From Debut to Dominance: The Struts Mark 10 Years of "Everybody Wants" at The Anthem in Washington D.C. | 8.17.25
- Nate Payne
- Aug 21
- 3 min read
Photos & Words by: Nate Payne
Washington, D.C.’s Wharf was alive with glitter and guitar riffs Sunday night as British glam rockers The Struts stormed The Anthem, celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their breakthrough debut album Everybody Wants. The show, which featured a fiery opening set from Los Angeles hard rock outfit Dirty Honey, marked a highlight on the band’s current North American tour, running through the end of September 2025.
Dirty Honey kicked things off with their blues-soaked brand of rock ‘n’ roll, led by vocalist Marc LaBelle’s gritty delivery and guitarist John Notto’s searing solos. Their high-octane performance primed the crowd, building anticipation for the glam spectacle to follow. By the time The Struts hit the stage, The Anthem was already buzzing with the kind of electricity only a double bill of unapologetic rock bands can generate.
Frontman Luke Spiller, often likened to a modern-day Freddie Mercury, commanded the stage with the swagger and theatrical flair that have become his calling card. Dressed in a black suit and bedazzled shirt, Spiller electrified the packed house from the moment he bounded onto the stage and dove into Prima Donna. Guitarist Adam Slack’s infectious riffs, bassist Jed Elliott’s driving low end, and drummer Gethin Davies’ pounding rhythms gave the performance its muscle, ensuring that The Anthem’s walls reverberated with pure rock energy.
The night paid tribute to Everybody Wants, the 2014 debut that catapulted The Struts into the international spotlight. Songs like “Could Have Been Me,” “Kiss This,” and “Put Your Money on Me” drew thunderous sing-alongs, as longtime fans reveled in the nostalgia of the record that defined the band’s arrival. Yet the setlist also showcased the band’s evolution, weaving in material from their more recent albums and proving that The Struts are far from a nostalgia act.
Since bursting onto the scene, The Struts have carved out a reputation as one of rock’s most electrifying live bands. Their resume is studded with opening slots for rock royalty including The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, and Guns N’ Roses—a testament to the group’s ability to hold their own alongside the genre’s giants. A decade in, they’ve continued to refine their craft while embracing the flamboyance and showmanship that define the glam rock tradition.
For fans at The Anthem, the performance felt like both a victory lap and a promise of more to come. The Struts’ energy and connection with the crowd reaffirmed why they’ve become torchbearers of rock spectacle in an era hungry for big, unapologetic rock performances. As the band continues their North American tour through the end of September, their 10-year celebration of Everybody Wants doubles as a reminder: glam rock is alive, well, and very much in the hands of The Struts. For additional details, visit the links below.
The Struts Social Media
The Struts | The Anthem | Washington, D.C. | Nate Payne Photography | 8.17.25
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