Jack’s Mannequin: Live in NYC

Pier 17, New York City - 6.7.2025

Jack's Mannequin Captivates NYC at The Rooftop at Pier 17

I found myself once again at one of my favorite spots in New York City: The Rooftop at Pier 17. This time, I was there not just as a fan, but on assignment for The Photo Blur to capture Jack’s Mannequin’s long-awaited return to the stage. It was Saturday, June 7, 2025, and after wrapping up my day job, I grabbed my gear and headed straight to the venue.

Like many fans, my introduction to Andrew McMahon dates back to his early days as the frontman of Something Corporate—a staple on my high school playlists. When he launched Jack’s Mannequin in 2004, his deeply personal songwriting and piano-driven alt-rock sound followed me into adulthood.

Last Saturday night, a sold-out crowd filled the rooftop to see Jack’s Mannequin live, and the energy was electric from the very first note. Andrew's charisma was infectious, and nearly everyone in the crowd sang along to every lyric. Behind the keys and on vocals, he was magnetic—blending nostalgia with emotional intensity in a way few performers can.

The setlist was a thoughtful mix of classic fan favorites and newer material, offering something for every generation of listeners. The band played tight and passionately, each member locked in and clearly having a blast. While the production quality didn’t quite match the bar set by some previous shows at this venue, the performance itself more than made up for it.

A true highlight of the night came when Andrew took a page from his playbook of whimsy and crowd-surfed across the audience on an inflatable duck balloon, all while the band tore into one of their biggest hits. It was equal parts surreal and celebratory—a perfect snapshot of the night’s magic.

As someone who’s followed Andrew’s musical journey for years, watching Jack’s Mannequin perform live—and getting to photograph it—was an unforgettable experience. The band proved once again why their music still resonates with so many, and why Andrew McMahon remains one of the most captivating performers in the scene today.

SETLIST

1. Holiday From Real

2. Spinning

3. Release Me

4. The Mixed Tape

5. Swim

6. Kill the Messenger

7. Television

8. American Love (First time since 2009)

9. Amy, I

10. I'm Ready

11. Miss Delaney

12. Hostage(Tour debut, requested)

13. Bloodshot

14. Bruised

15. The Resolution

16. Rescued

17. MFEO: Pt. 1 - Made for Each Other / Pt. 2 - You Can Breathe

18. Hammers and Strings (A Lullaby)

19. La La Lie