Concert Review: Soul Asylum with Juliana Hatfield at the Tower Theatre, Oklahoma City (10/18/2024)
On October 18th, the iconic Tower Theatre in Oklahoma City set the stage for an unforgettable night of alternative rock, with Soul Asylum headlining and Juliana Hatfield opening the show. The historic venue, known for its intimate setting and stellar acoustics, was the perfect backdrop for a night of nostalgia, fresh tunes, and vibrant energy from two acts who continue to evolve while staying true to their roots.
Juliana Hatfield: A Warm and Lyrical Opening
Juliana Hatfield opened the evening with a beautifully stripped-down set that struck a perfect balance between vulnerability and grit. Accompanied by a small backing band, she delivered fan favorites like “My Sister” and “Spin the Bottle” while also treating the audience to newer material from her latest releases. Her vocals, equal parts wistful and sharp, filled the room with emotional intensity, drawing in listeners with both familiarity and poignancy.
Hatfield’s easygoing stage presence and subtle humor made her set feel especially personal. Though her music often explores themes of alienation and introspection, the connection she forged with the audience was palpable. By the end of her performance, it was clear she had not only satisfied long-time fans but also intrigued curious listeners unfamiliar with her deeper catalog.
Soul Asylum: Classic Hits and Fresh Sounds
After a brief intermission, Soul Asylum took the stage to roaring applause and immediately launched into “Somebody to Shove,” igniting the crowd. Frontman Dave Pirner, with his unmistakable raspy vocals and magnetic energy, led the band through a well-curated set that combined beloved hits with new material from their latest album, Slowly But Shirley. Songs like “Let the Pieces Fall” and “Morning Comes Too Soon” from the new release were met with enthusiastic applause, proving that the band’s newer offerings have found a place alongside their classics.
The audience responded most fervently to staples like “Black Gold” and “Misery,” but the emotional highlight was undoubtedly “Runaway Train.” As the opening chords rang out, the entire audience—probably including the bartenders—sang along, proving that even three decades later, the song still hits like a gut punch. Pirner, clearly enjoying the moment, gave a knowing grin, as if to say, “Yeah, I still got it.”
The band’s performance was tight and dynamic, with enough spontaneity to keep things fresh, and their chemistry on stage made it clear that they were still having fun after all these years.
Pirner took a moment to thank the audience, expressing gratitude for their support of both the band’s old hits and their new music. He reflected on the long journey Soul Asylum has taken and how grateful they are to still be playing for enthusiastic crowds. His heartfelt words added an extra layer of authenticity to the night.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember
With Juliana Hatfield’s introspective opening and Soul Asylum’s vibrant mix of nostalgia and new material, the evening at the Tower Theatre was nothing short of spectacular. Both artists delivered performances that showcased not just their past but their growth, proving that their music remains relevant and engaging.
For the audience, it was a night of both reflection and celebration—a reminder that great music has the power to evolve while still holding onto what made it special in the first place. As the crowd filtered out into the cool Oklahoma night, there was a shared sense that they had witnessed something meaningful: a night where old favorites met new beginnings, and the music lingered long after the final notes had faded.
