LIVE: THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE – Nashville, TN, USA – February 18, 2026

Venue: Basement East

Date: February 18, 2026

Review and Photographs by: Jacob Smith (https://www.jhs-photo.com)

Upon their entrance to the stage at Basement East in Nashville, TN, I realized to myself that it had been since 2009 that I was able to catch The Birthday Massacre perform live again. So, when I saw that they were coming to Nashville, TN, I immediately requested to cover it. They did not disappoint or prove my memories false on how good they were live. Playing tracks from all of their back catalogue, they did not leave the crowd wanting. Every second of their 19-song set was paced and hit home at the right moment each time. Basement East that night was near capacity for this performance, and everyone there was more than excited. Shows like this are always the tops when the crowd’s enthusiasm matches the enthusiasm of the musicians performing for them on the stage. It helps create that very organic emotional reason always to try to see a live performance.

My favorite song highlights for the evening were “Video Kid,” “Blue,” and “Destroyer,” but there was definitely a favorite track played for everyone in attendance. The mood and the lighting for the evening were perfect for a live performance from The Birthday Massacre. This was a wonderful show filled with brilliant work and skill. If you are a fan of Goth and Synth Rock, I highly recommend catching them perform live. I will absolutely not wait almost another 20 years to catch another The Birthday Massacre gig.

SETLIST: Night Shift – Counterpane – Precious Hearts – Stars and Satellites – Superstition – The Vanishing Game – One – Video Kid – Sleep Tonight – All Of Nothing – Dead – Crush – Destroyer – Lovers End – Blue – In The Dark – Happy Birthday – Pins and Needles – Red Stars

[Show as slideshow]

THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

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TOUR DATES

Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries