Review and photos by Katrina Gelety

I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen the Roxian Theatre as packed as it was for Bilmuri’s American Motor Tour on February 18, 2025. The venue was overflowing with people as Ally Nicholas began her set as opener. Nicholas’s voice immediately struck me. She has the range to be soft during the calmer moments of her songs but can powerfully belt during the more intense moments. Her set began with a handful of songs she mentioned will be releasing soon, and I will be eagerly waiting to hear them again. It fills me with joy to see extremely talented women in the rock music scene, and I love that Nicholas had the opportunity to open on this tour. 

Bilmuri then took the stage, and the energy of the sold out crowd immediately exploded. “EMPTYHANDED” was the perfect choice as opening song. Getting to hear the crowd scream the Kevin James sample “… and gentlemen, start your engines” gave me chills. 

I started listening to Bilmuri last year after I found “2016 Cavaliers (Ohio)” on Spotify and became addicted to how unique their sound is. Mixing hardcore, pop, and country was not something I would have ever thought works, but Bilmuri does it so effortlessly. I ended up being in the top .1% of Bilmuri listeners in 2024 because of how hooked I was on the album, American Motor Sports.

I was most excited to hear “BOUTTA CASHEW” as that is my favorite Bilmuri song. I happened to be in the top listeners (.001%) for that on Spotify last year as well. I immediately ran to a spot where I could get a better view of the show and enjoy my favorite song being played live. In my opinion, Bilmuri did a fantastic job with the entire setlist this tour. It was hit after banger after bop the entire night.

My favorite thing Johnny Franck (frontman of Bilmuri) does during the shows is when he announces each song before playing them. He will usually say something along the lines of, “This song is about talking to your ghost … It’s called ‘Talkin’ 2 Ur Ghost.’” I would find myself giggling every time he did it. Another hilarious moment was after “2016 Cavaliers (Ohio)” when Franck said Ohio and Pennsylvania are “cousins” and then said, “Speaking of cousins, the next song is… I’m not going to finish that, but you’ll figure it out.” The next song began playing, and it was “BOUTTA CASHEW.” The entire audience was dying of laughter. 

I spent a good amount of the show in awe of Gabi Rose. She is such a talent that I was (and still am) at a loss for words. Insane vocals, absolutely killer on the saxophone, AND plays the flute?! It was extraordinary to have the opportunity to see her perform live. I was moved when I saw the flute because I played it all throughout school and was in my high school marching band. My heart was beyond happy to see it played during a hardcore show.

In conclusion, I’m very eager for the day I get to see Bilmuri again. If there is ever a Bilmuri show in your area, grab a ticket (and do it quickly because it will most likely sell fast). I promise you will not be disappointed. Everyone in attendance at the Roxian Theatre agrees, as I overheard several people on the way out saying how talented the band is and how it was one of the best concerts they’ve ever been to. Photos from the show are in the gallery below!