You’re Cordially Invited: The Last Dinner Party at Franklin Music Hall, Philadelphia
- Emma Zoe Polyak
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 20
As I was driving to Franklin Music Hall last Wednesday evening, I started spotting people in long, flowing dresses and ruffled tops, and I knew that I was undoubtedly in the right place.
There’s something inherently theatrical about The Last Dinner Party. From their energetic rock tracks with powerful vocals, to their achingly beautiful harmonies, there’s a dramatic flair radiating from their songs and stage presence.
The last time the band played in Philadelphia was three years ago, at Johnny Brenda’s. Many in the crowd were at that show, and as I watched The Last Dinner Party command the sold-out crowd at Franklin Music Hall, I could only imagine the thrill of seeing them in an intimate venue like Johnny Brenda’s.
Lead vocalist Abigail Morris was magnetic from the moment she strutted onto stage, immediately launching into “Agnus Dei,” the opening track from their second album From The Pyre. It was entrancing to watch as Morris twisted and danced across the stage, fully engulfed in the performance.
The crowd – many of whom were dressed in elaborate outfits that mirrored TLDP’s rich, ruffled costumes – were similarly enthusiastic, singing and dancing along throughout the night. So much, that Morris congratulated them on being the loudest crowd on the tour so far.
While Morris was the charismatic frontwoman for most of the night, the rest of the band were every bit as crucial to the show. Lead vocals rotated throughout the set, with guitarist Lizzie Mayland belting on “Rifle,” and keyboardist Aurora Nishevci singing “Gjuha,” a song which she prefaced with a tribute to her Albanian heritage and the immigrant experience as a whole. Emily Roberts moved between playing the guitar, mandolin, and flute, while bassist Georgia Davies was absent from the lineup due to a recent back injury.
The band dedicated “On Your Side” to Davies, and an already emotional track was increased tenfold, moving many in the crowd around me to tears. Morris also updated the crowd on Davies’ condition – she’s out of hospital and heading back home to recover – and was interrupted by a card that was thrown on stage and signed by a large group of fans in the front row. It was a heartfelt moment, as Morris assured the crowd that she would get it to Davies, and highlighted the care and connection radiating from the crowd.
That care was spotlighted again later in the set when many in the crowd started passing out due to the heat in the sold-out venue. The band dealt with the pauses full of patience and concern, encouraging the crowd to take care of themselves and reassuring them that they don’t mind the interruptions as long as everyone gets the help they need.
Speaking of help, a standout moment in the set was when they played “Let’s Do It Again!” the band’s single from War Child Records’ HELP(2) charity record. It was their first time playing it in America, and the crowd was elated.
Irish rockers Florence Road opened the show, and they’re a band that I can easily see returning on large stages as headliners. Made up of lead singer and guitarist Lily Aron, guitarist Emma Brandon, bassist Ailbhe Barry, and drummer Hannah Kelly, their sound has some overlap with TLDP, but leans into a softer indie-rock feel. They played songs from their March EP, Spring Forward, including the third-ever live performance of “Hanging Out To Dry.” A personal favorite from their set was the ballad-esque “Rabbits Can Swim,” which really showed off Aron’s vocals.
The Last Dinner Party’s tour continues through North America, check out more dates here, and view photos from their Philadelphia show below.
