Josh Ritter & the Royal City Band: Live at Terminal 5

Two weeks ago, I attended one hell of a show. Two of my absolute favorite artists touring together is a noteworthy event in my life. So much so, that I traveled 1800 miles to be there. You’re probably thinking I’m a bit insane at this point (long time readers know I’m a bit insane). But the truth is, I had the time of my life. And I have consistently at every Josh Ritter gig I’ve attended. Sure, it would be more convenient to see shows in Denver. Or even Boulder, but being a die-hard fan requires more stamina. And that is how my partner-in-crime and I found ourselves flying to New York City to see Josh Ritter and Scott Hutchinson (of Frightened Rabbit) at Terminal 5.

Part of what encouraged me to make this journey was that the first four shows on this tour were being called “The Valentine’s Day Brawl”. I wasn’t 100% sure what that meant at the time, but it sounded exciting. The band promised a few surprises that would make the Valentine’s Day Brawl series extra special, and I couldn’t wait. Upon entering the theater, the Valentine’s Day feeling was in the air. The stage was decorated with red roses wound around microphone stands and instruments. A spotlight shone on a lone record player, providing the background music.

After an enthusiastic, mostly spontaneous set from Scott Hutchinson during which I about lost my voice yelling for requests (more on Scott’s set will come later), a man in a striped cap took the stage and picked up a guitar. It took me a moment for my brain to catch up to my eyes and I realized that Rainn Wilson was standing before us. Wilson introduced the show with flair- including a new song, “Love and Wolves”, made up of commonly used Ritter lyrics. At the last minute, John Krasinski interrupted Wilson. Watch the video below:

Josh Ritter “Come and Find Me” Intro by Rainn Wilson and John Krasinski from Patrick Glennon on Vimeo.

Josh took the stage decorated for Valentine’s Day himself, with a red shirt, red socks, and even red shoelaces. He began the show with a solo version of “Come and Find Me”. I thought this was an interesting way to start the show and really felt the sound grow and fill when the Royal City Band joined in. Beginning the night with three older, well-known songs really amped up the crowd and the energy at Terminal 5 was off the wall. The pace slowed to something more reflective for gorgeous, eerie renditions of “Southern Pacifica” and “The Curse”. These songs are all so refreshing live, it’s like I’m hearing them with new ears every time. Seeing the band playing their hearts out on stage lets the songs I’ve listened to a thousand times on my iPod take flight.

Throughout the show, Josh read various dedications of love (these could be submitted before the show) which varied from marriage proposals to erotic proposals to messages to and from Liam Hurley (drummer of the Royal City Band). Whether the messages were amusing or sweet, it was a great addition to the show. I was surprised and pleased by how clever the majority of Josh Ritter fans appear to be.

This show also marked the first time I got to hear my favorite song: “Naked as a Window”. The moment was as quiet and as delicate as someone playing a song on an acoustic guitar in their living room. In contrast, five extra percussionists (including Scott and Grant Hutchinson of Frightened Rabbit) took the stage for “Rattling Locks” which shook me to the core. The Royal City Band was also joined by a jazz trio featuring two saxophones and a trumpet for a handful of songs.
In one of my favorite moments of a night of many great moments, Josh requested that the disco ball be set off on queue during “Kathleen” for a slow dance effect. Everything lined up perfectly and the effect was amazing; the way Terminal 5 lit up was indescribably cool.

Josh Ritter – Rattling Locks

Scott Hutchinson came back one last time to join Ritter for a colorful duet on the Everly Brothers’ “Stories We Could Tell”. Earlier in the evening, Josh and the Royal City Band did a particularly lovely cover of The Velvet Underground’s “Pale Blue Eyes”, which isn’t a song that I would’ve dreamed of hearing this band cover. The night closed with the live staple, “To the Dogs Or Whoever” which took the band out on the highest note ever.

This show was full of surprises, packed with memories, and made me smile so much my face hurt: all in all, a spectacular time. I’m ready to pack my bags and hit the road for the next round.

[Josh Ritter & the Royal City Band are currently on tour. See the full set of dates here.]