Lord Huron • Molly Lewis• May 31, 2025 • Sandy Amphitheater
Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson
On May 31, 2025, Lord Huron returned to Utah for a sold-out stop at Sandy Amphitheater on their Strange Trails 10th Anniversary Tour. For me, it was a full-circle moment: the first show I ever saw at Sandy Amphitheater was Lord Huron, and seeing them again in that same beautiful setting brought back a wave of memories. This was my third time seeing the band—once at Red Rocks and twice now at Sandy—and each time, they’ve left me more impressed than the last.
When I first entered the venue, the first thing I noticed was the merch line. It was so long I couldn’t even see the end, a sure sign of a devoted fan base. The energy was high, the anticipation even higher. I’d been looking forward to this show for months, and judging by the sea of fans wearing Lord Huron merch and chattering about their favorite songs, I wasn’t alone.
Sandy Amphitheater is easily one of my favorite venues in Utah. The outdoor setting is gorgeous, the staff and volunteers are always welcoming, and the sound and lighting are consistently excellent. This night was no exception. The production was top-notch, the band sounded amazing, and the lights added the perfect mood to match the band’s cinematic style. With a sold-out crowd on their feet for most of the night, the vibe was electric from start to finish.
Molly Lewis
The night opened with a truly unique performance by Molly Lewis, a professional whistler. Yes, a whistler. I was surprised when she announced she’d be whistling—and only whistling—during her set. Backed by a guitarist, her performance was chilled-out, dreamy, and totally unlike anything I’ve seen before. It set a calm, contemplative tone that gave way beautifully to the main event.
Lord Huron
Lord Huron took the stage following a theatrical introduction by a narrator, actor, John Salandria, who appeared several times throughout the night in various personas—a radio broadcaster, a bartender, a bar patron—all with subtle nods to lyrics and song titles. The storytelling added a dramatic, immersive layer to the performance and helped transport the audience into the Strange Trails world.
Strange Trails
The band performed the entire Strange Trails album from front to back, something fans have long hoped for. Kicking off with “Love Like Ghosts” and rolling through tracks like “Fool for Love,” “Meet Me in the Woods,” and “The Night We Met,” the show was packed with fan favorites. Songs like “Fool for Love” and “The Night We Met” especially resonated with the crowd, drawing huge reactions and mass sing-alongs. “Wait by the River” was another highlight, with frontman Ben Schneider picking up a vintage payphone at center stage and singing directly into it. It was one of those theatrical flourishes that made the night feel truly special.
Schneider, always an engaging but somewhat enigmatic frontman, kept the crowd hanging on every word. At one point, he pointed out that he was wearing the same hat he wore on the Strange Trails tour a decade ago—and that it still smelled like him. “Back then,” he joked, “I was just a stinky old bastard.” He also noted how meaningful it was to play the Strange Trails album in full, sharing that many fans have told him how much it means to them. He expressed gratitude to the crowd, remarking that this show was a far cry from their earlier Utah performances at smaller venues like Kilby Court.
Visually, the set was fairly simple but effective. The backdrop featured glowing “Strange Trails” lettering and a stylized skull. The stage props—like the vintage radio that appeared early on and the payphone later in the set—added to the surreal, old-west-meets-dreamworld aesthetic the band is known for.
A fan in the front held up a sign asking the band to design her 11th Lord Huron tattoo. By the end of the show, Schneider handed her a folded piece of paper with a custom design. It was really cool to see the connection this band has with its fans.
Second Set/ Encore
The setlist didn’t stop with Strange Trails. After completing the album in full, the band returned for a second set that included songs like “The Ghost on the Shore,” “Let the Devil Come,” “I Lied,” and “Ancient Names (Parts I & II).” Every song felt intentional, every moment well-rehearsed and cinematic. While I missed seeing Schneider wear his signature skeleton mask for a few songs—as he’s done in the past—it didn’t take away from the magic of the night.
Misty Boyce, a touring member of the band, joined Schneider for a stunning duet of “I Lied,” one of the most emotional moments of the evening. Their harmonies were haunting, and the entire amphitheater fell silent to take it in. The band kept the show flowing smoothly, with very few breaks and an intentional, theatrical pacing that made the whole performance feel like a well-crafted story.
This show was everything I hoped it would be. From the storytelling elements to the stunning visuals, and from the emotional resonance to the pure musicality, Lord Huron delivered an unforgettable experience. I left feeling completely fulfilled—and counting down the days until they return this fall for their show at The Union. If you’ve never seen Lord Huron live, don’t miss your chance. They’re one of those rare bands that sound even better live than on the record. Every show feels like stepping into a dream.
