The Struts Celebrate 10 Years of 'Everybody Wants' with Flair

Words by McKayla Grace

Photos by Grace Hartrick (@grhartrick)

Before the re-release of their hit single “Could Have Been Me,” featuring rock legend Brian May, The Struts embarked on a North American tour to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their first studio album “Everybody Wants.”

Have you ever experienced the shock and unearned self-importance of learning that one of your favorite bands is largely unknown by your social circles? I’m so underground, right? *millennial hair flick*

Even though they’ve performed with some of the most well-known rock acts, like the Roliing Stones, The Who and Guns N’ Roses, they’re still able to fly and have some fun under the radar.

When I heard The Struts were coming to Nashville to tour “Everybody Wants,” I jumped at the chance to see them live. It had been nearly five years since I’d last been to a Struts show, and I knew it wouldn’t disappoint. I wasn’t wrong, not just because The Struts bring their all to every show. The fans do too.

I’ve been in a Struts crowd before, but what I experienced at Brooklyn Bowl that night was a pleasant surprise. After grabbing a drink and bopping along to openers Dirty Honey for a beat, we made our way to the barricade and found ourselves squarely behind a group of seniors having the most wholesome boys’ night I’ve ever witnessed. The ring leader belted to every song, all but begging his more introverted buddies to dance with him and let loose, He was occasionally met with a raised beer, smirk or side hug, and that seemed to be enough to keep the group energized all night.

The band matched the energy in the packed room with frontman Luke Spiller constantly running around the stage, engaging with the rest of the band and fans while sweating through what looked to be a suede jacket that probably needed to be trashed by the end of the night. They played “Everybody Wants” from start to finish, peppering in interesting commentary on select tracks throughout. Between energetic favorites like “Kiss This” and “Dirty Sexy Money,” we got a grateful confession from Luke that his childhood dream of being a ballet dancer was being lived out on a very different stage and genre than he imagined.

Although the night focused on their first album, fans of The Struts’ later works were treated to an encore featuring a cover of Queen’s “We Will Rock You” followed by “Body Talks,” “Pretty Vicious” and “One Night Only.” The Struts put on a perfectly energetic and nostalgic show for old and new fans. The only thing that would have made it better would be a surprise guest performance from Kesha to reprise her feature on “Body Talks” and a 10th anniversary tour announcement for “YOUNG&DANGEROUS.” Trust me, I’ll be there.