The Maine Close Out ‘I Love You But I Chose The Maine’ Tour With a Joyful, Full-Circle Finale

By the time Arizona rock band The Maine took the stage for the final night of the I Love You But I Chose The Maine tour, the ending already felt bigger than a typical encore—it felt like a culmination of nearly two decades of connection, growth, and unwavering community.

From the jump, the atmosphere carried the same DNA that defined the entire run: a mix of nostalgia, catharsis, and celebration. But this final show had an added layer of unpredictability—and heart—due to John O'Callaghan performing through a rib injury. Rather than slowing the night down, it reshaped it into something even more communal.

At several points throughout the set, fans didn’t just sing along—they stepped in. Voices from the crowd rose to carry verses and choruses, transforming the room into an extension of the band itself. In one of the night’s most memorable twists, the band’s tour manager even took over lead vocals for a stretch, a moment that could have felt like a detour but instead became a highlight. It was raw, unpolished, and completely in the spirit of what this tour has represented: showing up for each other, no matter what.

The setlist, a hallmark of the tour, once again blurred eras seamlessly. Deep cuts sat comfortably beside staples like “Into Your Arms” and newer material from Joy Next Door, reinforcing what this tour always set out to prove: The Maine aren’t tied to a single version of themselves—they’re all of them at once.

Even with limitations, O’Callaghan remained the emotional center of the night. Whether directing the crowd to take over or pausing to take it all in, his presence never felt diminished—if anything, it felt more human. The usual barrier between artist and audience didn’t just blur; it disappeared entirely.

As with many stops on the tour, collaboration played a key role. Surprise guests and openers joining the band onstage had become a recurring theme, often turning shows into full-band celebrations. For the last night, that sense of inclusivity reached its peak: a stage—and a crowd—working together to carry the show across the finish line, all soundtracked to fan favorite "Take Me Dancing".

What made the night truly resonate wasn’t just the music—it was the shared effort behind it. This wasn’t a flawless, note-perfect performance—and it didn’t need to be. Instead, it was something far more meaningful: a reminder that the bond between The Maine and their fans isn’t dependent on perfection, but on presence.

As the final notes rang out and the band lingered onstage, soaking in the moment, one thing was clear: this wasn’t just the end of a tour. It was a celebration of a community that’s grown alongside the band—and shows no signs of fading.

And if this final night proved anything, it’s that no matter how many times fans say goodbye, they’ll always choose The Maine.