By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa
Live Review: Viagra Boys’ ‘Infinite Anxiety Tour’ at Royal Oak Music Theater, Detroit, MI – September 19, 2025
Rock At Night has been champing at the bit to catch Sweden’s Viagra Boys live ever since their album Viagr Aboys crashed into our orbit. This band’s been tearing up the festival circuit in the US and UK, leaving jaws dropped and fans hooked. Their lyrics—sharp, sarcastic, and gloriously absurd—hit like a punch you didn’t see coming. They skewer society, politics, and the chest-thumping nonsense of toxic masculinity with a smirk. I mean, who else could pen a track about jocks and fragile egos while tossing in “wiener dog” for kicks?
The band’s current lineup—hailing from the land of IKEA and impeccable design—features Sebastian Murphy on vocals, Linus Hillborg shredding guitar, Elias Jungqvist tickling the keys, Henrik Höckert holding down the bass, Tor Sjödén pounding the drums, and Oscar Carls wailing on saxophone.
Rock At Night rolled into the Royal Oak Theater in Royal Oak, Michigan—a leafy Detroit suburb—on September 19, 2025, where the vibe was electric with 20- and 30-somethings piling in like it was the last gig on earth. Coincidentally (or not?), half the crowd seemed to be repping IDLES tees, that kindred spirit in sound and snark. The merch line coiled around the venue like a python, with fans snapping up every Viagra Boys-branded bauble in sight. I was secretly crossing my fingers for a tee featuring a colossal shrimp, nodding to their Shrimptech Enterprises—a satirical gag that snowballed into a legit empire managing their branding, tunes, and swag.
Around 7:30 p.m., Chicago’s Ganser kicked things off, dishing out tunes laced with post-punk edge and psychedelic whispers. It was the ideal appetizer, getting everyone primed and nodding approvingly.
After a leisurely 45-minute intermission (perfect for grabbing a brew or pondering life’s absurdities), Viagra Boys exploded onto the stage. Murphy, gloriously shirtless and inked like a walking canvas, launched into “Man Made of Meat” with the fury of a man possessed. Word on the street is he’s been swapping “Chandler Bing” for “Charlie Kirk” in the lyrics lately—but alas, I was too busy dodging smoke machines and strobes in the photo pit to catch the switch. My bad, guys!
The audience erupted, chanting along, forming a mild mosh pit in the GA floor’s heart, and bobbing like sardines in a can (space was at a premium). A standout moment? Murphy’s deadpan intro to “Sports”: “This might be the saddest song I’ve ever written.” The fans lost it—sweating, leaping, batting a beach ball overhead, and crowd-surfing to the stage like it was a mission. This was no ordinary show; it was a full-on party band extravaganza.
Every member brought their A-game, grooving hard. The flute and sax added a wild, rich layer to their already massive sound. It was a sweaty, chaotic, unforgettable night—one of the best concerts I’ve caught in the past year.
PHOTO GALLERY
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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