The Concert Review - boygenius at MGM Music Hall
Graphic by Monika Krueger
By Madison Smithwick
boygenius (stylized in all lowercase) has solidified themselves as one of the most notable supergroups of our generation. In 2018, the band formed by Lucy Dacus, Phoebe Bridgers, and Julien Baker released a six song self-titled EP. This year, they released a whole album, the record, and are playing at prominent venues like Madison Square Garden. Recently, they sold out two consecutive nights at MGM Music Hall at Fenway, and I was lucky enough to snag a ticket.
My friends and I decided to walk to the venue after class to avoid the congestion on the train. On the way, we could already sense the excitement. Left and right we saw fans dressed in their own DIY outfits and band merchandise. The closer we got to the venue, the crazier it got. Many fans waited outside all day to get barricaded in the pit, while others just showed up early to meet fellow fans. The merch line ran up 4 flights of stairs. It was clear that the supergroup had earned themselves a loyal following.
With this platform, the group—or the Boys—took it upon themselves to give back to communities and make an impact. Stands throughout the venue supported fights for a clean ecosystem, abortion funds, even helping fans register to vote. When I walked into the pit, I was able to scan a QR code to enter a raffle to win a signed vinyl, with the proceeds going to support LGBTQ+ youth.
The pit was full of people, but not overwhelming. In fact, the energy and excitement only added to the supportive experience. Concert pits have recently received a bad reputation due to many public cases of bad concert etiquette: being rude to other fans, pushing people in the pit, even screaming over the songs being played. But, as the opener Palehound said, boygenius has created an extremely welcoming and respectful community.
During the opening act, a fellow fan passed out pride flags to wave during the show. It led to an extremely sweet moment between the audience and band, with Dacus taking some flags mid-performance and placing them on the stage for all to see. They played songs off their new album the record (2022), self-titled EP (2018), some select solo works, and even an unreleased song off their upcoming EP, the rest. Everyone was respectful towards one another, creating a safe space for fans. Baker interacted with many against the barricade, creating a light-hearted feel during some intense songs. Bridgers got fans to put away their phones while performing “Letter to An Old Poet,” and Dacus was given a pink carnation while singing “We’re In Love.” The trust and connection was so strong between the audience and band that Bridgers and Dacus even went on to stage dive during the encore.
Even as the venue began to clear out, the energy remained. My friends and I walked back home and spent the entire time talking about our favorite moments of the show. Other friends of mine who sat in higher-seated areas had the same level of praise. No matter where one sat (or stood), they felt comfortable in the community that boygenius created: one that supports those in need and celebrates voices that have been hidden in music for years.