Live music review: The Rupert Selection Turns Off Cabot Into Evening to Remember
Do you ever leave a show and have that moment of realization that you just witnessed something really special? That was the vibe walking out of Off Cabot this past Sunday (8/23) after The Rupert Selection, Bad Larrys, Spinworld, and a surprise set by Reilly Somach + The Frozen Ponies rocked the sold-out downtown club in Beverly, Massachusetts, all while the sun was still out. The event was a benefit for Reilly who’d been diagnosed with cancer.
Double-billed as a birthday celebration and benefit show for Rupert Selection frontman Reilly Somach, who was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in June, the event brought together some of the North Shore’s best talent. The bill included alt-shoegazers Spinworld, a special reunion set by Bad Larrys—playing their first show since 2022—Somach’s side project The Frozen Ponies, and finally The Rupert Selection, fresh off the release of their new single “Riddance” and announcement of their upcoming album, Music For Horses, out this week (8/27).
With doors slated for 3 p.m., a stormy and gray Sunday quickly gave way to a sunny and beautiful late-summer New England afternoon, which felt fitting given the outcome of the evening.
That said, Rupert was firing on all cylinders at this show. Performing as a six-piece, with an additional set of horn players joining them for a few songs, this was a welcome addition to the group. Even in the past, as a trio, they still sounded massive and could certainly make a room shake. Performing for a crowd of close friends, family, and excited fans old and new, the band played with undeniable energy and passion.
Complemented by a stellar light show from the venue, as well as a stage decked out in ferns and small houseplants courtesy of Zak Peters, aka Play to the Plants, this was a night where everything was just going right. At one point, the crowd broke into a “Happy Birthday” chant, only for Somach to turn around and be greeted with a surprise birthday cake. You just knew you were at one of those shows you’ll remember for a long time—one of those nights that will stand out in your memory.
With the show slated to end at the approaching 7 p.m. deadline, Somach remarked “Cabot folks, I know this is supposed to end at 7, but we have 4 more songs, is that okay?” spoke with a playful tone in his ask, but still genuinely thinking about the staff and respecting their time (obviously no one objected) so the band continued to rip onwards, each song played with a little more passion than the last. The energy radiating from Reilly and crew couldn’t be messed with. All members were locked in, not just with the music, but with one another. You could feel the coalition and the bond of the people on that stage; that they are brothers, not just bandmates.
One of the many highlights of the evening came toward the end of Rupert’s set, when they were joined onstage by members of The Frozen Ponies and Bad Larrys—and even a baby decked out in big headphones—to perform an impromptu cover of the iconic ’90s smash hit “My Own Worst Enemy” by Lit.
The performance had everyone in the room’s eyes glued to the stage as the crowd chanted along. The feeling of love, community, and appreciation couldn’t be denied.
The band’s new album Music For Horses is out everywhere Thursday 8/27. Recorded by Steve Lord and mastered by Pete Weiss.
Donate to Reilly’s cancer fund here
Story and photos by Matt Bass / @mattbassmedia
You must be logged in to post a comment.