Words by Sami Nigro 

Not even the oncoming nor’easter could drown out the crowd’s energy as MUNA took the stage Friday night under the full moon in Philadelphia.

Thousands of fans lined up at the gates of the Skyline Stage at the Mann for the 11th stop of MUNA’s “It Gets So Hot” tour, announced following the release of their new album Dancing on the Wall.

The band’s opener, hemlocke springs, perfectly warmed up the crowd with her undeniable stage presence and impressive vocals. She was a force of nature from start to finish, swinging a sword and prompting the crowd to grunt back at her as she performed.  

After the intermission, the lights dimmed as MUNA walked on stage and opened with the tour’s namesake, “It Gets So Hot,” which immediately had the entire venue vibrating. Strobing lights lit the band members’ silhouettes in flashing black and white, then shifted dramatically to deep red for their angsty queer anthem “Wannabeher.”

Lead singer Katie Gavin dressed for the occasion in an all-black bodysuit, eye-catching fishnets, and fingerless leather gloves as she swayed and twirled for her fans. She kept the same captivating energy all night, flipping her mic upside down, going to town on a tambourine, and sensually kneeling at the feet of bandmate and lead guitarist Josette Maskin. 

It was an especially triumphant night for band member Naomi McPherson (production, guitar, synths, and vocals), who returned to the stage in Philadelphia after missing the past five shows to care for their sick mother. Although McPherson performed as if they never left, the other members of MUNA noticeably checked in on them throughout the night. But what was perhaps even more touching was the outpouring of support from fans, some of whom even made “Welcome Back Naomi!” signs.

“Playing music is what connects all of us and what connects me to my mom, so thanks for being here,” McPherson said to the crowd later, clearly moved by the palpable love they were receiving all night. 

Backup vocalist Lou Roy, who had been filling in for McPherson, was still present for the Philadelphia show. Her seemingly permanent addition to the lineup didn’t feel forced, as she blended beautifully with the MUNA members and even performed her own new song, “Try,” with the band singing backup during their emotional acoustic set mid-show.

The band then immediately dried the crowd’s tears, catapulting into a killer final set of upbeat, fan-favorite songs such as “Stayaway” and “I Know A Place.” The outdoor venue morphed into a dance-club-esque safe haven where the crowd connected with each other and themselves, cultivating an unmistakable sense of community. But nothing compared to their closer, “Silk Chiffon,” the band’s breakout song that put them on the public radar. It was the night’s biggest crescendo, with Gavin’s hair blowing in the pre-storm wind and McPherson singing Phoebe Bridgers’ second verse as the crowd lost its mind. The night ended on a heartwarming note as MUNA delivered a masterclass in queer joy for their deeply devoted fans in the City of Brotherly Love.