Originally published by Disrupted Magazine in Issue 26.
Image via High Rise PR.
What better way to spend Valentine’s Day than at a Finneas concert? On February 14, 2025, Finneas sold out and performed his largest show to date at the Coca-Cola Roxy in Atlanta, Georgia. This one-month, 15-show tour celebrates his latest album, For Cryin’ Out Loud—a record deeply rooted in the theme of love.
The evening began with a performance by his opening act, Bad Suns, an alternative indie rock band. They expertly set the mood for Finneas, performing fan favorites like "Daft Pretty Boys," "Cardiac Arrest," and "Violet." While I wouldn’t have expected an indie rock band to open for Finneas, they delivered a vibrant set that the crowd thoroughly enjoyed. By the time Finneas took the stage, the venue was packed, with people standing shoulder-to-shoulder, filling every inch of the room.
The lights dimmed, and a spotlight illuminated Finneas’ piano as he walked onstage and opened the show with "Starfucker," the first track from For Cryin’ Out Loud. Hearing him play this tender, heartfelt song live was mesmerizing and the perfect way to start the night. He then transitioned into "Lotus Eater" and "Cleats," two standout tracks from the album that were clear crowd favorites. The energy in the room was palpable, with fans singing along to every word.
After the third song, Finneas paused to address the audience. He expressed his gratitude for selling out the venue and shared his excitement about performing in the largest space of his career so far. He followed this with two more songs from For Cryin’ Out Loud, but at this point, the show’s production felt underwhelming. The stage setup was minimal—just Finneas, his band, a piano, and red curtains as a backdrop. There were no elaborate light displays or dramatic effects; the focus was entirely on the music. While this simplicity lent itself to an intimate atmosphere, it didn’t quite match the scale of the 2,800-person venue.
Midway through the show, Finneas shifted gears and performed songs from his earlier catalog, much to the audience’s delight. Hearing "Partners in Crime" and "A Concert Six Months from Now" back-to-back was a highlight for me. The raw emotion Finneas poured into these performances was truly captivating.
One particularly memorable moment came during a break when Finneas spotted a fan’s sign that read, “Rock-paper-scissors for ‘Happy Now’?” Although the song wasn’t on the setlist, he played along—and lost. Later in the evening, he surprised the crowd by performing "Happy Now" acoustically, a spontaneous and personal touch that made the show feel unique.
Before the final stretch of the concert, Finneas reflected on Valentine’s Day, mentioning Claudia, his longtime partner and muse for much of his love-inspired work. He then performed "Mona Lisa," a song written specifically about her.
The most visually striking moments of the night came during "The Kids Are All Dying" and "2001." For the former, the lights alternated between solid colors during the verses and flashing red strobes for the chorus, perfectly complementing the song’s intensity. In "2001," pulsing yellow and red lights synced flawlessly with the beat, creating a dynamic and memorable spectacle.
As the concert neared its conclusion, Finneas pulled at the crowd’s heartstrings with six emotional performances. The audience roared along to "Till Forever Falls Apart," his duet with Ashe, which easily became the loudest sing-along of the night. He followed this with "Family Feud," which he introduced as being inspired by his sister, Billie Eilish. But the two songs that made the night unforgettable for me were "I Lost a Friend" and "Break My Heart Again."
"I Lost a Friend" was a masterful performance, with Finneas’ emotive voice and the synchronized red-and-purple lighting adding to the song’s poignancy. When he began "Break My Heart Again," my heart soared. This song is my all-time favorite Finneas track, and I never thought I’d get to experience it live. Everything about the performance was perfect—from Finneas’ heartfelt vocals and piano playing, to the subtle pink-and-blue lighting and the phone sound effects woven into the background.
For the encore, Finneas closed with "Let’s Fall in Love for the Night" and the album’s title track, "For Cryin’ Out Loud." "Let’s Fall in Love for the Night" was particularly fitting for Valentine’s Day, as couples danced and swayed while friends turned to one another, singing along with joy. It was a feel-good moment that filled the room with smiles. The final song, "For Cryin’ Out Loud," brought the concert full circle, ending the evening on a high note as Finneas poured his heart into the performance.
The For Cryin’ Out Loud Tour is exactly what it sets out to be—a celebration of Finneas’ artistry, with a focus on heartfelt music and stripped-down production. The setlist strikes a balance that will satisfy both longtime fans and newcomers alike. I never expected to spend my Valentine’s Day with Finneas, but after this show, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
Don’t miss the For Cryin’ Out Loud Tour—it’s an experience fans will cherish.