Kelsy Karter and the Heroines take over the Gramercy Theatre in NYC on their Lightning In a Bottle Tour
Photos by Jessie Fuentes
The air buzzed with anticipation, voices echoing through the Gramercy Theatre as fans packed in close, eager to witness the wild, unapologetic, no-holds-barred rock ‘n’ roll spectacle of Kelsy Karter & The Heroines. Known for her rebellious spirit, powerhouse vocals, and a stage presence that oozes rockstar charisma, Karter has built a reputation for delivering electrifying performances—and this night was no exception. But beyond just another tour stop, this show felt particularly special. Last year, the band’s plans were derailed when a visa scam prevented her bandmates, instrumentalists Matt Peach, Tommy Gent, and Sebastian Boyse, from joining the last tour, forcing Karter to hit the road without the full force of her Heroines behind her. Now, with the group finally together as they were meant to be, the Lightning In a Bottle tour is more than just a second chance—it is the victory lap they had been waiting for.
Adam Slack, guitarist of renowned English rock band The Struts and lead vocalist Kelsy Karter’s boyfriend, opened the show. Stepping into the spotlight with just his acoustic guitar, he delivered a stripped-down set that blended covers, Struts songs, and his own original music. Despite this being his first time seeing The Heroines perform on this tour, he had no hesitation in warming up the crowd, easing into his performance with a mix of shyness and effortless charm. Between songs, he cracked jokes and shared stories, giving the audience a glimpse into the inspirations behind his setlist—many of which, like Walking the Line, Holding Out for You, and Can’t Come Back to You, were written about past relationships. But, he made it clear that his heart belongs only to Kelsy, even dedicating Losing You to her—a heartfelt song about how devastated he’d be if she ever left him. It was a sweet, sincere moment that added a personal touch to his set, an authenticity that would ring prominently throughout the rest of the night. He wrapped up his performance with arguably The Struts’ biggest and most widely known track, Could Have Been Me, sending a surge of excitement through the crowd as they sang along to the iconic anthem.
Photos by Jessie Fuentes
After years of following the group—ever since the unforgettable publicity stunt for their debut single Harry—I was finally getting the chance to see them live, and from the very first moments, they did not disappoint. Kicking off the night with Are You Entertained?, the opening track from their latest album Love Made Me Do It, Karter began on a somewhat subtle note, letting her band take the spotlight as she sang from her keyboard in the back. But as the song built to its triumphant peak, she brought her signature attitude and charm front and center, locking in with the undeniably excited fans pressed against the barricade. The energy only escalated with I Get Off before bursting into full-blown chaos during Goodness Gracious, where Karter refused to let the party stay confined to the front row. Racing through the venue, she made her way to the center of the pit, ensuring that every single person in the room was a part of the show. Watching her tear through the crowd with reckless enthusiasm made it clear—Kelsy Karter & The Heroines go all out to immerse their fans in an unforgettable experience. “Do you see how small I am? And do you hear how loud I am? What’s your excuse?” Karter proclaimed.
Photos by Jessie Fuentes
Between songs, the band took a moment to be open and vulnerable, sharing both personal struggles and the challenges they’ve faced as a band. Karter spoke candidly about the importance of creating a safe space where people could come together to explore who they are and to freely enjoy their music without fear or judgment. With that, the band kicked things back into high gear, launching into Daughter of the Night, God Knows I’ve Tried, and Lazer to the Heart with unrelenting passion. But the true standout of the set for me came with Hotel Flamingo, where the band once again invited Adam Slack back to the stage. As Karter’s uniquely raspy voice wrapped around the track’s soft, 80s-esk melodies, the chemistry between her and Slack added an extra layer of charm and drama to the night.
As the energy momentarily softened, Kelsy Karter took the stage alongside guitarist Matt Peach—sporting a hat that looked straight out of the Australian Outback—for a stripped-down acoustic set. Together, they delivered deeply emotional renditions of Wild and Superdream, the latter dedicated to Adam in honor of his upcoming birthday on February 24th. Karter’s soft rendition carried a raw, heartfelt sincerity, while Peach’s delicate strumming added to the intimate atmosphere. It was a striking contrast to the night’s rowdier moments, showcasing a different side of Karter—one that thrived not just on high-energy rebellion but also on vulnerability and pure, unfiltered emotion.
For the encore, Kelsy Karter & The Heroines closed the night with a powerhouse trio of tracks that captured the essence of their high-octane performance. Devil on My Shoulder kept the rebellious energy alive, its bluesy swagger pulsing through the venue as Karter prowled the stage with unrelenting confidence. Finally, Liquor Store on Mars served as the grand finale, a soaring, cathartic anthem that left the audience with one last rush of adrenaline. If this show was any indication, fans heading to upcoming stops on the Lightning in a Bottle tour can expect an electrifying, deeply personal, and wildly entertaining night that celebrates self-expression in every form. Karter & The Heroines believe that embracing who you are unapologetically, living on your own terms, and breaking through the constraints society puts on you are all rock and roll as fuck. Taking risks, expressing yourself fully, and not apologizing for your choices—whether that's through fashion, sexuality, or your art—are what they truly embody. The stage becomes a space to challenge those norms, empower others, and live in the moment without settling for less. After witnessing this performance, I won’t be passing up the opportunity to catch them the next time they hit the East Coast.
See Kelsy Karter and The Heroines on the rest of their Lightning In a Bottle Tour. Check out the rest of our gallery from the show.
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