Last Thursday, September 1st, indie rock enthusiasts in Asbury Park were treated to a powerful and intimate performance by Bully at Bond Street Bar, specifically in their cozy space, The Basement. As a long-time admirer of Bully, finally seeing them in such a setting was an exceptional experience. There’s an unmatched energy in small venues like Bond Street Bar that elevates live music, even if it presents unique challenges for photographers like myself, particularly with lighting.
The night began with an opening set from Brooklyn-based trio Hello Mary. Their performance was visually enhanced by captivating, trippy cartoon projections, setting a vibrant tone for the evening. Before Bully took the stage at Bond Street Bar, there was a buzz of anticipation. I even had a brief, starstruck moment encountering Alicia Bognanno, Bully’s frontwoman, at the merchandise table.
When Bully started their set, Bognanno’s stage presence was immediately captivating. She expressed genuine excitement about playing in a more intimate venue like The Basement at Bond Street Bar. Kicking off with “Where to Start,” a personal favorite, the band immediately drew the crowd closer, creating an energetic atmosphere right in front of the stage. Their setlist was a dream for any Bully fan, featuring tracks like “Trying,” “Milkman,” and “Trash” from their acclaimed 2014 album Feels Like, alongside newer hits such as “You,” “Add It On,” and “Prism” from Sugaregg.
Bully’s music is a potent blend of melodic instrumentation and Bognanno’s raw, emotive vocals, perfectly capturing a youthful angst that resonates deeply. Experiencing this live at Bond Street Bar on a Thursday night was invigorating. The thought of seeking autographs crossed my mind post-show, but a brief search for the band felt a bit overzealous, leading us to decide to let it pass – perhaps for another time.
For fans looking to catch Bully, they are scheduled to perform at Riot Fest in Chicago later this month. Following that, they will take a short break before resuming their tour in November, heading to the West Coast to conclude this leg. For a complete list of tour dates, visit here. Continue scrolling to view exclusive photos from Bully’s unforgettable show at Bond Street Bar.
Hello Mary performing live at Bond Street Bar in Asbury Park, captured during their opening set on September 1, 2022.
A dynamic shot of Hello Mary on stage at Bond Street Bar, showcasing their energetic performance and the intimate venue setting.
Close-up photo of Hello Mary's guitarist at Bond Street Bar, highlighting the band's engaging stage presence during their Asbury Park show.
Alicia Bognanno of Bully performing live at Bond Street Bar, delivering a powerful vocal performance to an enthusiastic crowd.
Bully's lead singer, Alicia Bognanno, energetically engaging with the audience at Bond Street Bar during their September 1st show.
Stage view of Bully performing at Bond Street Bar, capturing the band's full energy and the intimate atmosphere of the Asbury Park venue.
Bully band members in action at Bond Street Bar, showcasing their dynamic performance and musical talent during their live set.
A fan's perspective photo from the Bully concert at Bond Street Bar, illustrating the close proximity to the stage and the band's engaging performance.
Live music scene at Bond Street Bar featuring Bully, capturing the vibrant energy and audience interaction during the concert.
Bully's guitarist performing a solo at Bond Street Bar, highlighting the instrumental talent and live performance aspect of the band.
Close-up of Alicia Bognanno singing intensely at Bond Street Bar, emphasizing the raw emotion and vocal power of Bully's performance.
Wide shot of Bully on stage at Bond Street Bar, showing the full band setup and the enthusiastic crowd enjoying the live music.
Audience view of Bully performing at Bond Street Bar in Asbury Park, capturing the excitement and energy of the live music experience.
Black and white photo of Bully performing at Bond Street Bar, adding an artistic touch to the concert photography from the Asbury Park show.
