“Where Do We Go From Here?” — Nightly Leaves Pittsburgh Wanting More

Photos by: Abigail McNatt
Review by: Chris “Oberrated” Ober

There was certainly No Vacancy at the Thunderbird Café & Music Hall on Friday, April 25, 2025. Nightly brought their “Nightly Live on Tour” show to Pittsburgh for their 13th stop on the road, and along with them were rockers MICO and Brooke Alexx. For what was sure to be an electric night of music, the near-sold-out Thunderbird was alive and well for a Friday night filled with energy and good tunes.

Leading the charge was soon-to-be birthday girl, Brooke Alexx. When I tell you an impact was made on this crowd immediately, I mean it. Brooke Alexx has headliner energy, and she maintained that energy and aura for her whole set. From hitting every note vocally and physically to genuinely connecting with the crowd, to her overall cheery and positive disposition… she had the crowd hooked. With every song, she shared an intimate or vulnerable story connecting herself with the music and concert goers alike. Her performance was one I will not soon forget, possibly not just for the night, but for the year. Brooke Alexx has the makings of a popstar, and it cannot be denied.

Second on the bill was Toronto native MICO. There must have been something in the Pittsburgh air because both Brooke and MICO came out of the gate SANGIN! MICO had pipes from the very start. Not only was the Toronto singer pouring his heart into ever note, but he also turned up his stage presence, especially for a solo performance (noting he typically performs with a full band). Solo or not, as I said, MICO had the perfect mix of grace and comedy. A perfect cocktail for a memorable and enjoyable performance that was surely the vibe that the audience was feeling. There was never a doubt in MICO’s set that this guy loves life when he’s performing.

Last but certainly not least, our headliners, Nightly, took the stage under the cover of a neon pink/purple lit fog. After a brief audio introduction, the opening chords and tunes of “tv shows” began to play. Instantaneously, the crowd from wall-to-wall and floor-to-floor began to sing every word back to the band, grooving along to their alternative sounds. It was apparent to me how much the band loved the love they were receiving as it looked as if they were taking it all in for the first three songs as they peered into the crowd with smiles on their faces.

Nightly continued to serenade the crowd with both old and new hits, especially songs from their recently released album songs to drive to. They also had some fun with the crowd, mixing in some blended covers like their mix of “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer with “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter. Later, they played their version of “All Star” by Smash Mouth which elicited laughter and cheers alike from the crowd. This cover came shortly after an intimate acoustic set where Nightly gave options to the crowd of what songs they should play to which the crowd chose “older” and “No Vacancy“, a personal favorite of mine. I must say though, as if Nightly designed it that way (which they probably did, let’s be real), after this acoustic set concluded, Nightly turned up the energy with the final handful of songs and truly had this audience moving and grooving until it was time to be kicked out of the venue.

With a perfect wrap-up to the night, Nightly performed their final song, “Where Do We Go From Here“, which felt like the perfect question for the audience to ask themselves. How do you top a night like this? Nightly was welcomed with open arms here in Pittsburgh for a night that they seemed to love deeply and genuinely. As the band left the stage, they were gifted with a bouquet of roses from an adoring fan. They gave their bows, and before everyone knew it, this night was gleefully and sadly over.

Bravo to the three-headed monster that is Brooke Alexx, MICO, and Nightly. I was genuinely excited to watch and review this show, but I had no idea what I was in store for, especially from Brooke Alexx and MICO, two artists I hadn’t heard of before. Give your ears a gift and listen to Big(ger) Mouth, Internet hometown hero, and songs to drive to.