Photos and words by Taylor Shields
Singer-songwriter Matt Nathanson played two sold out shows at the Sellersville Theater this week, touring his 2022 release, Boston Accent. Opening for Nathanson both nights was fellow Massachusetts native, Stephen Kellogg. The historic theater was packed in tight with a crowd made up of Matt Nathanson die-hards, Theater members, and even a couple children to whom Matt graciously gifted a couple of his guitar picks.
Having attended various Matt Nathanson shows over the past 20 years, it was no less evident on Tuesday night how much the folk-rocker truly still enjoys performing. Whether it be through his music, or his comedic crowd work in between songs, Nathanson connects to his audience in a seemingly effortless way that makes each show seem like a personalized experience, an intimate conversation between friends, while he bares his soul through his music. While his lyrics often focus on heartbreak, yearning, nostalgia for cold autumns in Boston, the mood in the room always feels light, welcoming, and warm.
With an impressive catalog of 12 studio albums, Nathanson has mostly flown under the radar, despite his music being featured in some of the most popular shows of the last two decades. The loyal fanbase he built pouring his heart out in small club venues is still very much with him after all this time. Among Tuesday night’s career-spanning setlist were a few covers, which Nathanson is known for. He’s released two cover albums in the past 5 years – a compilation of Def Leppard tracks titled Pyromattia, as well as a front to back tribute to U2’s 1991 album Achtung Baby, titled Achtung Matty. Tuesday’s crowd was treated to covers from U2, Prince, and ‘Til Tuesday.
Check out the full setlist below, as well photos from the show. To see all of Matt Nathanson’s upcoming tour dates, go here.
Matt Nathanson setlist (2/21/2023):
– Boston Accent
– Car Crash
– Heartbreak World
– I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (U2 cover)
– Long Distance Runner
– German Cars
– Soundtrack
– Kinks Shirt
– Coming Up Close (‘Til Tuesday cover)
– Bottom of the Sea
– Sad Songs
– I Saw
– Used to Be
– Starfish and Coffee (Prince cover)
– Faster
– Come On Get Higher
– Blush
