Nicotine Dolls, a NYC-based rock band, graced the beautiful Pabst Theater stage in Milwaukee, WI on April 17, 2025. Their infectious energy immediately established a connection with the sold-out crowd. The moment Sam Cieri’s vocals filled the theater, the audience focused all their attention on the musicality. A side of witty banter captivated everyone from the front row to the balcony.
The band includes lead singer Sam Cieri, bassist John Merritt, guitarist John Hays and drummer Abel Tabares. They are touring in support of ‘an Attempt at Romantic,’ a captivating record that vacillates between hopeful romanticism and unbridled emotion.
Stream an Attempt at Romantic here.
The full band is enhanced with a few saxophone appearances, adding additional emotive depth to the setlist.
A Nicotine Dolls concert will linger in your memories. You will walk away from a show searching their tour schedule for another repeat performance. There’s a ton of energy balanced with raw and honest lyrics.
“What Makes You Sad” is a haunting song that feels destined for a Grammy award. “How You Love Me Right Now” is worthy of your immediate attention and repeated streams. The band’s cover of Tina Turner’s epic and timeless “The Best” has surpassed 18 million streams on Spotify.
Live music is a powerful force of uplifting connection. Lyrics, and the melodies they ride on, unite us like nothing else. Christian Yelich’s genius idea for his Home Plate Charity Event was rooted in music. This was the second year that the talented Nicotine Dolls participated. The event raises money for the Milwaukee Brewers Community Foundation, Visit Milwaukee, and Live Like Lou, an Ohio-based non-profit that fights ALS.
Charlie Berens hosted the event. The Goo Goo Dolls and Nicotine Dolls both performed at the phenomenal event for a great cause.
Find the Nicotine Dolls
Review and photos by Deb Schaefer
