Airborne Toxic Event’s performance at White Eagle Hall in Jersey City was a nostalgic journey that reminded me of the power of rediscovering music.
I tend to fall in love with a band, only to get distracted by new music from other artists. Then, every once in a while, something new from that band draws me back in. That’s exactly what happened with the Airborne Toxic Event.
I had the pleasure of seeing them perform live back in 2008 or 2009 at a Rolling Stone Live event in New York City, during the height of “Sometime Around Midnight.” I loved their set and played that album on repeat for a long time. Somewhere along the way, I drifted away from their music.
However, last year, my curiosity was piqued when I discovered that lead singer Mikel Jollett had written a memoir titled Hollywood Park, which was accompanied by an album of the same name.
Being a bookworm, I eagerly read the memoir and found Jollett’s life story fascinating. I was thrilled to see they were touring and even lucked out with a show in my home state of NJ. Although I felt nervous since I hadn’t listened to them in a while, I was excited to experience their latest setlist.
On Sunday, September 22, fans lined up outside Jersey City’s White Eagle Hall in anticipation of seeing the Airborne Toxic Event. I arrived around 8:15 PM, and fortunately, it was still early enough to secure a spot near the front of the stage.
This venue, an older establishment renovated for a fresh vibe, is dark and cozy, offering excellent acoustics and views from both the front row and the back. Another charm of White Eagle Hall lies in the lack of barriers between the stage and the audience, allowing for a close-up experience with the musicians.
On stage was Tyler Ramsey, known as the lead guitarist of Band of Horses, who was performing with a three-piece group. We arrived at a few songs into his set.
As I made my way to the front of the venue I saw fans in a crowd in the front and on the sidelines chatting near the bar in the back.
I was also intrigued by the warm and inviting atmosphere made by the sounds of his intimate folk and Americana. I was also excited by the fact there was ample space to secure a good spot at the front of the stage.
As Ramsey ended his set around 8:40 PM, I noticed the venue filled up, and I could no longer see past the looming crowd. While waiting for the Airborne Toxic Event to take the stage, I chatted with fellow fans, some of whom had traveled from abroad to see them perform three nights in a row. The intimate feel of the venue only enhanced the experience as more fans gathered, eagerly anticipating the show.
At 9 PM, the lights dimmed, and Airborne Toxic Event took the stage to a roaring crowd. They opened with “All at Once,” a captivating song with a hauntingly beautiful melodic intro that emotionally draws listeners in. Fans cheered during its engaging buildup and sang along with its exciting choruses.
The band performed for about 90 minutes, mixing songs from All At Once, Faithless, Glory, Hollywood Park, self-titled album The Airborne Toxic Event, Dope Machines, All I Ever Wanted, and Such Hot Blood.
Throughout the set, fans sang along, and Jollett gave props to the crowd, noting they sang better than NYC audiences. Standout tracks included their classic hits “Gasoline” and “Changing,” both of which feature catchy rhythms and anthemic choruses. “Changing,” with its intense drum beats and organ melodies, was a particular favorite.
Other notable tracks included the piano-heavy “Faithless,” “Hollywood Park,” which showcased enchanting swirling melodies, and “Come On Out” and “Half of Something Else,” both filled with amazing sounds.
I also enjoyed “Glory,” reminiscent of the Gaslight Anthem. Another highlight was “Hell and Back,” featuring inviting guitar and piano melodies alongside sing-along choruses. The set also included a haunting rendition of Q Lazzarus’s “Goodbye Horses,” which added an atmospheric emotional depth to the performance.
A memorable moment came during “Our Own Thunder Road,” when Jollett playfully acknowledged his admiration for Bruce Springsteen. He reflected on the challenge of writing a song like “Thunder Road,” noting, “So, like, how the fuck can I write a song like Thunder Road?” He went on to joke about how the song is about getting out of a “shitty town” and pondered just how terrible that town must be to inspire such a longing for escape. Then asked if he was insulting NJ to which the crowd laughed. His humorous banter resonated with fans, adding to the night’s energy.
The show closed with the iconic “Sometime Around Midnight.” As the lush violin strings began, fans erupted in cheers, clapping along to the music. Jollett’s emotive vocals led the crowd to sing along, creating a beautiful moment that sent chills down my spine.
The gradual emotional buildup in the song culminated in a cathartic release during the final bridge, where the crowd sang along to the lyrics, “Oh, and your friends say, ‘What is it? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.'”
After the band left the stage, fans eagerly awaited an encore. The lights remained dim, hinting at more music to come. To everyone’s delight, the band returned for a four-song encore, starting with the bittersweet and heartfelt love song “Elizabeth.” This fan favorite had the audience swaying and singing along. Next, they ramped up the energy with the dynamic and fun-loving “Papillon.”
Before launching into “Happiness Is Overrated,” Jollett pointed out some fans singing in an operatic style, humorously calling out, “Opera singer right here.” During the performance, he showcased his vocal range by holding a note for an impressively long time, prompting cheers and whistles from the crowd. The song’s captivating pace starts slow before breaking into an upbeat, danceable rhythm, filling everyone with excitement and inviting sing-alongs to its enticingly heartbreaking lyrics.
The set concluded with the exhilarating “Missy.” As the first few notes played, fans burst with emotion, singing and dancing joyfully. The mix of guitar and violin gave it a country-esque feel, creating a dramatic and energetic close that left the audience buzzing with happiness as they exited the venue.
It’s always those songs that remind you of happy times in your life, providing a warm sense of home that feels so good. This was what the encore did for me and was undoubtedly the highlight of the show for me and many others in the crowd. Airborne Toxic Event’s music is exceptional, and their live performance only amplifies that experience. The crowd’s enthusiastic energy was electric and infectious, with their singing and cheering making you feel so happy and excited to be there. It was a wonderful night with the Airborne Toxic Event at White Eagle Hall.
If you’re a fan of indie rock or simply looking for a memorable live music experience, Airborne Toxic Event is a must-see. Catch them on tour now and for more information check out their official website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) pages.
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Airborne Toxic Event Setlist
Goodbye Horses (Q Lazzarus cover)
Encore:
Elizabeth
Listen to the Setlist
About Airborne Toxic Event:
When the grandstand of Inglewood’s Hollywood Park racetrack was demolished in May 2015, Mikel Jollett’s sense of family and of self came crashing down with it. Jollett, the frontman of Airborne Toxic Event, watched on local TV as the run-down track where he’d spent so many formative times with his father crumbled in seconds, in what was called a “controlled implosion.” His own collapse was far longer and less orderly. Jollett’s father had died just days before the track where he’d spent every weekend was torn down, and Jollett was left reeling, bereft and baffled by his pain and loss. While the track was cleared to make way for a sleek multi-billion dollar sports complex, Jollett decided to erect a gritty, gut-wrenching tribute to the old man and the old track without any or sentimentality. He spent the next five years memorializing his father’s life and death and his own troubled upbringing in the metaphorical dust of the racetrack. [FULL BIO]
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