AJR • July 22, 2025 • Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson
On July 22, 2025, AJR brought their “Somewhere in the Sky Tour” to Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre, and the energy was electric from the very beginning. The pop band made up of brothers, Adam, Jack, and Ryan Met, drew in fans of all ages, including many teens, young adults, and families. Fans were decked out in AJR merch, and I spotted quite a few trapper hats just like the one that lead singer Jack is known for. Before the music even started, long merch lines stretched across the plaza, and excited chatter about past tours and hoped-for songs filled the air.
This wasn’t my first AJR show, so I already knew I was in for an exciting night, but this time, I brought my kids. As a concert photographer, I attend a lot of shows, but this one was special. AJR is a big favorite in our household, and my 11-year-old son proudly claims them as his all-time favorite band. I had seen them the previous year on their Maybe Man tour (without my kids), and let’s just say… they haven’t let me forget it. This year, I made it right, and the experience was unforgettable.
I’ve been to Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre many times, and it remains one of my favorite concert venues in the state. It’s the largest amphitheater in Utah, and it always impresses with its well-run layout, thoughtful amenities, and spacious lawn. They’ve added new features this year, like their new VIP outdoor hangout spot, The Backyard, mobile charging rentals (which I’ve already used twice!), and even a $2 hot dog deal, perfect for feeding three kids and still saving money for merch.
The sound quality, lighting, and production were all top-notch, as always. While this amphitheater tour didn’t have quite the same level of visual spectacle as the Maybe Man tour, AJR still delivered plenty of theatrical moments and fun stage visuals. The set was clean, dynamic, and interactive, keeping the focus on the music and performance.
When AJR took the stage, my kids’ faces lit up. Watching them jump, sing, and dance to every word was such a meaningful experience as a parent. There’s something incredible about watching your kids lose themselves in the music they love, and sharing that joy with them made it one of my favorite concert experiences ever.
The band kicked off with hits like “Way Less Sad,” “Karma,” and “The Good Part.” They played their newest single, “Betty,” which was released just weeks before the show. I was surprised (but not really) by how many fans already knew every word. Earlier that night, a young fan I chatted with told me “Betty” was the song he was most hoping to hear, and judging by the crowd’s reaction, he wasn’t alone. In addition to their new single, the band also announced they will be releasing a new EP titled “What No One’s Thinking.”
One thing AJR does better than almost anyone is build a playful, personal bond with their fans. The two brothers were on fire all night, jumping around the stage, engaging the crowd with their signature brotherly banter, and keeping the energy high. Jack told us he made a promise not to make fun of Ryan on stage anymore…and he was committed to keeping that promise and not mocking him, on stage. Jack then revealed that one lucky fan would find an envelope taped under their seat with an embarrassing photo of Ryan, which was then displayed on the Jumbotron. That kind of clever humor is what makes their shows so memorable.
There were other amazing crowd moments, too. Jack spotted a fan holding a sign that said “Rock Paper Scissors for your hat.” He pulled the fan on stage and explained the rules: if the fan won, he’d get Jack’s signature trapper hat; if he lost, he’d have to tell a joke in front of the entire crowd. Thankfully for the fan, he won, and Jack handed him a trapper hat identical to the one he was wearing. My kids and I actually ran into him afterward, and he told us how nervous he was because he couldn’t think of a joke under all that pressure, and he really didn’t want to embarrass himself. He added that it was the best day of his life.
Another highlight was when AJR made their way further back in the venue to perform “World’s Smallest Violin” while sitting among the fans. Early in the show, when some fans in the front row shouted for them to play “Espresso,” Jack and Ryan laughed and looked like they might actually consider it. These small, seemingly spontaneous moments make every AJR show feel one-of-a-kind.
Even without Adam Met, who is currently taking time off to focus on climate activism (and whose work earned him a spot on the TIME100 Climate list), the show never missed a beat. While it would have been great to see all three brothers together, Jack and Ryan carried the show effortlessly. They never directly addressed Adam’s absence, instead choosing to let the music speak for itself, and it did.
As the night went on, the hits kept coming: “Bang!,” “Burn the House Down,” “Sober Up,” and more. Before playing “100 Bad Days,” they walked the audience through the process of how they created the song’s intro, something they’d done on the Maybe Man tour but still felt fresh and exciting. The encore was one for the books. They brought out a local marching band from Copper Hills High School in West Jordan to join them on stage and throughout the aisles of the amphitheater. Together, AJR and the talented marching band performed a show-stopping version of “Weak,” blended with elements of other fan favorites like “Way Less Sad,” “100 Bad Days,” and “Bang!” I’ve never seen anything like it. I can only imagine how exciting that was for the marching band students of Copper Hills High, and their hard work showed through in their performance.
I will admit, I was kind of expecting a confetti blast at the end (it didn’t happen!), but I still left happy. The performance was heartfelt, hilarious, energetic, and absolutely electric.
AJR does something truly unique: they write songs that are both fun and accessible, yet deeply relatable. For many of their fans, they’ve become the soundtrack to navigating adulthood with humor and heart. They tend to have several anthems that fit our collective human experience, and as catchy and whimsical as their music seems, their messages resonate with so many. Personally, I have occasionally found myself getting emotional when I hear my kids sing along to “Don’t Throw Out My Legos.”
This concert reminded me why I love live music so much, but also why I love AJR. They make music that brings people together, across generations. Watching my kids fall in love with their favorite band in real-time, feeling that connection through music, it was one of my favorite moments not just of the summer, but of my life. If you ever get the chance to see AJR live, especially with your family, don’t miss it. It’s more than a concert. It’s a memory in the making.