It was a big night in more ways than one at the Fine Line in Minneapolis on Tuesday. With midterm election results rolling in across the country, L7 brought their Last Hurrah Tour to a sold-out crowd, delivering the kind of loud, unapologetic rock show that has defined the band for decades.
Nobro opened the night, although a camera issue unfortunately kept me from catching most of their set. My apologies to the band for missing the performance. I did manage to catch their final song, and if that was any indication of what the rest of the set sounded like, the crowd was in for a treat. The band's energy was off the charts, highlighted by the lead singer launching herself off the drum riser just as the band hit a perfectly timed beat. It was a fitting way to close out their set.
L7 wasted little time reminding everyone why they've remained such a force in alternative rock. The setlist was packed with familiar favorites, including "Shitlist," "Wargasm," "Shove," "Monster," and "Pretend We're Dead," along with plenty more that kept the crowd engaged from beginning to end.
The night also carried a more personal moment as the band paid tribute to their late bassist, Jennifer Finch. Janis Tanaka, who has returned to the band to handle bass duties on the Last Hurrah Tour, helped keep L7's legacy and sound moving forward while honoring the people who helped build it.
Of course, it was impossible to ignore what was happening outside the Fine Line. With election results unfolding throughout the evening, politics found its way into the show. Donita Sparks acknowledged the importance of the night, crossing her fingers in hopes of a positive outcome. Later in the set, news that Democrats had taken Texas brought a huge eruption from the audience. For a few moments, the concert and the election night excitement became one and the same.
Through it all, L7 remained in command of the room. The crowd was fully invested, singing along, responding to every big moment, and matching the band's intensity throughout the night. There was no shortage of energy on either side of the stage.
The Last Hurrah Tour may suggest a farewell, but L7 showed no signs of slowing down at the Fine Line. It was a sold-out night of hard-hitting rock, familiar anthems, and a crowd that clearly wasn't ready to let the band go. Add in the backdrop of a major election night, and Minneapolis got a show that was memorable for reasons well beyond the music.
