Photojournalist: Antonina Schubert

There are concerts where the audience simply watches the performance unfold. Then there are concerts where the crowd becomes part of the story. And there was something magical in the air at KEMBA Live! on June 9 as The Last Dinner Party brought their From The Pyre Tour to Columbus, Ohio. 

Long before doors opened, the line wrapped around the block as eager fans waited to enter. The excitement was impossible to miss. Flowing dresses, lace, ribbons, corsets, and whimsical accessories transformed the crowd into something straight out of a fairytale. Every outfit felt intentional, creating an atmosphere that perfectly matched the world The Last Dinner Party has built through their music.

The evening opened with a set from Automatic, who received plenty of love from the Columbus crowd. Later in the night, The Last Dinner Party took time to express how grateful they were to have the band joining them on the road, a sentiment that was met with enthusiastic cheers from fans.

Consisting of Abigail Morris, Lizzie Mayland, Emily Roberts, Georgia Davies, and Aurora Nishevci, The Last Dinner Party has quickly become known for their theatrical performances, powerful songwriting, and ability to create a world that fans eagerly step into. Joining the band on drums for this tour is Casper Miles, while Max Lilley has been filling in as Georgia Davies continues to recover from injury.

Over the course of a 21-song set that stretched just under two hours, The Last Dinner Party delivered a performance that felt both larger than life and deeply personal. Every song was met with deafening singalongs as fans screamed lyrics back to the stage, danced with abandon, and embraced the band's signature blend of drama, beauty, and unapologetic feminine energy.

One of the most memorable moments came during "Agnus Dei," when the crowd enthusiastically shouted extra loud during "the OHIO" during the song. The band visibly loved the reaction. Later, Morris leaned into local tradition by calling out "O-H!" and laughing as the audience immediately responded with an enthusiastic "I-O!" Afterwards, she admitted, "I've been waiting all night to do that," earning another roar of approval from the packed crowd.

The sense of community extended far beyond the music. One dollar from every ticket sold on the tour benefits The Ally Coalition and their work supporting LGBTQ+ youth across the country. Fans also participated in Ribbons for Provisions, donating to WhyHunger in exchange for colorful ribbons that quickly became a staple accessory throughout the venue. Looking around the room, it was impossible not to notice just how many attendees proudly wore the ribbons, demonstrating the collective desire to support causes that matter.

The community surrounding The Last Dinner Party was perhaps most evident in the way fans and band members honored Davies throughout the evening. Earlier in the day, during an album signing at Used Kids Records, a fan (savyys_sketches) gifted the band beautifully hand-printed ribbons featuring each member's eyes. In a touching tribute, Morris attached the ribbon created for Davies to her dress for the show. It was a small but meaningful gesture that highlighted both the band's bond and the creativity of their fanbase.

photos by Antonina Schubert

Musically, several songs stood out as highlights. "Agnus Dei" produced one of the loudest singalongs of the evening, while "The Feminine Urge" perfectly captured the emotional intensity that has become a hallmark of the band's music. "Woman in the Tree" showcased the group's captivating storytelling and vocals, and "Nothing Matters" served as one of the night's most cathartic moments. As the song that introduced many listeners to The Last Dinner Party, it remains a fan favorite and proved exactly why it continues to resonate so strongly.

As the North American leg of the From The Pyre Tour begins to wind down, The Last Dinner Party shows no signs of slowing down. With a European tour scheduled for later this year and a support slot opening for Olivia Rodrigo in 2027, the future remains incredibly bright. You can find all their upcoming tour dates and ticket information here.

For one unforgettable evening in Columbus, however, the focus remained on the present. Surrounded by music, friendship, ribbons, laughter, and thousands of voices singing in unison, The Last Dinner Party created an atmosphere that felt truly special. It was mystical, empowering, and a reminder of the power that live music has to bring people together.