Foster the People Wish Boston A Good Mourning

Decade-defining alt-rock band Foster the People stopped by MGM Music Hall on October 6th as part of The Good Mourning Sunshine Tour. The tour celebrates their beloved discography, with the band playing hits from their 2011 debut album Torches to their latest sparkling album Paradise State of Mind.

First up was indie band Goth Babe, who were returning to the city after their lively set at Boston Calling in 2025. They burst onto the stage with that same warm energy. The three-piece group played an array of folksy songs with an electric edge, making them a natural double bill with Foster the People. About midway through the set, frontman Griff Washburn spotted fans in the crowd holding sticks with his dog Sadie's face on them. He asked to keep one of the signs, remarking, "You guys are legends...this will live forever in my studio."

The band had the left and right sides face off in a dance contest to win either a brand-new crockpot or a banana signed by Washburn and Isom Innis from Foster the People. The left side won, and a lucky fan caught the giant crockpot. The audience interactions fostered a personal connection with new and old fans alike, including letting audience cheers decide the next song, which ended up being "Casita," or changing the lyrics to "driving to Boston." A video background with moving stars set the scene, making it feel as if everyone were crowded around a cozy campfire. They closed their set with the song "Thomas," having the audience get low and jump along one final time before stepping off stage.

The preshow playlist held the energy high. Tracks like "Evil Woman" by Electric Light Orchestra prepared the audience for the nostalgia-filled show ahead. Soon the lights dimmed, and fans released thunderous cheers. The buzzing intro to "Life on the Nickel" filled the venue with excitement and anticipation. The five-piece band strutted on stage as frontman Mark Foster appeared silhouetted in glowing orange light. Tracks like "Lamb's Wool" and "Lost In Space" cemented the band's title as synth-whisperers, and Foster's octave-defying signature falsetto sounded exactly like the recorded versions, even 15 years later. He lowered the mic between verses to shuffle his feet and dance around the stage, flashing a smile at the crowd singing along to every word. 

The fantastical visuals complemented their euphoric songs. A giant house made up of screens sat at the back of the stage with a big orange door. For some songs, the house went up in flames, and for others, Foster cleverly sang into a camera in the door's peephole. They crafted a cyber-city, with Foster climbing to the roof to dance, shrouded in a cloud of smoke, during the punchy track "Pseudologia Fantastica."

Foster the People sprinkled fan favorites and deep cuts from their expansive discography across the setlist, effortlessly weaving between explosive moments and intimate vulnerability. A hush fell over the audience during the emotional track "Goats in Trees," as Foster sat down on the stairs with a guitar. Fans' eyes watered as they swayed to the acoustic performance.

The live rendition of "Don't Stop (Color on the Walls)" was particularly punchy, with grungy guitar riffs and grainy vocals captivating the crowd. They also used their visuals to make sharp political commentary. Much like their track "Pumped Up Kicks," the visuals showed the inside of a 1950s home, with Billboards behind it, including one of a father and son in a pop-art magazine drawing style that read phrases like "Rifles, Start Em Young." Make sure to catch Foster the People Live before The Good Mourning Sunshine Tour ends later this month. Buy tickets here.