The Hold Steady at Pier 26

Craig Finn (left) invited Patrick Stickles of

Titus Andonicus onstage for a song

Minnesota-raised Craig Finn and New York City bartender Galen Polivka began talking about starting a band in 2003 while watching the Band’s concert film, The Last Waltz. While Brooklyn has been the epicenter for alternative and indie rock, the Hold Steady went 360 degrees in the opposite direction of the current there, composing hard-driving music akin to 1980s arena rock. Finn wrote narrative-based songs, notorious for their dense lyrics, tackling many of life’s mysteries, including drug addiction, homelessness, religion and redemption. The Hold Steady has recorded six albums since 2004, including a live album. The band presently consists of Finn on vocals and guitar, Tad Kubler on lead guitar, Steve Selvidge on second guitar, Polivka on bass, Bobby Drake on drums.

The Hold Steady played a 60-minute set in the rain at Pier 26 tonight as the opening act for the Gaslight Anthem. While some in the audience lunged for shelter under some of the vendors’ tents, a few hundred fans withstood the downpour to sing along with the band by the stage. It was a rousing set despite the elements. Front man Finn, looking as nerdish as Elvis Costello and phrasing like Bruce Springsteen, built each song into an epic, inducing singalongs to the simple and repetitive choruses. Finn often neglected his guitar to theatrically work the songs and the audience, wrapping himself around the microphone stand, pounding his arms high in the air or pointing at fans. The music was solid, simple and arresting, with few notable flourishes. The set concentrated more on the albums’ joyful rockers and less on the softer and sadder tunes. As the band performed “Stay Positive” at the end of the performance, it sealed the hopeful message and feel of the band’s celebratory concert.