Måneskin performs at the Masonic in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 2022. Gary Chancer/STAFF.

SAN FRANCISCO — The Masonic Auditorium was already on its way to a fever pitch even before the first note was played Friday night. Italian rock heroes Måneskin triumphantly returned to the venue for the second of a sold out two-night night shows. It was also a night that would be defined almost entirely by the music. The quartet arrived with no opener, no overwrought production and little fanfare as it casually strolled to the stage to do what it does best—deliver down and dirty rock and roll.

Around 7,000 or so fans passed through the Masonic over two nights. On Friday, many of the conversations centered on how these shows were likely the last opportunity to catch Måneskin in a venue of this size. It’s difficult for a band to be considered “up and coming” or under the radar (at least in America) when it has more than 4 billion streams, yet Måneskin (which means “moonlight” in Danish) is still in that space. San Francisco’s gigs were the second and third of the tour, and the city is one of just five to get multiple shows.

On Friday, the band seemed like the greatest house party act on the planet, yet I felt they’re ready for festivals or stadiums.

Måneskin performs at the Masonic in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 2022.

Måneskin opened with a new song, the sarcastic and punk-like (at least in spirit) anthem “Kool Kids.” Even if fans were unfamiliar with the words, the chorus was so immediately memorable that they were able to pick it up quickly.

Led by energetic and enigmatic vocalist Damiano David, the band delivered a musically ferocious opening stanza to the set that included fiery tracks like “Zitti E Bloom” and “In Nome Del Padre.” What may be more impressive is just how many fans knew and could sing back the lyrics of the Italian songs, even for fans who couldn’t, the material exuded so much emotion and passion that the subject matter translated without words.

“We’re going to need your energy tonight,” David demanded early on. “Doing two nights in a row is tiring.”

David joked about his own inability for on-stage small talk, citing that as one of the reasons the band decided to roll from track to track. Måneskin delivered as dynamically and musically as any band in rock today. Each member exuded a larger than life quality and immense talent to achieve the rock god status that’s been missing in the genre for a long time. Perhaps its time on “Eurovision,” where each act tries to one-up the others with bombastic performance, is one reason why.

Måneskin performs at the Masonic in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 2022.

Bassist Victoria De Angelis was the heartbeat of the performance, constantly on the move all over and even playing will crowdsurfing. Guitarist Thomas Raggi earned special credit; his playing verged on virtuosic. Raggi’s solos were lyrical, melodic and emotional—a difficult feat to achieve in a big rock show.

Save for the strobes and lasers, the stage production was fairly understated, putting the focus squarely on the music. The band unloaded its biggest song, a cover of the Four Seasons’ “Beggin,” and the capacity crowd erupted into pandemonium. The majority of the band’s material was from either its latest release, Teatre d’ira Vol 1, or various singles the group has released.

“This next song is going to make you sad,” David said before launching into a forlorn rendition of “Coraline.” He had fans go to the floor before jumping up into the air on “I Wanna Be Your Slave.” Between and during songs, the band would roll into hard-driving and exquisite instrumental breakdowns. Måneskin would also cover The Who’s “My Generation.”

“This is a tough job!” David said,  winded between high energy tracks but with a smile on his face.

When the band returned from an encore break following “Lividi Sui Gomiti,” Raggi played one more six-string interlude, breaking out his most melodic and memorable work of the night. The solo naturally transitioned into a stirring arrangement of the “The Loneliest.”

“We wanted to end on a happy note,” David declared as the band once again launched into “I Wanna Be Your Slave,” complete with the crowd jumps and everything. It would seem like an odd choice to go back and play a song for a second time, but on this night everything would come up roses for the Italian rockers.

The band left the stage to heros’ reception from the throngs, a sure sign that once the band returns, it will be on a far bigger stage.

Follow writer Mike DeWald at Twitter.com/mike_dewald. Follow photographer Gary Chancer at Instagram.com/Garych007.