Nothing More raises Spirits in Minneapolis

CONCERT REVIEW :: NOTHING MORE with CROWN THE EMPIRE and THOUSAND BELOW
THE FILLMORE in MINNEAPOLIS, MN
April 15, 2023
Photos and Review by Brett Zisler

The lines were long and the excitement was palpable on a Saturday evening as the Nothing More SPIRITS Tour 2023 rolled its way into town. The band is far from strangers of Minneapolis and the turnout early at the Fillmore showed how ready they were for their return.

This marked the first time since 2019 that Nothing More headlined their own tour in Minnesota. Nothing More hit the stage opening with the title track off their new album SPIRITS. Front man Jonny Hawkins’ unique and distinct voice cut through the venue as the crowd bellowed back the chorus. It’s amazing to see the energy this bad gives off while performing live and how the concert goers feed off of it. Guitarist Mark Vollelunga accompanied by his sleek Aristides guitar paved the way into “Do You Really Want it?” Bassist Daniel Oliver moved with ease across the stage as he also provided backing vocals. Ben Anderson flawlessly provided the backbone all night as he pounded away on his drumkit.

Nothing More blended the new songs off the SPIRITS album along with some of the classics in their catalog. Seeing the crowds’ reaction to “You Don’t Know What Love Means” and moving into “Best Times” proved that these are now two permanent fan favorites that they will look forward to seeing at future shows.

Winding down the night they moved into their incredibly deep and moving “Fadein/Fadeout.” You could tell when the crowd hears that song live, it reaches them. They feel it. That’s the feeling they are looking for when they walk through the venue doors. Closing their set out, with a warning from Hawkins “We don’t do encores. So give us your all.” I’ve been lucky to be a part of many of shows at the Fillmore, I can honestly say when “Ballast” kicked in, I haven’t seen the floor move the way it did. The energy level maintained through their set never diminished. From the band or the crowd.

That’s the beauty of Nothing More. Their live shpw brings an energy level that many siply just can’t touch. Add in rock solid musicianship and it’s a show unlike anything else. Walking out of the venue at the end, I heard so many leaving say “I hope they come back soon.” And so do I.

CROWN THE EMPIRE

SEE MORE OF BRETT'S PICTURES from NOTHING MORE, CROWN THE EMPIRE and THOUSAND BELOW HERE!