Judah & The Lion: Roaring Triumph in the Lion’s Den
Judah & The Lion
4/6/25
House of Blues, Cleveland
Opener: Ethan Regan
by Robert McCune
I never gave much thought to what it would mean to be in a lion’s den. The biblical story of Daniel never resonated with me, nor did I ever consider the coziness implied by the word “den” juxtaposed with the fierce majesty of lions. But as I stood amidst the “pride” of Judah & The Lion fans at Cleveland’s House of Blues on a Sunday night, the phrase took on new meaning. This wasn’t a den to cower in fear but one to revel in—a sanctuary of sound and community where danger was traded for exhilarating energy and heartfelt storytelling.
Judah & The Lion, the genre-blurring Nashville band, brought their infectious folk-hop fusion to an adoring audience that felt more like family than fans. Opening with a bang, frontman Judah Akers and Brian Macdonald broke convention by performing in the crowd itself—an electric stampede through a sea of hands, cheers, and unity. This unorthodox start embodied what Judah & The Lion is all about: breaking barriers, both figurative and literal, to create music that connects deeply.
The setlist was a sonic safari, leaping from the raw emotion of tracks like “As the Crow Flies,” inspired by personal loss, to the anthemic sing-alongs of “Suit and Jacket” and “Take It All Back 2.0.” But Judah & The Lion isn’t just a band you sing along to; they’re a band that insists you become part of the show. Whether you were shouting along to the crowd-rehearsed “Maybe the Best” or witnessing Judah Akers literally gift a fan the shirt off his back during the encore, it was clear: this band doesn’t perform at its fans—it performs with them.
Adding to the evening’s magic was opener Ethan Regan, who, with his folk-rock twang and masterful banjoist Samantha McKaige, set the tone for what would be a transcendental night. Regan’s sound was reminiscent of Noah Kahan, giving the audience a delightful taste of what lies ahead for the promising musician.
This wasn’t just a concert—it was a communal experience, blending high-energy stadium-worthy moments with intimate, prayer-circle-like reflections. Akers’ poignant storytelling, paired with the band’s unique genre-spanning sound, proved Judah & The Lion’s mastery of making music that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Judah & The Lion’s live performance doesn’t just showcase their talent—it magnifies it in a way recordings can’t. If you’ve only heard them on Spotify or the radio, you’ve yet to truly hear them. Their energy, passion, and connection with fans are impossible to replicate outside the live setting, making every concert a must-see event.
As the Lion left the stage with wisdom to carry into everyday life—eat more chocolate, be kind to others, and listen to more Judah & The Lion—you couldn’t help but feel a part of something larger. This wasn’t just a show—it was a roaring celebration of what it means to feel alive.
Setlist
Spirit
Heartbreak Syndrome
Quarter-Life Crisis
Anger
Floating in the Night
scream!
Over My Head
Rich Kids
Suit and Jacket
Is What it Is
My Own Worst Enemy(Lit cover)
Snap Yo Fingers(Lil Jon cover)
As the Crow Flies
Only Want the Best
Revival
Long Dark Night
Alright (frick it!)
Going to Mars / Help Me To Feel Again(Snippets)
Take It All Back
Encore:
Maybe the Best Is Now
Maybe the Best Is Now (Played a second time to record)
sportz
Robert McCune is a full-time journalist, part-time photojournalist and aspiring rock journalist and podcaster. Follow his journey on Instagram at every_thing_after_photo
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