Durry Brings Real World Energy to First Avenue Tour Kickoff
Minneapolis indie-rock band Durry launched their Your Friend From the Real World tour with a sold out show at First Avenue last Friday night, and from the moment doors opened, it was clear the hometown crowd came ready to celebrate. The energy was high, the merch line stretched nearly out the door, and by the time Durry hit the stage, the buzz in the venue was electric.
Opening the night was fellow Minneapolis act VIAL, a punk trio who wasted no time amping up the crowd. Their raw, punchy sound and unapologetic presence set the tone perfectly for the evening, earning cheers and nods from fans who clearly knew their stuff.
But it was Durry’s show that stole the night. The stage setup was a visual spectacle, featuring a dozen vintage TV screens stacked behind the band and a glowing “DURRY” marquee towering above it all. As the lights dimmed and the band launched into their set, it became clear this wasn’t going to be just another stop on a tour—it was an immersive, multi-sensory experience.
One of the night’s most memorable moments came during the track “TKO”, when two fans were invited on stage to play a live round of Super Smash Bros broadcast across those glowing TV screens while the band performed in front of them. The crowd erupted, cheering on the players as if they were part of the band itself. It was a moment that perfectly captured Durry’s quirky, interactive spirit.
Adding to the chaos in the best way possible was a surprise appearance by an inflatable Air Dancing Tube Man, flailing its arms in rhythm with the beat. At one point in the set, the crowd was prompted to put on the 3D glasses handed out at the door, transforming the stage visuals into a trippy, nostalgic throwback that matched the band's aesthetic of modern-day anxieties wrapped in retro flair.
The band’s setlist featured a healthy dose of fan favorites, along with multiple tracks from their new album This Movie Sucks, including the title track. The crowd was in full voice all night, but the loudest singalong came during the viral hit “Who’s Laughing Now”, with fans belting every word like a battle cry.
Durry proved Friday night that they’re not just riding the wave of online success they’re building something real, one hometown show at a time. With heartfelt lyrics, playful stagecraft, and a genuine connection to their audience, their live show feels like a shared experience rather than a performance.
If the rest of the Your Friend From the Real World tour follows the tone set in Minneapolis, Durry is about to turn a lot of casual listeners into lifelong fans.
