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The Backfires Open Innings Festival Day 2

By Clarissa Darling on March 8, 2026

On a bright Saturday morning at Tempe Beach Park, with temperatures heading up, The Backfires stepped onto the Right Field stage at 12:10 pm to open Day 2 of the 2026 Innings Festival. Their set blended catchy indie rock hooks with classic Britpop warmth, offering a refreshing lift that felt perfectly timed for the festival’s early energy. In a crowded scene of overproduced acts, this band’s straightforward, feel-good sound stands out for its genuine heart and live spark.

The band The Backfires performs at the Innings Festival, February 20, 2026, in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo credit and copyright Larry Philpot/SoundstagePhotography.com)

Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, with deep transatlantic roots, The Backfires formed in 2018 and have steadily built a following through honest songwriting and energetic performances. Half the members bring UK influences while the others hail from the US East Coast, creating a smooth mix of 2000s American rock and classic Brit rock. Their 2025 debut album This Is Not An Exit arrived after earlier singles that earned them festival slots and loyal fans. Signature tracks like “Blindsided” and “Dressed for a Funeral” capture their upbeat yet reflective style.

Meet the Band Members

Alex Gomez – lead vocals
Harry Ruprecht – lead guitar
Matt Walter – bass
Max Wanduragala – drums

Setlist

Note: No verified setlist is available for The Backfires’ performance at Innings Festival on February 21, 2026. A most likely setlist, based on their recent shows and average repertoire, includes:

Matador
Figure It Out
Never Seen You Before
Brighter Lights
I Know You Know
Turn Off the Lights
Blindsided
Dressed for a Funeral

Why You’ll Want to See Them Live

Fans who enjoy rock that feels alive and welcoming will find plenty to love in a Backfires set. Their morning slot showed exactly why this band belongs on bigger stages—tight playing, memorable melodies, and a warmth that turns strangers into instant fans. Keep them on your radar for future tours or festivals; you’ll be glad you did.