How a Resurrection Really Feels – The Hold Steady rock Basilica

Even Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak got in on the festivities while wearing a Hold Steady t-shirt as the one-time Twin Cities rockers, The Hold Steady, were back in town.  The band was back this time for the 15th annual Basilica Block Party, the annual music fundraiser to support the Basilica of St. Mary church.  And while Friday night The Jayhawks and The Black Crowes endured on and off rain, Saturday night The Hold Steady were fortunate to be blessed with an absolute perfect summer evening in Minnesota.

Mayor R.T. Rybak introduced the band and then the crowd waited a long eight or so minutes before The Hold Steady finally took the stage.  Singer/guitarist, Craig Finn, was all smiles as he picked up his guitar and jumped into the opener “Constructive Summer”.  From there on out the wild crowd rocked as the band ripped through their set overflowing with Twin Cities influence.  No new songs were introduced, but instead the band gave the hometown crowd what they expected and as usual the often fanatical Hold Steady crowd was there to respond with fists pumping, feet jumping and voices backing the band passionately.  “Lord, I’m Discouraged” was a gorgeous highlight especially considering the surroundings.

After about an hour and ten minutes, the band took a quick encore break before Craig Finn came back with a beer bottle in hand and grateful smile on his face.  He put the crowd into a frenzy as he talked about Minneapolis and how it has changed since the late 80’s when he roamed town.  “In fact the only thing that really seems the same is Minneapolis’ two greatest houses of worship”, he exclaimed as he pointed, “The Basilica and First Avenue!”

With guitarist Tad Kubler on acoustic, the band changed directions and worked through a two of their slower songs, “Citrus” and “First Night”.  It was a beautiful moment before mayhem once again ensued as night ended with “Stuck Between Stations” and “Killer Parties”.  The Hold Steady rocked the best show I’ve seen all year.  It was a massive night.

 The Hold Steady – Basilica Block Party, Minneapolis, MN – July 11th, 2009
Constructive Summer
Hot Soft Light
Chips Ahoy!
Sequestered In Memphis
The Swish
Magazines
Massive Nights
Party Pit
Don’t Let Me Explode
Stevie Nix
Multitude of Casualties
Yeah Sapphire
Southtown Girls
Lord, I’m Discouraged
Your Little Hoodrat Friend
Stay Positive
Slapped Actress
How a Resurrection Really Feels
————
Citrus
First Night
Stuck Between Stations
Killer Parties

FLAC audience recording available here.