Misterwives (w/ Joan & Moody Joody)
House of Blues - Boston, MA - October 30th, 2024
Photos & words by Nathan Smith (@nathaninboston)

Before embarking on this tour, Misterwives shared a message that set the tone for these shows: "It has been the biggest privilege of our lives to tour together for over a decade straight and while this isn't goodbye, this is the last tour we will be doing for a while." That bittersweet announcement made their Halloween eve performance at Boston's House of Blues feel all the more special.

The setlist played like a carefully crafted love letter to their fanbase, spanning their entire decade-long discography. On October 30th, 2024, Misterwives didn't just perform at House of Blues - they transformed it into an electric dance party (as most of their shows tend to turn into). From the nostalgic "Reflections," one of their earliest and most beloved hits, to the infectious energy of "Sideways" off their latest album, each song felt carefully chosen to celebrate their journey. The band's dedication to their craft was matched only by their fans' devotion, with the most passionate camping out for hours before doors just to secure their spots at the barrier. Adding to the night's magic, the band fully embraced the Halloween spirit, appearing as the Addams Family, with lead singer Mandy Lee cutting a perfect figure as Wednesday Addams.

In perhaps the most touching moment of the night, Misterwives demonstrated their deep connection with their fanbase by hosting a live gender reveal on stage for one of their longtime fans. This intimate moment, shared with thousands, exemplified how Misterwives has maintained such a devoted following over the years - by treating their fans like family.

Opening the night was Moody Joody, a newer artist showcasing synth-pop excellence. Led by the vocal duo of Kaitie Forbes and Kayla Hall, the Nashville-based band delivered an engaging set featuring songs from their upcoming debut EP, Dream Girl. Recently signed to Photo Finish Records - the same label as Misterwives - Moody Joody seems perfectly positioned to carry the torch in the indie/pop scene that Misterwives has carried for the past decade.

The middle slot belonged to Joan, a duo hailing from Little Rock, Arkansas. Their performance channeled clear influences from the 80's and 90's, evoking comparisons to contemporaries like COIN and The 1975. Supporting their debut album superglue (released last year), Joan demonstrated why they're rapidly gaining attention in the alternative scene.

While I can admit to my bias as a longtime Misterwives fan, it was clear that the band was operating at peak performance, going out on a true high note. They achieved what they do best: transforming a packed venue into an all-out dance celebration. As “End of My Rope” proved (one of the last songs of the night), their ability to turn any crowd into a dancing mass of joy remains unmatched. Their energy was infectious, their musicianship tight, and their connection with the audience palpable.

Though this may be their last tour for the foreseeable future, the night felt less like a goodbye and more like a celebration of ten years of touring.