Brian Fallon & The Painkillers / Not Bad for New Jersey Tour / Mr. Smalls Theatre / Pittsburgh / 9.16.2026
Brian Fallon just released his new album Not Bad for New Jersey on September 10th. The tour in support of the album kicked off the day before its release and is coming pretty much everywhere. Here’s my take on the Pittsburgh stop.
1. This new album is incredible.
I know this platform is really meant to recap shows, but I feel like it’s impossible not to discuss the new album at some level here. It’s an incredible take on ’80s Bruce, with upbeat, jangly chords and just a really good time. The setlist has been mixed up a bit on these early dates, but we got five new album tracks, including the live debut of “Fading on Me,” and they are just such great sing-along songs. Honestly, I think he should be doing the whole album every night.
2. No TGA songs? Good decision.
This might be unpopular if you’re a little more casual with Brian and The Gaslight Anthem, but I’m glad he’s sticking to the solo material. (The Horrible Crowes might as well count.) TGA is fully back. When he tours with them, that’s when those songs are played. He has so much great solo material, and these are the moments to enjoy that fully.
3. I see those guitars, Brian, and I know why you have ’em.
During the show, Brian used three different Fender guitars: his signature Custom Shop Telecaster, a modified Mustang that I could tell had mini JB humbuckers in it, and a signature-series Kurt Cobain Jaguar that also had pickup modifications. Brian has made no secret about how much he loves Nirvana. The Gaslight Anthem even recorded a cover of “Sliver” as a B-side. It’s interesting to see these guitars being used for something that isn’t nearly as aggressive as what Kurt Cobain did with them, yet they still sound great.
4. Brian’s voice never seems to struggle.
Some guys just consistently deliver vocally. I realize it’s not Robert Plant-level vocals here, but you see so many singers struggle with consistency between recording and touring, and I’ve never experienced that at a Fallon-related show. Whatever he’s doing to maintain his voice all these years is working. Even those quieter songs were completely audible.
5. The fan base is in deep.
Fallon’s fan base might not be big enough to pack arenas, but speaking as one myself, they are die-hard. I’d guess 95% of the room knew every word last night. TGA, solo, whatever it is—we are in. Like, every single word and note in.
