Kindred Spirits: Nothing More’s MMRBQ Conversation With Pierre Robert

Leading up to the MMRBQ, Pierre Robert would constantly inform the listeners attending the MMR family gathering to be sure to check out Nothing More when they took the stage. "They're simply incredible"... quite the high praise from a man who's been to many a legendary performance. And, just like every Philly performance leading up to their first appearance at an MMRBQ, they certainly delivered! Prior to their set, front man Jonny Hawkins and bassist Daniel Oliver sat down for a conversation with Pierre Robert and Ryan Shuttleworth. 

The four of them break down Nothing More’s latest musical release Carnal which came out on June 28th via Better Noise Music. The band discusses the importance of still making full albums with Jonny stating "We're always thinking about. How the flow of it is and also like these little moments along the journey, like these interlude tracks ... sharing these nuggets of insight and wisdom ... having more of a spiritual experience along the way than just a jam. So you can kind of get either one if you want".

They also delve into how Dolly Parton inspired a track on the record which collectively turned out to be Pierre and Ryan’s favorite, and presenting Carnal to Jonny and Dan at the MMRBQ in spectacular gold-colored vinyl.

The conversation took a philosophical turn when they talk about synchronicities, how Alan Watts has become the unofficial mascot for Nothing More (and how Pierre has been trying to escape him) and taking stock at where the band feels they are currently in their lives. Jonny and Dan also discussed their outrageous live performances, including the “Scorpions Tail” which Dan actually built. We thank Jonny and Dan for taking the time they're always welcomed here in Philadelphia!

Year after year, we say the same thing: "This was the best MMRBQ ever!" And every time, it's true. WMMR's annual party keeps raising the bar, and you, Philly, turned out for an epic closer of a legendary concert season at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion.

This year's festival lineup rocked the main stage on Saturday, September 21st starting at 1pm in "Camdedelphia". The bands included:

Philadelphia was well represented in this year's lineup. Jersey Calling, this year's Local Shots opener, kicked off the day as ambassadors from the Garden State. Silvertide blew us away with their first area performance in over a decade. Hometown heroes Halestorm showed us why we keep coming back for more, with a career-spanning set that included a drum circle, a couple covers and even round of shots (cheers!). Lzzy Hale and the boys showed WMMR and the Philly crowd lots of love between songs, shouting out the fans who've been with them since their early days gigging on South Street.

The Preston and Steve side stage gave our insanely talented listeners a chance to say they shared a festival lineup with some of their favorite bands. Backed by Musician Impossible, we were wowed by their live karaoke renditions of Kiss, Alice in Chains, Queen and more. Jacky Bam Bam kept the rock spinning live between sets. PrestonandSteve.com will have more of the action posted there.

The MMRBQ concert t-shirt sold out in record time on Saturday. But, some good news if you missed out: the t-shirts have been restocked! If you want in, you must place your order by Sunday, September 29th. Visit the MMR Rock Shop to add it to your festival gear collection.

Big thanks to Bill Raymond and Digital Noise Mag for helping us capture the on-stage action in the photos below. Keep an eye on MMRBQ HQ for more recaps and interviews, and check MMR's official Concert Calendar for more shows. Plus: see if you can spot yourself in our recap on Instagram. We'll meet you back at the "FM Center" in 2025 for another 'RBQ!