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COLUMBUS, OH- One band that’s been on many people’s “must-see” list in recent years is The Hives. The Swedish rockers are currently touring in support of their latest album, “The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons”, playing to packed houses as a headliner in the U.S., as well as opening for the Foo Fighters and making a stop at Riot Fest. I caught them live at the Newport Music Hall in Columbus, OH, on Wednesday, 9/18. To say this show was not to be missed would be an understatement. The Swedish band has rekindled their flame with their first album in 11 years.
The “Randy Fitzsimmons” character is a long-running piece of lore for the band, presented as the “sixth” member and songwriter for all their music. If you want to delve into the backstory, check out their website for more details about how this album came to be. While it’s likely that Fitzsimmons is a fictional character designed to add some mystery, the band insists he’s real. All theories aside, some speculate that guitarist Nicholaus Arson is actually the songwriter.
I arrived late, missing tour openers Bad Nerves. I’ve heard great things about them and hope to catch them live soon. As I entered the venue and made my way down front, I noticed a 3D “HIVES” sign at the back of the stage, glowing in a muted white against a black curtain embroidered with white lightning bolts. This was my first time seeing The Hives, and with all my friends buzzing about them, I had to see for myself. The crowd was already buzzing, and I was full of anticipation.
Drummer Chris Dangerous was the first to hit the stage, standing atop his riser to greet the crowd. He was quickly joined by the rest of the band: lead guitarist Nicholaus Arson, rhythm guitarist Vigilante Carlstroem, bassist Johan and the Only, and finally the frontman, “Howlin’” Pelle Almqvist. With such distinctive stage names, it was clear that this would be a show to remember.
The band’s opening song was “Bogus Operandi,” the lead track from *The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons*, instantly pulling the crowd into the energetic frenzy that defines a Hives performance. Howlin’ Pelle is an incredibly interactive frontman, captivating the audience with high kicks, microphone spins, and Swedish charm, all while engaging with fans up close and personal. The band’s raucous rock sound stood in contrast to their sharp black suits with lightning bolt embroidery, a visual juxtaposition that only added to their allure. They powered through a 16-song set, with Pelle pausing periodically to interact with the audience.
The setlist included a healthy dose of tracks from their latest album, such as “Rigor Mortis Radio,” “Countdown to Shutdown,” and “Trap Door Solution.” The Hives are known for their hard-hitting, relentless stage presence, and it’s easy to see why they’ve been dubbed “the most entertaining band on the planet.” They also played some fan favorites like “Bigger Hole To Fill,” “Hate to Say I Told You So,” and my current favorite, “Go Right Ahead.”
The encore featured three songs: “Come On!”, “Smoke & Mirrors,” and “Tick Tick Boom,” keeping the energy high and leaving the crowd wanting more. I hope to see them again; their live show is an absolute blast. The tour continues through October with dates on the East Coast, the Southern U.S., and eventually in Mexico. If you get a chance to see them, do it—you won’t be disappointed, and you’ll likely become a lifelong fan.
Follow The Hives on Facebook, Instagram and X.
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