The Maine
The Showbox // Seattle, WA // November 19, 2023
Photos and review by Rachael Dowd
The Maine is currently celebrating 16 years as a band and brought their Sweet Sixteen Tour to Seattle on November 19 with support from Weathers and flor. Playing a staggering 26 songs, The Maine’s setlist spanned many different eras. From Can’t Stop Won’t Stop to Forever Halloween, American Candy and so on, none of their full-length albums were left untouched.
Opening up the night with “Dose No. 2,” the opening track of their latest self-titled album, the energy exploded in the room when the band hit the stage. It was clear The Maine meant business and were there to put on an unforgettable show for their dedicated fans.
The Maine have played the historic Showbox many times over the years, but this was the first time they had sold out the room, a testament to the growth and popularity they have gained in recent years.
The Maine kept the setlist stacked, transitioning into the fan-favorite “I Must Be Dreaming” and then American Candy’s “Diet Soda Society,” frontman John O’Callaghan interacting with fans from the bar to the barricade, including them in any moment of the performances he could.
A particularly memorable moment in the set came about halfway through the night. Bassist Garrett Nickelsenheld up a meter that tracked how loud the audience was as O’Callaghan gave them two song options to choose from – “My Best Habit” or “Am I Pretty?”
After taunting the audience with comments that Portland’s audience was far louder, Nickelsen put the meter to the test as fans screamed for the song they wanted to hear more. In the end, “Am I Pretty?” won, showcasing how important of a song it is for many fans.
Another memorable moment came during “Sticky,” where O’Callaghan parted the crowd in two and joined them for the upbeat XOXO: Love and Anxiety in Real Time lead single. With the crowd jumping and dancing around the vocalist under the gleam of the disco ball, the entire performance proved how strong of a community The Maine have built over the years, the audience joining together to give the song their all.
Closing out the night in typical fashion with “Another Night On Mars,” O’Callaghan asked fans to put their arms around the person next to them, bringing the entire room together for a truly inclusive moment as they sang the lyrics about friendship and nostalgic memories.
As someone who has been attending The Maine shows since 2008, I am always looking for ways for the five-piece to top their last tour. With a setlist that stands as a reminder of where they came from and where they are going, the Sweet Sixteen Tour brings a bout of nostalgia, gratitude and sheer joy. For anyone who has been a The Maine fan for years or is just getting into them, this isn’t a tour you want to miss.
