I walked into The Mann Center that night with a mix of excitement and curiosity. I’d seen Alabama Shakes before, but this was my first time catching them on the Sound & Color tour in a proper theater rather than a festival field. The Mann is a beautiful venue—open-air but intimate enough that the sound wraps around you like a warm blanket. The crowd buzzed as the sun dipped and the stage lights started to glow. By the time Brittany Howard strode out with her turquoise guitar and that unmistakable calm confidence, the place was ready to erupt.
Setlist
Here’s the full set Alabama Shakes played in Philadelphia:
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Future People
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Dunes
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Rise to the Sun
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Heartbreaker
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Guess Who
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The Greatest
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Shoegaze
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Miss You
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The Feeling
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This Feeling
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Gimme All Your Love
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Be Mine
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Sound & Color
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Joe
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Always Alright
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I Ain’t the Same
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Don’t Wanna Fight
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Gemini
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Over My Head
Encore:
20. You Ain’t Alone
Opening Moments
The band wasted no time diving into the shimmering textures of “Future People.” The song’s warped vocal effects and pulsing groove immediately set the tone for a night where Sound & Color would take center stage. Brittany’s falsetto floated effortlessly above the band’s tight rhythms, and the Mann’s acoustics made every note sparkle.
Without a pause, they launched into “Dunes,” another Sound & Color cut that thrives on tension and release. The intricate drumming and swirling keys gave the track a hypnotic quality, pulling the audience deeper into their sonic universe. The Mann Center, with its open canopy and lush backdrop, seemed tailor-made for these spacey, exploratory sounds.
Early Highlights
“Rise to the Sun” brought a burst of pure joy, its uplifting melody a throwback to the more straightforward soul-rock of Boys & Girls. People around me started dancing in the aisles, shaking off the day’s stress and letting the music take over.
The bluesy “Heartbreaker” followed, with Brittany wringing raw emotion from both her guitar and her voice. Each growl and high note felt like it came from a place deep inside, and you could see fans leaning forward, caught in the song’s slow-burn intensity.
Then came “Guess Who,” one of those deep cuts that shows just how adventurous this band can be. It’s a slow, eerie track, and live it became a showcase for the band’s ability to build atmosphere. The interplay between Heath Fogg’s guitar and Ben Tanner’s keyboards was mesmerizing, weaving a soundscape that was equal parts haunting and beautiful.
Mid-Set Groove
The tempo kicked back up with “The Greatest,” a short, punk-inflected burst of energy that had everyone clapping along. Brittany grinned as she tore into the riff, clearly enjoying the chance to let loose.
“Shoegaze” and “Miss You” kept the focus on Sound & Color, blending intricate guitar textures with Brittany’s soulful delivery. Live, these songs felt more expansive than on record, with extended instrumental passages that gave the band room to breathe and experiment.
When they eased into “The Feeling,” the crowd collectively exhaled. It’s a quiet, reflective track, and Brittany’s delicate falsetto hovered over the hushed audience. You could almost hear the crickets in the nearby park during the song’s softest moments.
They followed it with “This Feeling,” another ballad that showcased Brittany’s unmatched ability to convey vulnerability. The lyrics—“I just kept hoping, I just kept hoping the way would become clear”—carried a weight that felt amplified in the live setting.
The Power Stretch
After the introspection, it was time to blow the roof off. “Gimme All Your Love” is a showstopper, and it landed like a thunderclap. Brittany started with a slow, pleading vocal before the band exploded into the roaring chorus. Her guitar solo was ferocious, the kind of moment that makes you involuntarily yell “Yes!” even if you’re usually reserved.
“Be Mine” kept the energy high, its stomping rhythm and soulful chorus turning the Mann into a sing-along. Couples swayed, friends shouted the lyrics at each other, and strangers high-fived in the aisles.
The title track “Sound & Color” followed, and it was simply stunning. The vibraphone intro shimmered through the night air, creating a sense of suspended time. Brittany’s vocal was almost whispered, yet it carried to the very back rows. It felt like a collective breath before the final push.
Deeper Cuts and Surprises
The back half of the set offered a few treats for die-hard fans. “Joe” brought a dark, swampy vibe, its heavy groove contrasting nicely with the airy “Sound & Color.” Brittany’s guitar tone on this one was thick and fuzzy, rattling the seats.
“Always Alright,” known to many from the Silver Linings Playbook soundtrack, was a crowd-pleaser. The upbeat tempo and sing-along chorus had everyone on their feet, fists pumping.
