Concert Photography & Review: The Maine // I Love You, But I Chose The Maine Tour // Observatory North Park, San Diego 03.27.26

Photos and Review by Sara Rosenthal

The Maine has been captivating audiences as a band for nearly 20 years, and their energy shows no signs of waning. With their highly anticipated 10th studio album dropping in less than a week, they continue to prove they’re unstoppable. Their sold-out show in San Diego last week had fans dancing and singing from the first note to the very last.

The Arizona-based group kicked off their tour early last week in Las Vegas, supported by Franklin Jonas & The Byzantines, Nightly, and Grayscale. This stop in San Diego was also one of their first headlining shows in the area in three years. Starting with "Another Night on Mars,” The Maine performed a 90-minute set that was both heartfelt and lively. The set included deep cuts like “Taxi,” “Touch,” and “Kennedy Curse,” along with popular hits such as “Right Girl,” “Sticky,” and “My Heroine.” In preparation for their upcoming album, Joy Next Door, they also introduced a few new songs like "Palms," “Die To Fall," and “Quiet Part Out Loud.”

One of the most exciting moments at a The Maine concert is the crowd interaction. During “We All Roll Along,” singer John O’Callaghan noticed a young girl holding a sign. He stepped off the stage to read it more clearly, revealing that it was her first concert. The crowd cheered as she was warmly welcomed into the 8123.

The surprising finale of the night was something no one anticipated, as Mikey Way of My Chemical Romance was invited to play the last two songs with the band. Way said he’d only agree to play “Black Butterflies & Deja Vu” if they also played “English Girls.” O’Callaghan described the experience as surreal, as one of his idols was onstage with him. 

By the end of the night, it felt like a jam session with friends rather than a concert, as everyone sang the lyrics at the top of their lungs and danced to their heart's content. The anticipation is high for the new album, Joy Next Door, and based on what we've heard so far it will be worth the wait. Can't wait to see what the next 20 years as a band will bring!