Photos and writing by Dillon Reesor
Anberlin brought the Never Take Friendship Personal 20th Anniversary Tour to The Senate in Columbia, SC on May 28, drawing a strong crowd for a night built around nostalgia and some well-earned celebration of one of the band’s most beloved albums.
Watashi Wa
Opening the evening was Watashi Wa, who delivered a solid set and proved to be a strong choice to kick off the tour package. Their performance set the tone early, warming up the room while showcasing plenty of energy and tight musicianship. Emery followed and successfully raised the intensity another level. Their set was well received, with the crowd noticeably more engaged as they worked through a collection of fan favorites and heavier moments.
Emery
By the time Anberlin took the stage, the venue was fully locked in. While this wasn’t the kind of crowd that spent the night crowd surfing or throwing itself around the room, the audience’s enthusiasm was obvious. For many in attendance, Never Take Friendship Personal has been part of their lives for two decades, and the atmosphere reflected that. Fans sang along throughout the night, soaking in songs that have stood the test of time.
One of the biggest talking points heading into any modern Anberlin performance is vocalist Matty Mullins, and he sounded excellent. His delivery fit the material naturally, bringing plenty of power while still honoring the character of the original recordings. The rest of the band was equally sharp, with the sound mix remaining clear and balanced throughout the set.
From start to finish, all three bands delivered quality performances, making for a package that felt cohesive and worthwhile. The crowd may not have been the most physically active, but that’s hardly surprising for a 20th anniversary tour centered around an album that means so much to longtime fans. Instead, the night felt like a celebration, and judging by the turnout and response from the audience, it was a successful one.
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