The bluesy swagger of “I Ain’t the Same” followed, proving the band hasn’t lost touch with the raw rock energy of their early days. Brittany prowled the stage, exchanging knowing looks with the rhythm section as they pushed the song to its climax.
Then came “Don’t Wanna Fight,” the song that had become their calling card in 2015. The funky, syncopated groove hit like a freight train. Brittany’s falsetto was flawless, soaring over the band’s tight pocket. This was the moment where the crowd fully lost themselves, dancing and shouting the chorus with abandon.
“Gemini” provided a sprawling, almost psychedelic interlude. At over six minutes, it allowed the band to stretch out, layering guitars and keys into a swirling crescendo. It felt like the musical equivalent of watching stars appear in the night sky.
The main set closed with “Over My Head,” a slow, soulful number that built from a whisper to a cathartic release. Brittany’s final notes lingered in the air long after the band left the stage.
Encore Magic
The crowd wasn’t about to let them go without one more. After a few minutes of roaring applause, the band returned for a single encore: “You Ain’t Alone.” This early classic remains one of their most powerful live songs, a plea for connection that resonates even more in a live setting. Brittany sang it like her life depended on it, her voice cracking with emotion. When she reached the final refrain—“You ain’t alone, just let me be your ticket home”—the entire venue sang with her, a sea of voices joining in a moment of communal catharsis.
Performance and Presence
Brittany Howard remains one of the most commanding performers I’ve ever seen. She doesn’t rely on theatrics or scripted banter. Instead, she lets her music and her sheer presence carry the show. Whether she’s unleashing a feral scream on “Gimme All Your Love” or delivering a near-whisper on “Sound & Color,” she draws you in completely.
The rest of the band deserves their own applause. Heath Fogg’s guitar work is subtle but essential, providing counter-melodies and textures that elevate every song. Bassist Zac Cockrell and drummer Steve Johnson form a rhythm section that’s both rock-solid and surprisingly nimble, capable of locking into deep grooves or pivoting into sudden dynamic shifts. Keyboardist Ben Tanner fills in the sonic gaps with everything from vintage organ tones to spacey synth washes, giving the newer songs their distinctive atmosphere.
The Crowd
Philadelphia crowds are famously passionate, and this audience was no exception. From the opening notes of “Future People,” people were locked in—dancing, singing, and hanging on every word. Even during the quieter numbers like “This Feeling,” you could sense the collective focus, a respectful hush that’s rare at big shows. And when it was time to cut loose—“Don’t Wanna Fight,” “Always Alright,” “Gimme All Your Love”—the place erupted.
I met fans who had driven from New York, Baltimore, and even farther to catch this show. Many told me it was their second or third time seeing the band that year, and after this performance, I understood why. Alabama Shakes don’t just play songs; they create an experience that feels both deeply personal and universally uplifting.
Sound and Production
The Mann Center’s acoustics were ideal for the Shakes’ mix of delicate ballads and explosive rockers. Every instrument came through cleanly, and Brittany’s vocals were consistently front and center without ever sounding harsh. The lighting design complemented the music beautifully—soft blues and purples for the moody numbers, blinding whites and fiery reds for the big climaxes. It was tasteful but dramatic, enhancing the atmosphere without distracting from the performance.
Personal Takeaway
Walking out into the Philadelphia night, I felt both exhilarated and strangely calm. Alabama Shakes have a way of balancing intensity with introspection, leaving you buzzing with energy but also thoughtful. The setlist was a perfect blend of new material and old favorites, and the band’s ability to shift seamlessly from quiet soul to full-tilt rock remains unmatched.
I’ve seen bigger shows and flashier productions, but few concerts have felt as human as this one. Brittany Howard and her bandmates don’t hide behind spectacle—they invite you in, flaws and all, and remind you of the emotional power that live music can hold.
Final Thoughts
The Alabama Shakes at The Mann Center on September 17, 2015, was more than just a great night of music. It was a testament to the band’s growth and their ability to connect across genres and generations. From the cosmic shimmer of “Future People” to the aching plea of “You Ain’t Alone,” the show captured the full range of what makes them special.
If you were lucky enough to be there, you know how it felt when Brittany’s final notes faded into the Philadelphia air—a mix of awe, gratitude, and the bittersweet realization that moments like this don’t come around often. And if you weren’t, take my word for it: Alabama Shakes delivered a performance that night that will stay with everyone who witnessed it, a perfect balance of sound and color.