Joining Pop Evil on their Flesh & Bone Tour, Fame on Fire walked out to a crowd at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ on November 4, 2024 that was ready and waiting to support them. In the time before they came on stage, I spoke with many audience members who regaled me with stories about their love for the band, some even showing me their Fame on Fire tattoos and signed drumsticks. When they opened with “Welcome to the Chaos,” the crowd eagerly sang the lyrics back to them with all of the passion and energy an audience can possibly muster.

I first heard of Fame on Fire, probably like most people did, back in their cover band days. Their cover of “Shape of You” is still one of my favorite songs. (Actually, I think it’s better than the original.) It’s been interesting to watch them grow over the years and release more original songs, so I was pleasantly surprised when their setlist was chock full of originals, only sporting a single cover song. It was a good choice of a cover song, too. I mean, what band and audience wouldn’t love to connect with each other over an emotionally-charged version of Linkin’ Park’s “Numb,” right?

The audience members I spoke with after the show were all ecstatic with the performance, a few saying it was one of the best shows they had seen. Another audience member was absolutely over the moon when singer Bryan Kuznitz came over and sang directly to her for a few seconds. Honestly, I think it made her whole life. Watching the connection between the band members and the crowd elevated the entire experience, and I am grateful that I was there to witness it. There is something special about a band who can move an audience like that, and I do hope I get to see it again.

Review & Pix: I’m Music Magazine Photographer Amanda Packey