Concert Review: The Maine (Fillmore Charlotte)

BY TAYLOR STALEY

The Maine brought their “I Love You... but I choose The Maine” tour to Charlotte, NC this past Thursday in what felt less like a concert and more like a nostalgia-filled mini festival!

The Maine was joined on this stop by Moody Joody, Grayscale, and Nightly - a lineup that brought together a wide range of sounds while still feeling cohesive. With doors opening an hour earlier than usual, each group was given plenty of time to show off their talent and it made for a really lively Thursday night!

Moody Joody, a pop trio from Nashville, kicked things off with a bright, pop-forward energy that immediately got the crowd engaged. Their set was playful yet polished and included fun moments like coordinated dance routines and fun props such as a voice-distorting phone that added a unique, interactive element. As they left the stage, you could hear the buzz in the crowd with multiple people commenting on just how much they enjoyed the set.

Grayscale, an American rock band from Philadelphia, followed with a noticeable shift in intensity as they leaned into a more emotional, alt-rock sound that resonated deeply with the audience. Though, there was a hilarious moment as the band walked out onstage with the Spongebob Squarepants Victory song playing over the speakers. Their performance was raw and high energy once they got started - the perfect sound to balance out the earlier lightheartedness and lead us into the third act of the night.

Nightly, an alternative pop band from Nashville, kept the momentum going with a smooth, atmospheric set that blended alternative pop with a touch of moodiness. Their sound reminded me heavily of The 1975. The lead singer’s personality added even more charm, shouting out North Carolina staple Cookout midway through their set and even shouting out Taylor Swift before playing their song “1989”, which pays homage to her album titled 1989. Their stage presence was all consuming and by this point in the night, the crowd was fully locked in.

By the time The Maine was taking the stage, the room felt electric. The lights went down and you could hear the guitar riffs begin as they began their set with “Thoughts I Have While Lying In Bed”. Their set played like a celebration of their entire discography as they blended older fan favorites, such as “We All Roll Along” and “My Heroine” , along with newer songs from their most recent album, Joy Next Door (released on April 10, 2026), such as “Palms” and “Die To Fall.” It was the kind of performance that rewarded longtime fans while still feeling accessible to newer listeners. Frontman of the band, John O’Callaghan, brought his signature mix of charisma and charm as he connected with the crowd between songs. There is even a moment during the night where he enters the crowd and performs shoulder to shoulder with fans, though I won’t spoil what song this is during!

What made this show feel especially meaningful to me was the connection between The Maine and their fans. This isn’t a band that has stayed relevant by chasing trends. They’ve done it by consistently nurturing their relationship with their fans over the years. Their fanbase has grown and evolved right alongside them, and that mutual loyalty is something that you can feel in the room. There’s a genuine sense of love and respect that goes both ways and it transforms the show into something more than just a performance.

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TAYLOR STALEY

Taylor Staley is a Charleston, SC, native who currently resides in Columbia, SC. In her free time, you can catch her tearing up the interstate going between Charlotte and Atlanta, looking for her next show to shoot. She has three animals, two cats and a dog, that keep her quite busy. Her favorite genres are pop, alternative, and indie but you can really find her listening to just about anything. Follow her on instagram at tay.atshows.

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