Highly Suspect rolled into The Ritz in Raleigh, North Carolina on Thursday night as part of their As Above, So Below tour, delivering a raw, blues-infused rock set that had the crowd fully engaged. Touring in support of their latest 2024 album, the Massachusetts-based trio showcased their signature mix of gritty guitar work, emotionally charged lyrics, and hard-hitting rhythms, proving once again why they command such a loyal following.
The night kicked off with support from Family Dinner and UK-based rockers James and the Cold Gun. Family Dinner set the tone early with their genre-blending energy, warming up the crowd with punchy rhythms and infectious melodies. James and the Cold Gun followed, bringing a heavy-hitting mix of punk-infused rock and high-octane stage presence, priming the audience for the main event.
Highly Suspect’s setlist leaned heavily on As Above, So Below, with tracks like Summertime Voodoo and Plastic Boxes bringing a fresh energy to the night. But the band also made room for older favorites, including selections from their 2015 debut Mister Asylum, with the Gold-certified single Lydia drawing one of the loudest responses of the evening.
Frontman Johnny Stevens, known for his intense vocal delivery, fought through noticeable vocal strain but refused to let it slow the show. Instead, he embraced the moment, apologizing to the audience before rallying them to sing along. The crowd eagerly obliged, turning The Ritz into a chorus of voices that carried the songs with full force.
Despite the vocal challenges, the performance remained powerful, with the band’s tight musicianship keeping the energy high. The chemistry between Stevens, bassist Rich Meyer, and drummer Ryan Meyer ensured that every song hit with full force, solidifying why Highly Suspect continues to be a dominant force in modern rock.
Highly Suspect is set to close out the tour with a two-night run in Lake Buena Vista, Florida— their only scheduled Florida shows for 2025. If Thursday night’s performance in Raleigh is any indication, fans in Florida are in for an unforgettable finale.
