Last night wasn’t just a concert, it was a wild journey into the wonderfully chaotic world of Bilmuri. For those who haven’t yet encountered it, Bilmuri, created by Johnny Franck, is a genre-defying blend of pop-punk energy, country twang, and an offbeat sense of humor. Seeing it live? That’s a whole other experience.
As soon as I walked into the Majestic I knew that this was not going to be a typical concert. Usually, it takes a while for a room to fill up as the crowd gradually grows before the headliner finally goes on. Tonight though, the room was nearly bursting at the seams before anyone had even taken the stage to entertain this sold out crowd. This crowd showed up fully torqued.
From the moment the lights dropped, the energy was electric. The crowd, a mix of dedicated fans and intrigued newcomers, buzzed with excitement. When Franck and the band hit the stage, the place erupted. They kicked things off with “EMPTYHANDED”, immediately immersing the audience in Bilmuri’s trademark blend of catchy hooks and unpredictable sonic twists. What’s not to like about poppy country jams with random hardcore shouts thrown in?
The setlist was a thrilling ride, traversing Bilmuri’s wide-ranging sound supported by Gabi Rose’s powerful backup vocals and killer sax melodies, and the flawless shredding skills of guitarist Reese Maslen. From infectious pop-punk anthems that had the crowd singing at the top of their lungs to experimental tracks layered with electronic vibes that showcased Franck’s versatility, there was never a dull moment. A flute solo courtesy of the massively talented Rose during the metalcore breakdown of “FLUORIDEINTHEHARDSELTZERWATER”? You bet your ass!! The band was flawless, delivering a powerful and polished performance that complemented Franck’s dynamic voice perfectly.
Franck’s stage presence is magnetic. He was constantly moving, jumping, gesturing, and connecting with the crowd with a pure, almost childlike joy, all while flashing a grin that seemed both mischievous and delighted. What truly sets Bilmuri apart though, is the full-on absurdity of the experience.
Between songs, Franck kept the mood light with his witty banter. Whether cracking jokes, engaging in playful interactions with the crowd, or diving into random comedic tangents, he made it clear that this wasn’t just a performance—it was an experience, a shared moment of delightful madness. The secret is now out that the key to his thicc boi physique is 4 straight hours of nothing but calf exercises, and beer, lots of beer.
The crowd mirrored his energy, moshing and laughing together in a friendly frenzy. There was this sense of community, an understanding that everyone was in on the joke, celebrating the chaos in unison.
For many, the peak of the night came during “BETTER HELL”. The room went wild, with everyone singing along, creating a pure moment of joyful release. When the final notes played, the crowd erupted in applause, refusing to leave, and demanding an encore. Franck and the band returned to the stage for one last intimate performance as Johnny went out into the crowd to sing “Near” while surrounded by the room full of adoring fans.
Bilmuri isn’t just a band—it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of creativity, humor, and the unbridled joy of music. I love the fact that Franck doesn’t take himself too seriously and allows himself to just make genre bending music that is absurdly fun. If you’re looking for a concert that’ll surprise you and leave you grinning from ear to ear, Bilmuri is a must-see. Just be ready to embrace the chaos and crank your hog to completion