Everyone at Day Three of Boston Calling was on edge with anticipation for the day to come. The air was even warmer than the day before, prompting the lines to refill water bottles to be longer than ever. People sat on the turf field of Harvard Athletic Complex, even though the heat waves emanating off field could be felt while standing.
Lowell band Tysk Tysk Task opened the Orange Stage. Lead singer Samantha Hartsel wore a flowy pink gown before revealing the body suit underneath later in the set. Tysk Tysk Task is a community-based group. They formed through friends of friends and came together over their love of music. Their set was inspired by the woods of Lowell where they live. “You can’t not be inspired by New England core living around here,” said Hartsel.
Everyone anticipated Chappell Roan’s performance on the Green Stage. Fans lined up at the stage as soon as the doors opened at 1 p.m. Their pink sparkling cowboy hats and pink and red “Chappell Roan” handkerchiefs gave them away. By the time the performance began, fans had lined up more than 100 feet back. The crowd at the front was hot and sticky from sitting under the sun for hours.
Electric guitar announced her arrival on stage. Fans screamed to favorites like “Pink Pony Club” and “Red Wine Supernova” and danced to “Too Hot To Go” with their hands in the air. Typically earlier performances have smaller crowds, but Roan has gained immense popularity over the past couple months on TikTok.
Megan Thee Stallion arrived on the Green Stage next in a blue studded set and tall blue boots. She seduced the crowd with songs like “Savage” and “Body,” moving with her dancers in sync. Her dancers illuminated the stage in lavender butterfly two-pieces. Her energy and confidence infiltrated her fans as they sang and danced along.
Hozier ended the night on the Red Stage. He preached to the audience of love and acceptance between hits like “Cherry Wine,” “Too Sweet,” and “Take Me to Church.” During “Take Me to Church,” he held up an LGBTQ pride flag, emphasizing his earlier sentiments.
The Killers took the Green Stage at approximately 9:10 p.m., instantly captivating everyone on the festival grounds. As soon as they began their set, the crowd was electrified by their dynamic presence and infectious energy. The band’s charismatic frontman, Brandon Flowers, commanded the stage with his powerful vocals and engaging performance style, ensuring that every person in attendance was fully immersed in the experience.
The visuals accompanying their performance were nothing short of phenomenal, featuring dazzling light displays and intricate background graphics that perfectly complemented the music. Each song was delivered with precision and passion, from their chart-topping hits like “Mr. Brightside” and “Somebody Told Me” to newer tracks that kept the audience on their feet. The seamless blend of sound and visuals created a multi-sensory spectacle that left the crowd in awe. The Killers’ performance was a masterclass in showmanship, solidifying their status as one of the standout acts of the festival and leaving an indelible mark on all who witnessed it.