Photojournalist: Antonina Schubert
Neon Trees kicked off their Sink Your Teeth Tour in spectacular fashion on Monday night, March 24, 2025, at Newport Music Hall in Columbus, Ohio. With a career spanning over 15 years, the band brought an electrifying mix of nostalgia and fresh energy, proving that their music—both old and new—still has the power to get fans dancing, singing, and celebrating together.
Opening the night was Philadelphia-based band The Tisburys, who delivered a set filled with intricate guitar work and engaging melodies. They engaged with the crowd both during their set and afterward, chatting with fans at their merch table. They also offered exclusive early access to their new upcoming album, A STILL LIFE REVISITED, on CD—a fun and unique touch for concertgoers. Their performance had moments of humor and high energy, helping to set the stage for the night ahead.
When Neon Trees took the stage, the energy in the room skyrocketed. Frontman Tyler Glenn, along with Chris Allen (guitar), Elaine Bradley (drums), and Denny Fuller (bass), commanded the stage with a mix of exhilarating stage presence and undeniable camaraderie. From the first notes of "Losing My Head," the crowd was all in—jumping, dancing, and shouting lyrics with pure enthusiasm.
The setlist was a well-crafted journey through the band’s history, blending fan-favorite hits with songs off their latest album, Sink Your Teeth. A standout moment in the night was when the band performed “Paper Cuts” live for the first time, met with thunderous cheers. Glenn, ever the charismatic performer, fueled the crowd’s energy, shouting, “Dance, motherfuckers, dance!”—a command the audience happily obeyed.
The night also carried its fair share of humor and heartfelt moments. Glenn joked about the band’s signature style, quipping, “Still wearing leather jackets and tight ass pants,” which had the audience cracking up. But it was also clear that this tour meant something deeply personal to the band. Glenn shared their motivation for hitting the road again: “We wanted to see fans. We wanted to be close to you.” And close they were, creating a night that felt intimate and electric all at once.
A sweet moment came during “Don’t You Want Me” when drummer, Elaine Bradley, took the spotlight with her solo, receiving an extra surge of love from the crowd, who cheered her on with infectious enthusiasm. It was one of many instances throughout the night that showcased the band’s deep connection with their fans.
As the show wrapped up, the band and crew handed out neon-colored setlists to a lucky few, a small but special token to remember the night. It was the perfect ending to a show filled with high energy, heartfelt moments, and undeniable nostalgia.
For longtime fans and newcomers alike, Neon Trees deliver a show that’s worth every moment. The Sink Your Teeth Tour is more than just a trip down memory lane—it's a reminder of the band's staying power and their ability to keep evolving while staying true to their sound. If the opening night was any indication, this is a tour you won’t want to miss. Grab a friend, get ready to dance, and experience the magic for yourself. Find upcoming tour dates and ticket information at https://www.neontrees.com/
