Soul Asylum Turn Wally’s Into a ’90s Time Capsule

After working through a few technical issues early in the set, Soul Asylum quickly found their groove and came out swinging at Wally’s in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, on July 29, 2026. The energy spread through the room almost immediately, with the crowd singing along and rocking out from start to finish. Dave Pirner kept things loose with a few well-timed jokes between songs, adding to the intimate, relaxed feel of the night.

Outside, the rain was coming down on Hampton Beach, but inside Wally’s, Soul Asylum had created their own little ’90s time capsule: a room full of familiar songs, loud guitars and fans who clearly knew every word.

Having photographed Soul Asylum during their acoustic tour in April, getting to see the band return in full electric form was an entirely different experience. The acoustic shows highlighted the storytelling and stripped-down side of the band, while Wally’s gave them the chance to turn everything up and let the songs breathe in a much louder, more energetic setting. Seeing that contrast made the night especially memorable and was a great reminder of just how well Soul Asylum’s music translates live.

The intimate space came with its own challenge: the stage lighting was low and kept changing, so I had to stay mobile and adjust quickly throughout the set, working mostly with my Tamron 70–200mm f/2.8. My favorite shot captured Dave Pirner mid-performance with the stage lighting down on him. It felt like a perfect representation of seeing Soul Asylum in such an intimate venue.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

About the Artist

Formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Soul Asylum have been a defining force in alternative rock since the 1980s. Led by frontman Dave Pirner, the band broke into the mainstream in the early 1990s with their emotionally charged songwriting and guitar-driven sound. Their breakthrough album Grave Dancers Union produced the massive hit “Runaway Train” and helped establish them as one of the standout bands of the alternative rock era.

Decades into their career, Soul Asylum continue to bring their catalog to audiences with the same raw energy that made them a staple of ’90s rock, blending familiar favorites with deeper cuts.

About the Photographer

Jeff Kulis is a Massachusetts-based photographer with a passion for capturing the energy, emotion and authenticity of live music. Specializing in concert photography, he combines a love of music with a documentary-style approach, looking beyond the performance itself to capture the moments, expressions and atmosphere that make each show unique. From intimate club stages to packed arenas and outdoor festivals, he focuses on creating images that make viewers feel as though they were standing in the crowd.

Through his work with Frontlight Magazine and Jeff Kulis Photography, he has photographed a wide range of established and emerging artists throughout New England. Beyond concerts, his photography extends to landscapes, wildlife and street photography.