ALABAMA SHAKES
Alabama Shakes, The Mann Center, Philadelphia, PA 9/18/25.
Concert Review: Alabama Shakes Return in Style at the Mann Center
Alabama Shakes is back! After an eight-year hiatus, Philadelphia was more than ready to welcome the full band’s return, and their performance at the Mann Center proved they hadn’t missed a beat.
Kicking off the night was The Budos Band, an instrumental powerhouse hailing from Staten Island, New York. With gritty grooves and infectious riffs, they had Philly fans on their feet early, dancing and vibing to their unique blend of funk, soul, and rock. Their set perfectly set the tone for what was to come.
As anticipation built, Alabama Shakes took the stage to Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Run Through the Jungle,” a fitting choice given their lush, jungle-inspired stage design with ivy and flowers wrapped around the instruments and lighting rigs, creating a moody, immersive atmosphere. They launched straight into “Hang Loose” to start the show, immediately reminding everyone of the raw power of Brittany Howard’s vocals. Her soulful, commanding, and electric voice cut through the night air, while the band delivered a tight, energetic performance that kept the crowd moving.
One of the biggest highlights of the night came with “I Found You,” a fan favorite that had the entire audience singing along to its irresistible, heart-swelling chorus. The band made sure to hit all the classics, including “Hold On” and the Grammy-winning “Don’t Wanna Fight,” both of which received huge reactions from the crowd.
They closed their main set with an explosive version of “Gimme All Your Love,” drawing out the final notes as the audience erupted in cheers. But Philly wasn't ready to say goodbye just yet as the fans roared for more, and the band returned for a three-song encore. They wrapped up the night with “Always Alright,” the perfect closer for a triumphant return show that felt like both a homecoming and a fresh start.
Shot and Written by Jonah van Bemmelen
