Update from Anna

 

Venue: The Eagles Ballroom | Milwaukee, WI

Exploding onto a major national tour, Wallows kicked off their tour in the midwest, covering Iowa, Minnesota and then, on the third night of the tour, stopping in Milwaukee at The Rave. Performing in the Eagles Ballroom, one of the most historic stages in the whole city, for a crowd over 4,000 fans. Showing up on a Monday night, this crowd was eager and well prepared for an exciting night of the Model & More Tour. Some of whom lined up as early as 5 a.m. the day of the show to secure the front row spots. 

Landing somewhere in between indie rock and alt pop, Wallows has a song for every mood. Their newest album, Model features hits like “Anytime, Always,” “Calling After Me,” and “Don’t You Think It’s Strange.” In anticipation of their upcoming EP, More, while Wallows titles this tour Model & More, implying a mix of songs on their setlist from their 2024 album and some new tracks as well. One of which being “Your New Favorite Song,” which made its first live appearance on a setlist on the first night of this 2025 tour and in Milwaukee. 

On February 10, where the temperature hovered just above freezing, hundreds of fans arrived at the venue before the doors were opened. Wrapping a long ling across the street and around two city blocks, proving the determination of the Wallows fandom. The interest Wallows has accumulated is rare and doesn’t occur for every artist. But, Wallows and their team have nailed the formula. From production to VIP, their tours are known for interchangeable setlists and over-the-top fan engagement. With a fun, cool and dramatic opening from Deb Never, the audience was buzzing with excitement for Wallows to take the stage. 

Lead singer, Dylan Minnette, performs alongside Cole Preston and Braeden LeMasters. For their touring performances, Kevin Grimmet, Blake Morell and Danny Ferenbach join the group to cover keys, bass, additional guitars and the trumpet.  Most interestingly, for some songs the band switches which instruments, for “Quarterback,” Cole comes forward off the drum kit to play guitar and battling with Braeden on stage, connecting and butting shoulders like wrestlers.

The most memorable moment of the evening was “OK,” a track released in 2020. When Dylan jumped off the Eagles Ballroom stage for the bridge of the song he took to the barricade separating the crowd and himself. With confidence, he leaned into the crowd and held the mic above the crowd's heads as they screamed with their whole chest the fast-paced tune with perfection. Finishing the song in the center barricade, Dylan’s energy was through the roof as fans sang every last word with him from just inches away. The bridge in “OK” had fans shocked as they experienced such an intimate live moment with the lead singer. But, this is not the only track where Wallows takes a risk with audience engagement. Braeden joins the crowd directly for “Going Under” and walks calmly through the sea of fans for the entire track. This track has a catchy chorus with a high-energy bridge! There is an obvious sense of trust between their fans and these talented artists, the energy Braeden exudes is enough to calm anyone; if he’s collected then everything stays orderly while still having fun. 

Wallows’ crew also impressed incredibly throughout the night with gorgeous lights, set design and sound. For the first act of this performance, the boys perform in front of a larger than life copy of the Model album cover, but as they enter the last quarter of the show the backdrop descends to review and neon glow that replicate the night skies; white stars and a screen displaying the band name. Illuminating into the crowd of warm yellows, cool purples and reds it really transported us into the world of their music. The Wallows aesthetic has a hint of vintage, but modernized into a vibrant and complete concept. 

Setlist:

Anytime, Always

Scrawny

OK

It’s Only Right

Sun Tan

Quarterback

Bad Dream

These Days

You (Show Me Where My Days Went)

At The End Of The Day

Your Apartment

Your New Favorite Song

A Warning

Uncomfortable

Going Under

Pleaser

Calling After Me

Remember When

I Don’t Want To Talk

Are You Bored Yet?

Only Friend

The Model & More Tour is coming near you this winter and spring, head over to a Wallows show as they travel across the country bringing their love and energy to every city. They put on an unforgettable concert. Be sure to listen to “Your New Favorite Song” and pre-save the new EP More out March 28, 2025. 

https://www.wallowsmusic.com/tour/ 

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