There’s a certain kind of closeness that only happens at a Blue October show. It’s something I’ve felt at every single one of their concerts, no matter the venue or the tour. Justin and the band have this incredible ability to make a room full of strangers feel like family. Fans talk to each other like old friends. There’s an unspoken understanding that we’ve all arrived at the same emotional intersection.
This year, I felt those familiar vibes, and even more intensely than usual. This was the first time I attended the soundcheck experience, and it brought that feeling of friendship to a whole new level.
It’s Time to Get Personal: The Soundcheck Experience
We arrived early, and I got to meet a fellow fan I’d connected with on Facebook before the show. She gave me a sticker; I gave her a friendship bracelet. Even though we were technically strangers, it felt like seeing an old friend and catching up. Walking into The Fillmore without the show lights, without the roar of a crowd, was surreal. Quiet. Still. Casual in a way that almost made the hairs on my arms stand up.
We made our way to the main floor, found where our seats would be later, and then headed toward the third row in front of the stage. That’s when the band walked out.
Justin launched right into conversation as if we were hanging out in his living room. He joked with us and asked us questions, and then opened the floor for us to ask whatever we wanted. The band talked about their writing process, their favorite albums, the artists that inspire them, and how grateful they are for fans who come to multiple shows or attend soundchecks often. It didn’t feel like a typical Q&A. It felt like a group of friends catching up – except those friends happen to be some of my favorite musicians on the planet.
At one point, a fan asked who the two most competitive members of the band were, and that she would be challenging them to a best of three rock, paper, scissors match. The band agreed unanimously that Justin was the most competitive, and then Ryan after that. Of course Justin won.
Justin also shared something exciting: the band has plans for a 20th anniversary celebration of Foiled. A tour. Other surprises. As someone who fell in love with that era of the band, the idea of revisiting it live makes me giddy.
Then it was time for the actual soundcheck… we were at a “soundcheck experience” after all.
On our way in, Ken had asked what song I hoped they’d play. I told him anything would be amazing – and I meant it. Justin asked if we’d mind if they played an older song, and of course the crowd said “Yeah!” They played Chameleon Boy. After more talking and Q&A, they played their second soundcheck song. The moment I heard the first few chords, my breath caught in my throat.
Sway.
One of my favorite songs. A song that always makes me think of Ken. Hearing it in that intimate setting, that close, with that quiet around us… I had to fight back tears. I squeezed Ken’s hand and felt that connection wash over me. After they finished, I told him, “That’s the song I would’ve picked… but I didn’t want to get my hopes up.” That moment became the heartbeat of the entire day.
Before we left, we lined up for our photo with the band. We shook hands with everyone. Matt complimented Ken’s Lamb of God hoodie, another moment of connection and feeling like we were just hanging out with our friends. Justin hugged both of us. Ken said to him, “I don’t know how you sing some of your songs without getting emotional,” and Justin admitted that he does cry sometimes – then joked that if we ever see him crying to yell, “Quit your crying!” That laugh is captured perfectly in our photo. We walked out with signed posters and full hearts.
Surrounded by Some Good Friends, Good Friends: The Vibe of the Show
We had main floor seats – stage right center, just a few sections back – with a perfect view. The Fillmore always feels cozy to me, no matter how many people are there. Maybe it’s the warmth of the lighting or the way the room seems to hold sound just right. That night it was probably because Blue October fans across generations showed up ready to sing, dance, and share their hearts.
The band stepped onstage and that feeling of closeness that we felt during soundcheck expanded into the entire theater. The lighting was simple but effective. No spotlights, no elaborate visuals. It created a moody, shadowy atmosphere that fit perfectly with the emotional arc of their set.
And there, among the familiar faces, was Will Knaak on guitar – back with the band again. Seeing him up there felt like the family coming back together. Knowing what he’s been through over the past few years, watching him up there playing with so much strength and joy made me feel proud of him – proud the way you’re proud of someone who’s fought through something and come out shining. It reminded me of Fear and how that message of “get back up” is woven all throughout Blue October’s world.
And This Time With You is Just Amazing in So Many Ways: The Main Setlist
The show opened with an emotional song – Further Dive (The House That Dylan Built). It set a darker, edgier tone for the show. Some of their more upbeat songs were sprinkled in, and of course they played some of their beloved staples – Hate Me, Into the Ocean, Calling You. When they played Sway, my heart swelled. Hearing it during soundcheck was already emotional, but hearing it again during the show with Ken next to me and the crowd singing along felt like a group hug. I wasn’t fighting back tears this time, I was smiling from ear to ear. I squeezed Ken’s hand as I sang the lyrics that always make me think of him:
I only wanna dance with you
Every time I try
We only get an hour or so, yeah, its…
It’s time to get personal, oh
We’ve got these times of our lives
Let’s take this time to let it show
‘Cause these are ours
The main setlist wrapped up with the song Debris. At the end of the song, everyone but Ryan left the stage. Ryan performed an incredible and energetic violin solo before the stage went dark. The crowd was yelling and cheering, anxious for the band to come out for “one more song!”
Yeah, I Used to Fall, Now I Get Back Up: The Encore
Justin and Ryan returned to the stage alone. The encore began with Justin sharing the story behind the song 1222 Bay Oak Street. It is a song about how his mom feels about his dad, who passed away not long ago. The tone of the room shifted immediately. You could feel the collective empathy from hundreds of people who’ve also loved, lost, and carried grief in their own ways. Next was Fear, another setlist staple, an incredibly powerful song. Blue October has always balanced darkness and hope so gracefully.
They ended on a joyful note with I Hope You’re Happy. The room transformed from somber reflection back into joy – the crowd was dancing, smiling, and singing. Ken and I ended the night on our feet, wrapped in that warm, heart-filling glow that only Blue October can conjure.
I Hope You Get What You Wished For: Wrapping It Up
We walked out into the cool Detroit night feeling full – of music, of connection, of gratitude. Blue October shows always feel intimate, no matter the venue or the size of the crowd. They feel like being in a room full of friends, not strangers. Like the band doesn’t just see a crowd – they see you.
And maybe that’s why, even though I’ve seen them countless times, I keep going back. Every show is more than a concert. It’s a gathering. A reminder of resilience. A place where people who’ve lived through their own storms can look at each other and say, “I get it.”
RD on the Run 