LIVE REVIEW: Dope Lemon delivers epic show at Fortitude Music Hall

Photography by Max Wenke

Saturday night on August 2nd, I went to see the one and only Angus Stone, AKA Dope Lemon, at Fortitude Music Hall, and I’ve got to tell you: I’m still tripping from the whole experience. The evening marked the sixth show on Dope Lemon’s current world tour, celebrating their latest album, Golden Wolf.

I’ve been a fan of Dope Lemon ever since I first heard the exuberant, sweet-hearted, and laid-back ‘Rose Pink Cadillac’. But this was my first time being blessed by a live performance. Every element had me completely entranced. It wasn’t just a night to hear some of Dope Lemon’s most beloved songs—it was a full sensory experience. Vivid stage lights, hypnotising projections, and some of the best stage presence I’ve ever seen came together to form one hell of a show. From killer harmonica solos, to Angus Stone’s rustic vocals, to lengthened guitar riffs and groovy drums, the show was, in a word: epic.

The night opened with indie-pop duo Pamela, comprised of Sarah Ellen and Josh Kempen. Their sultry presence and spacey, ethereal tunes made for a vibrant entry into the show. They held a soft yet electric stage energy, standing far apart but radiating chemistry through their mingling harmonies and gentle sways. Sarah Ellen lit up the stage in a long lace dress, her soaring vocals culminating in a final song where she stood on a box and unleashed everything she had. Josh Kempen had his moment earlier, leading a rocky love song in long black flowy pants and a white singlet—pure rock star energy.

The only downside to this duo is that Pamela doesn’t have any music out yet! There’s hope though. Their Instagram promises, “Music coming soon…” and from what I heard live, it’ll be worth the wait.

Then came the moment the crowd had been dreaming of. Blood-red lights poured onto the stage, and a group of men in black suits and outback-style hats strode into view. Entering last, of course, was Angus Stone—electric guitar in one hand, drink in the other. You could feel every ounce of the swagger that is Dope Lemon sweep across the audience in an instant.

At some point I found myself wondering: why the name “Dope Lemon”? My friends and I strangely hypothesised that maybe Angus Stone sees people with lemon heads when he’s high. The truth, I later learned, is that “dope” isn’t the drug in the title but “lemon” which refers to a popular drug from the 1950s. Regardless, the name perfectly captures the laid-back, psychedelic energy that has shaped Angus Stone’s solo brand and allowed it to soar for five studio albums.

One of my favourite parts of the night were the trippy projections behind the band, each tailored to the mood of the song. A standout for me was an animated smiling flower, set against mushrooms, that pulsed and flashed until the smile completely overtook the screen. This all happened during a wicked guitar solo in Dope Lemon’s new song ‘Golden Wolf’ the title of the album itself, and I felt my own smile widen in wonder!

Another thing I absolutely loved and felt wasn’t to be questioned, just enjoyed, were the dancers in animal heads, swaying their hips during some of Dope Lemon’s biggest hits. It was funky, cute, sexy—and gave the audience full permission to groove along. This wasn’t just a gig for the ears; it entertained every one of my five senses.

Live, the versatility of Dope Lemon’s songs became even more apparent. Some are groovy, sweet, and introspective like ‘Rose Pink Cadillac’, while others dive deeper into psychedelic territory, especially on his latest album, Golden Wolf. Not to mention his lyrics are some of my favourites. Take ‘Rose Pink Cadillac’ for instance, Angus pairs deep and existential reflections with the simplicity of love and attraction:

“Life’s a long ass journey with some fool that wrote the map. Everyone’s digging for the cross on the page. No one knows where it’s at.”Followed immediately by:“Cause I love the way you move. Love what you do.”

That ability to weave the profound with the everyday is, I think, one of the reasons why his songs are so loveable, and his fans are so dedicated.

And dedicated they were! At the end, the group in front of me started chanting “one more song” in a melody they’d clearly rehearsed. Soon, the whole crowd joined in. It just shows how much of a trance the audience were in, me included, during Dope Lemon’s performance, as no one wanted to move. After a few minutes of anticipation, Dope Lemon strolled back on stage, with an encore of songs featuring the groovy, Home Soon. The band didn’t just come back on to perform; they revelled in it. Extended solos, playful exchanges—especially between Angus Stone and his harmonica player—made it clear every member had a stake in the music. It felt collaborative, intentional, and joy-filled, like they could have kept jamming together all night if given the chance.

And when I looked around the room, under the shining chandeliers of the Fortitude Music Hall, I was surrounded by a group of, dare I say “dope” people, who would’ve stayed also if given the chance.

Believe me when I say this epic evening isn’t one I’ll be forgetting any time soon.