On Saturday, March 1st, Finneas brought his “For Cryin’ Out Loud!” tour to the Fillmore Auditorium, marking one of the final stops on its run. Fresh off the release of his second studio album — which shares a title with the tour — last October, he has solidified his own space in music, blending brooding romantic lyricism with hard-hitting breakup tracks. The Fillmore, with its illustrious and intimate atmosphere, was a fitting backdrop for the night, complementing Finneas’ smoky, indie rom-com persona.
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While often recognized for his work alongside his younger sister and musical partner, Billie Eilish, Finneas has long been a defining force behind their sound. Together, the duo has left an undeniable mark on the music industry, racking up awards and accolades. However, this tour was about stepping into his own spotlight. As one of the most influential architects of modern pop music, his distinct musical identity has shaped the decade, but now, he takes center stage—not just as a producer or songwriter, but as a performer in his own right. The 10-time Grammy Award winner pulled out all the stops for an evening of deeply personal and passionate music, delivering a show that was both thrilling and intimate.
Opening the night was Bad Suns, a band frequently praised by Finneas as one of his favorites. No strangers to Colorado stages, the group has played iconic venues like Red Rocks and fan-favorite events such as The Big Gig. Their years of performing together were evident in their undeniable chemistry.
With their cool, calm, and collected stage presence, Bad Suns fostered an electric yet laid-back atmosphere. Their set, packed with infectious guitar riffs and danceable tracks, had the audience fully engaged, priming them for Finneas’ grand entrance. The performance had the energy of a high-powered house show—like watching your favorite hometown band, but on a much bigger stage.
The long-awaited moment arrived as Finneas finally stepped onto the stage to the sound of adoring fans. Dressed in an effortlessly cool style that felt straight out of a coming-of-age film, he and his band exuded an infectious energy that immediately spread through the crowd.
Their camaraderie was undeniable, their humor and tight-knit friendship apparent in each note played. Nothing about their presence felt forced or like a group of strangers simply playing together for a paycheck. Instead, they moved like a family, radiating a sense of ease and mutual support. It was the kind of dynamic where, no matter what happened during the show, you knew they had each other’s backs. That chemistry made it impossible not to smile along with them.
Finneas, rocking a jeans-and-white-T-shirt look paired with what he jokingly calls his “awkward phase” hair, channeled a soft-boy Kurt Cobain aesthetic, an unexpectedly perfect fit for the night’s mood. The stage itself had a subdued, vintage decadence, resembling the kind of old club where The Beatles might have once played. The scene was set for an evening of raw lyricism and deeply emotional performances.
Opening with a solo, spotlighted performance of “Starfucker,” Finneas immediately set the tone for the night. The song carried the weight of something written in the late hours, long after the party had ended— intimate, confessional, and laced with both love and resentment. After his solitary moment in the spotlight, the full band joined in, shifting the mood from somber introspection to electrifying energy. Like friends cracking jokes after a brutal breakup, they took the heartbreak and turned it into something cathartic, balancing the tears with laughter.
One thing that immediately stood out was Finneas’s sheer musical talent. He doesn’t just play an instrument, he channels emotion through it, making every note resonate on a deeper level. As he sat alone at the piano, you could feel the frustration in the weight of each keystroke, every chord striking a place in your heart that unearthed past pains. His melodies often spoke louder than the lyrics themselves, telling a story beyond words.
But it wasn’t just his musicianship in the spotlight. His ability to convey raw emotion with his vocals without overpowering the music was remarkable. Every note was intentional, balanced, and deeply felt—proof that his talent extends far beyond songwriting and production.
During the performance of “Sweet Cherries,” the stage was bathed in a warm red glow, perfectly complementing the song’s title. If there’s one thing Finneas embodies, it’s the essence of a lover boy. His music is flirtatious and cheeky, effortlessly blending humor with charm. The track’s infectious guitar hook and swinging drums made it impossible not to move along, while the warm synths added to its carefree, summery vibe. If you closed your eyes, it felt like the kind of song that would soundtrack a poolside scene in The Sandlot, and the crowd was completely on board for the ride. Strutting across the stage with confidence, Finneas owned the moment, and, as the song reached its climax, a distorted melody line rang through the outro, leaving the audience buzzing with energy.
Throughout the evening, Finneas was mesmerizing to watch on stage. His performance was both deeply personal and effortlessly cool, carrying an undercurrent of confidence that made every moment engaging. While many artists rely on flashy visuals, strobe lights, and smoke effects to enhance their shows, Finneas opted for a more understated approach, letting the music and his raw performance take center stage.
With genuine fan interactions and personal stories woven throughout the night, it was impossible to leave without feeling like you had caught a glimpse of the man behind the music. One of the most memorable moments came when a fan in the crowd threw an American flag featuring his dog, Peaches. Finneas playfully wrapped it around his shoulders, smiling as he said, “I miss my dog,” before seamlessly continuing his set, a small but heartfelt moment that added to the intimacy of the night.
During his cover of The Zombies’ “Time of the Season,” a sultry energy swept through the venue. Misty red lights filled the space as the pounding drums set hearts racing. Playing into his effortlessly mysterious persona, Finneas casually rolled up his sleeves, adding to the allure. The crowd erupted in cheers when he delivered the infamous line, “Who’s your daddy?”—a fun and playful moment that heightened the energy of the performance. The cover did justice to the original, capturing all its thrill while adding Finneas’ signature touch.
The night was a well-balanced mix of his latest work, classic covers and longtime fan favorites. When he performed “Partners in Crime,” nostalgia hit hard. It’s the kind of track that instantly takes you back to the first time you heard it. A doomed Bonnie-and-Clyde-style love song, its lyrics carry even more weight now than ever before.
The entire show had a timeless feel, both in sound and energy, proving just how much of a musical force Finneas truly is. His seamless with both the audience and his band made the night feel personal, creating a moment everyone in the room wanted to hold onto forever.
Toward the end of the set, Finneas performed “Family Feud,” a heartfelt love letter to his sister, Billie. The song is one of his most earnest and beautiful, and his performance reflected that sincerity. You could feel the depth of love and admiration he has for her — not just as a brother, but as a protector and collaborator. The moment was raw and deeply personal, as he poured his emotions into every lyric. Tears were shed, both by Finneas and members of the audience, as he delivered the haunting and intimate track.
Finneas closed the show with the album’s title track “For Cryin’ Out Loud!” and the crowd couldn’t have been more energized. The song was the perfect sendoff, capturing everything that made the night so magnetic. With its catchy lyrics, carefree attitude, and even a few small dance moves, it encapsulated the energy of the entire performance. It’s one of those songs that lingers in your mind for days, impossible to stop humming. Honest and relatable, it throws you back into the frustrations of young love and the emotional whirlwind it brings.
While much of the set was vulnerable, personal and, at times, intense, the overwhelming feeling as the audience left was one of elation. Beyond the introspection, the show was simply a great time, inviting fans to dance freely while never shying away from emotional moments. As Finneas steps further into the spotlight, it’s hard to imagine that this new album and tour won’t propel him to the next level as a solo artist. He’s far too talented —and way too fun— not to be recognized among the best performers of today.
All photography courtesy of Maya Boustany