ROYEL OTIS (MET US IN BOSTON)
MGM MUSIC HALL — BOSTON, MA
On Friday night, Royel Otis brought their (meet me in the car tour) to Boston and turned MGM Music Hall into something unforgettable and unique. Riding high off the success of their sophomore album hickey, the Australian duo delivered a set that was equal parts nostalgia and connection — with a surprise twist halfway through that will leave fans forever remembering being a part of that special night.
That anticipation exploded the moment they opened with “i hate this tune” — a high-energy kickoff that immediately set the tone for the night. The crowd, for their part, was deeply locked in — singing, swaying, dancing — and, most notably, actually present. It was refreshing to be among thousands of people who weren’t watching through their phones but just… feeling it. In an era of social media and TikTok, it is good to still see people bonding over music and embracing the moment of a live performance.
Otis’ vocals floated over the crowd with a signature dreamy softness, over the groovy guitar and chords of Royel. Songs like “more to lose” sounded even better live, with emotional weight and musical precision that gave it a standout status. The audience felt every lyric, every beat.
Midway through the set, Royel Otis surprised the crowd by making their way to a smaller B-stage nestled in the back of the venue, creating a more intimate vibe for the next part of the night. There, they performed “jazz burger”, a mellow track that softened the energy and set the scene for what came next — a heartwarming moment that caught everyone off guard. Before transitioning into their beloved cover of “Linger” by The Cranberries, the duo brought out two friends — and right there, in front of 5,000 cheering fans, he dropped to one knee and proposed. The crowd erupted as she said yes, and what followed was nothing short of magical: a dreamy, emotional rendition of “Linger”, the perfect soundtrack to a moment that the couple and audience will never forget. It was a rare moment filled with love, music, and the sweet kind of memory that lingers long after the show ends.
They then made their way back to the stage to perform some of their older songs. The energy didn’t dip for a second as they transitioned into their now-iconic cover of “Murder on the Dancefloor” — the viral performance that catapulted them to a wider audience and even earned an ARIA nomination. Stripped of the original’s disco sheen, their version leans into guitars and indie charm, turning the dance-floor anthem into something distinctly playful, nostalgic, and irresistibly energetic, which had the entire crowd jumping.
Then came the encore — when they returned to the stage wearing custom Red Sox jerseys, launching into “Oysters in My Pocket” with a playful yet emotional energy that brought the night full circle. It was a clever, unexpected local nod for proud Boston fans, but it also showed how far they’ve come in their career since just last year playing across the street at the House of Blues. As the final notes rang out, it was clear that Royel Otis isn’t just riding a wave of hype on social media; they're steadily defining their place as one of indie music’s most exciting live acts.
