Anberlin at Empire Live Albany | June 3, 2026
Three bands. Three albums. Three twentieth anniversaries — all on the same stage at Empire Live in Albany on Wednesday, June 3. Anberlin and Emery are co-headlining the Never Take Friendship Personal 20th Anniversary Tour alongside Watashi Wa, and if you grew up on Tooth & Nail Records in the mid-2000s, this lineup is going to hit differently.
About Anberlin
Anberlin came up in Florida and spent seven studio albums building one of the more devoted followings in the alternative rock and post-hardcore world before disbanding in 2014. The reunion came quietly — a secret show in Tampa in December 2018 — then the band returned to full touring in 2019. This run goes a step further: a full-album performance of Never Take Friendship Personal, the 2005 sophomore record that made them. Original vocalist Stephen Christian is no longer touring full-time; Matty Mullins of Memphis May Fire steps in on lead vocals. His investment in the material is real. “Never Take Friendship Personal was the soundtrack to my life when I was 17,” Mullins said of recording Nevertake, the 2025 full re-recording of the album featuring him on vocals.
Emery and Watashi Wa
Worth being clear on this: Emery is co-headlining every date on this tour, not opening. Their album The Question hits its own 20th anniversary around the same period. Watashi Wa completes the bill — their Tooth & Nail-era album Eager Seas shares the same milestone. All three bands, all three landmark records, all celebrating 20 years. That’s the coordinated hook, and it’s a good one.
Empire Live — What to Know Before You Go
Empire Live is a standing-room venue on North Pearl Street in Albany’s Capital District, with a capacity of 1,000. Doors open at 7:00 PM. There is no re-entry once you’re inside. Parking is street and municipal garages nearby — on-site is limited, so get there early. This is a 16-plus show: anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is 21 or older. Will call opens one hour before showtime; bring a valid photo ID.
Tickets
Tickets start at $56. Grab yours before they’re gone.