Shot By: Tullo.photo
New York-based indie pop duo Fly By Midnight, comprised of longtime collaborators Justin Bryte and Justin Slavo, are currently celebrating a decade of music-making with their latest project, Fastest Time of Our Lives. Marking this milestone with a world tour, the pair brought their electrifying live show to Phoenix, AZ, for the second stop on their circuit—selling out the intimate Rebel Lounge to a packed room of both longtime fans and newly curious listeners.
Despite the venue’s modest 200-capacity, what unfolded that night was anything but small. The performance can only be described as a cinematic masterpiece, a high-octane production more commonly expected in large-scale theaters. Fly By Midnight not only blew past expectations, they completely redefined what a duo can do in a barroom setting. For those unfamiliar with the band or their music, don’t let that stop you. This is a show worth experiencing on pure spectacle alone. It’s immersive, magnetic, and unforgettable. Full disclosure: the show does feature fast-flashing lights which might be a concern for photosensitive attendees.
The experience begins before the duo even steps on stage. As AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” blares through the speakers, fog fills the room and stage lights flicker in rhythm with the roar of a racecar engine. In perfect sync with the sound of the car launching, the duo bolts onto the stage and kicks off the night with “The Weather.” It's an opening that sets the tone for a night centered around good times and reminiscing.
True to its racing motif, the concert is laced with high-energy cues and clever nods to fast times and milestones. The setlist spans their decade-long journey, blending standout tracks from their new album with fan favorites like “Different Lives,” “As Long As It Leads To Me,” “Automatic,” and the heart-melting “Loveland.” It’s a carefully constructed ride that not only celebrates their latest work but also honors the growth they’ve experienced both musically and personally.
Midway through the set, the duo pauses for a heartfelt interlude taking a moment to reflect on their evolution, thank the crowd, and express gratitude for the continued support that’s allowed them to release seven studio albums, multiple EPs, and tour extensively, all without the backing of a major label. It’s a humble and sincere moment that only deepens the connection between them and the audience.
As the night reached its peak, Fly By Midnight closed their set with “In The Night” and “No Choice,” only to return moments later for an encore. Running back onstage to Queen’s “We Are the Champions,” the duo hoisted the iconic gold trophy featured on their Fastest Time of Our Lives Tour poster and promo visuals marking the finale of one of the fastest nights of our lives.
In a time when live shows can often feel formulaic, Fly By Midnight offers something that’s not just a concert, but an experience. Whether you’ve followed them since day one or walked in not knowing a single song, this is a performance that turns strangers into fans and fans into lifelong believers.
