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Indie Meets Indy: The Long Hair, Long Life Tour Rocks Indianapolis

On this year’s cool and breezy Memorial Day evening, the Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park buzzed with anticipation as indie rock enthusiasts gathered for a co-headlining spectacle: the Long Hair, Long Life Tour. This 25-date North American journey unites Vancouver’s Peach Pit and Nashville’s Briston Maroney, both riding high on recent album releases of Magpie and Ultrapure, respectively. As a longtime Briston Maroney fan, I was excited to see him bring Ultrapure to life. And although I’ve only recently started following Peach Pit, their laid-back energy and loyal fanbase made their set especially exciting.

 

Opening up the show, BNNY took the stage with their sweet melodies and easy-on-the-ears voices. I really appreciated the contrast between their dreamy sound and the more energetic performances that followed. It was a gentle start that set the tone for an emotionally rich night of music. After listening to their set, one of their most popular songs, “Good Stuff,” has become a staple in my playlist. 

Briston Maroney and Peach Pit: Two Bands, One Unforgettable Night

A co-headlining show may sometimes feel like a tug-of-war between fanbases or musical styles, but the Long Hair, Long Life Tour struck a perfect balance between Briston Maroney and Peach Pit’s fans. With both artists toeing the line between indie rock and alt-pop, their sets complemented each other more than they clashed. Whether you came for Maroney’s emotive performance or Peach Pit’s guitar riffs, there was a little something for everyone! 

 

Briston Maroney came out with a kick of enthusiasm and quickly got the crowd to their feet. If you’ve ever seen videos of his performances and thought, “There’s no way that guy is really that energetic on stage,” think again. His live presence is just as electric, if not more, than what you see online. His opening song, “Real Good Swimmer,” set a head-banging tone for the crowd. One of my favorite moments from the night was his opening speech before “Be Yourself,” where he spoke about the importance of embracing who you are and not apologizing for it. He closed out his set with the classic “Freakin’ Out on the Interstate,” which made me reflect on how much that song has impacted his career and how proud the young Maroney would be of the artist he’s become. His banter with the crowd made the night special and brought a smile to my face, reminding me that although our not-so-small, small artist is now performing in amphitheaters and to larger crowds, he still truly appreciates the fans who have supported him along the way. 

 

Peach Pit also treated the audience to a special moment, noting that this show marked only their second time performing at an outdoor venue of this size. It was clear that the band members Neil Smith, Christopher Vanderkooy, Peter Wilton, and Mikey Pascuzzi share a close bond, not just through their tight on-stage chemistry but also in the fun, personal stories they shared with the crowd as the night went on. Their easygoing dynamic and playful banter added an extra layer of charm to their set, making the performance feel warm and personal despite the large venue. I was especially pleased to hear some of my personal favorite songs, like “Alrighty Aphrodite” and “Did You Love Somebody.” It was a particularly heartfelt moment during “Did You Love Somebody” when Smith encouraged the crowd to hold hands with someone they care about or give them a hug. It was a small gesture that made the whole amphitheater feel connected. One thing the band absolutely nailed was stepping up to the front of the stage. At first, the large setup made them feel a bit distant, but as the show went on, each member had their moment in the spotlight more than once. 

 

By the end of the night, it was clear why Briston Maroney and Peach Pit make such a great co-headlining pair. Their individual strengths shone through, but together they created an experience that felt bigger than the sum of its parts. From Briston’s explosive energy to Peach Pit’s nostalgic charm, the Long Hair, Long Life Tour offered a night full of connection, emotion, and pure indie joy. Walking out of the amphitheater  I felt lucky to have witnessed two artists in their element, sharing their stories with a crowd that was more than ready to listen. And with plenty of dates still left on the tour, there are many more chances to catch this special pairing live. You can grab tickets and VIP experiences for Briston Maroney here and Peach Pit here

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