lovelytheband • Mod Sun • Honestav • No Love For The Middle Child • October 4, 2024 • The Union Events Center
Reviewed and Photographed by Max Taylor
On October 4th, 2024, Utah was graced with the presence of Mod Sun and lovelytheband as they made their way across the U.S. on their highly anticipated co-headline “Here’s Your Flowers Tour.” Being the fifth of thirty shows on this leg of the tour, the Salt Lake City stop at the Union Event Center was destined to be a night to remember. Fans were buzzing with excitement from the moment the doors opened, knowing they were in for something special.
Both Mod Sun and lovelytheband have had long standing connections with their Utah fanbase, having performed in Salt Lake City several times over the years. Some of Mod Sun’s earliest appearances in Utah date back to 2016 when he opened for Machine Gun Kelly, bringing his unique “hippie hop” sound to local audiences. Since then, his music has undergone a significant transformation, now rooted in pop-punk with a rap influence, while still maintaining the upbeat, positive energy that has always defined his work.
Lovelytheband has also made multiple stops in Utah over the years, with their emotional indie rock sound resonating deeply with fans, one of the first being at X96’s Big Ass Show in 2018 which featured artists such as Awolnation, Joywave, Bishop Briggs, and Yungblud. As the two co-headliners returned to Salt Lake City, their fans were ready for a show filled with both nostalgia and excitement for what’s next.
No Love For The Middle Child
The night began with a set from No Love for the Middle Child, a successful songwriter/producer having worked with artists such as Juice World and Papa Roach, and rising indie/alternative artists. No Love is actually a classically trained cellist(and you better believe that Cello made multiple appearances throughout the night). Though not as well-known as the headliners, No Love wasted no time capturing the audience’s attention with his heartfelt lyrics and genre-blending sound. His songs, deeply personal and introspective, dealt with themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. You could see the raw emotion on his face as he performed, and it didn’t take long for the crowd to respond with enthusiasm, singing along to the choruses as if they had known him for years.
Honestav
Next up was Honestav, the second opener and one of the night’s clear fan favorites. As soon as he walked on stage, the audience erupted in cheers, signaling that many had come specifically to see him perform. The energy shifted instantly from introspective to electric, with fans screaming his name and singing along with every word. Honestav’s down-to-earth personality and humble stage presence made him even more endearing to the crowd, creating an atmosphere of authenticity that is often rare at large-scale concerts.
Lyrically driven and unafraid to dive into deep, personal subjects, Honestav’s songs reflect his struggles with love, death, addiction, and letting go. His voice carried a mix of pain and hope, striking a balance between vulnerability and strength. One of the standout moments of his set was when he performed his hit song, “I’d Rather Overdose,” which clearly resonated with the audience. The entire room seemed to sing along to the hauntingly emotional chorus: “I can’t let you go,
I try, but I always know,
I wish you was holding me close,
Can’t be without you, I’d rather overdose.”
One particularly memorable moment came when Honestav brought No Love back on stage during his own set for an acoustic version of one of his songs. The stripped-back performance created an intimate atmosphere that contrasted with the high-energy expectations of the night. The crowd fell silent, soaking in every word of the emotional lyrics. It was a poignant reminder that even in a high-energy concert, moments of vulnerability can stand out the most.
The raw emotion of the song, combined with the crowd’s enthusiastic participation, created a powerful connection between Honestav and his fans. For many in the room, it felt like they were singing their own stories back to him, and that’s what makes his music so impactful.
Mod Sun
As the first co-headliner of the night, Mod Sun brought a much-needed burst of energy and optimism to the room. Known for his infectious personality and upbeat music, Mod Sun didn’t disappoint. His five-plus years of sobriety were an important theme throughout his performance, and his gratitude for life and second chances was palpable. Early in the set, he proclaimed, “Tonight is about joy. Tonight is about faith,” setting the tone for what would be a wholesome, heartfelt performance.
As Honestav said earlier in the night, Mod is a true rockstar. With his full band made up of himself, Forget Brennan, Kyle McGrail, Sher, and No Love, each member brought tremendous energy and personality to each song. The crowd’s excitement was undeniable. As he launched into his song Bones, the room seemed to explode with energy, with fans jumping, singing, and clapping along.
Mod Sun took the audience on a rollercoaster, blending alt-pop with punk rock and touches of his earlier “hippie hop” sound, playing songs from his hippie hop era such as My Hippy, a cover of Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls, and Flames(a song he did as a collab with Avril Lavigne). Mod is all about finding joy and positivity in life, no matter what challenges come your way. His message resonated with the audience, many of whom seemed to be long-time fans who had followed his journey over the years.
Mod Sun’s stage presence was magnetic, as he danced, smiled, and interacted with the crowd at every opportunity. He even brought Honestav back on stage for a surprise performance, much to the delight of the audience. It was clear that Mod Sun was genuinely happy to be there, and his joy was contagious. By the time he wrapped up his set, the audience was buzzing with excitement, ready for the next act.
lovelytheband
Finally, lovelytheband took the stage to close out the night, delivering a performance that kept the energy high and the crowd on their feet. The band, fresh off the release of their fourth album, performed a mix of new tracks and fan favorites. Their emotional, rock-driven sound filled the venue, with each song flowing seamlessly into the next. From the first chord to the final note, it was clear that lovelytheband knows how to command a stage.
Throughout their set, the audience was fully engaged, with fists pumping in the air and people dancing along to every beat. The band’s connection with their fans was evident, with lead singer Mitchy Collins often pausing between songs to express his gratitude to the crowd. The atmosphere in the venue was electric, with fans in the back waving glow sticks and singing along with every word.
As the night came to a close, lovelytheband delivered a few final high-energy tracks, leaving the crowd wanting more. The final track of the night was their hit song, Broken. The infectious indie pop anthem explores themes of vulnerability and connection through shared emotional struggles.
The song contrasts its upbeat, synth-driven melody with lyrics that reflect feelings of loneliness and the acceptance of one’s imperfections. When this song was originally released in 2017, it became a breakout hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart and earning substantial radio play. The success not only propelled the band into the mainstream but also helped them gain a wider audience, making them a recognizable name in the indie pop genre.
I like that you’re broken
Broken like me
Maybe that makes me a fool
I like that you’re lonely
Lonely like me
I could be lonely with you
It was a fitting end to an unforgettable night, and as fans streamed out of the venue, there was a sense that they had just witnessed something truly special.
In the end, the “Here’s Your Flowers Tour” stop in Salt Lake City was a resounding success. From the heartfelt performances of the opening acts to the electrifying sets from Mod Sun and lovelytheband, the night was filled with memorable moments, emotional connections, and an overwhelming sense of joy. Both headliners proved once again why they have such dedicated followings, and the openers showed that they are artists to watch as they continue to rise. As the tour continues across the country, one thing is clear: the fans who attend these shows are in for a night they won’t soon forget.