled into town with supporting act Mac Saturn.
Straight out of ‘Detroit Rock City’, the six-piece is fronted by Carson Macc, who is joined by drummer Angelo Coppola, guitarists Mike Moody and Nick Barone, bassist Jive Moses and pianist Evan Mercer on the keys. With an explosive rock sound and 70’s vibes, Mac Saturn recorded their debut five-song EP Until the Money Runs Out at the same studio where Greta Van Fleet got its start.
When reading up on the band we read that Carson Macc had swagger, and honestly, that might be an understatement. Beginning with their opening of “Diamonds” we were drawn into the energy and the passion of Carson’s vocal delivery, as well as the swivel of his hips. And, from the explosion of Mike Moody’s guitar solos to the band’s fiesta maraca jam, we enjoyed ever minute of the band’s show. Looking forward to seeing Mac Saturn make a name for themselves, because it is very clear that they are just getting started.
With anxious anticipation, the crowd waited for the headliners to take the stage, which was highlighted with a bold wall of strobing lights and a prominent showcase of The Struts name behind the massive drum riser. Most appropriate for a tour entitled Remember the Name.
For those who haven’t heard, The Struts are an English rock band from Derby, Derbyshire that invaded America with a sound reminiscent of epic bands like Queen, but most definitely unique enough to call their own. The band consists of founding vocalist Luke Spiller and guitarist Adam Slack, who are joined by bassist Jed Elliott and drummer Gethin Davies.
Quite literally, in true rockstar fashion, The Struts were adorned in tailored suites accented with metallic racing stripes which sparkled in the stage slights as they grooved to their anthems last night.
Keeping up with frontman Luke Spiller and stopping the action seemed like an impossible task as they kicked off the evening with “Dirty Sexy Money” and continued the momentum with the high-energy delivery of “Body Talks” as the stage lights pulsed like a disco.
It is challenging to even point out a highlight from the show because honestly every song was a highlight. From the passionate piano delivery of “Fire,” which gave the audience the opportunity to sign our hearts out with Luke, to the mid-set jams of favorites that need to make the list (but can’t be played in full due to time constraints) like “In Love with a Camera” and “Somebody New,” to the finale of “Could Have Been Me,” which has perhaps on of the most inspirational choruses I’ve ever heard.
The set also included “Pretty Vicious” which is set to be the title track of their fourth album due out this November, and in recent news, the band plans to continue their tour with the latest dates noted below.
It has been a busy month, year, decade of concerts for me as journalist, and I can’t say that I’ve ever seen so much energetic, in-the-moment, crowd participation at a show. The audience sang, they danced, they threw their hands in the air, and they lost themselves in the music…for one night only, thanks to The Struts.
Follow us @ThePureRockShop for lots more captures from this show, recaps, news, and interviews from of local and regional concerts and festivals including, L.A. Guns at Jergel’s, The Live/Loud tour with Tom Keifer, Winger, and John Corabi, Vixen at Jergel’s, and perhaps even a few more surprises this summer!
Recap and Live Photos by Editor and founder Kara Marie Uhrlen for The Pure Rock Shop. Posted on 7/14/2023.
