Article Contributed by Alexius Lipot
Published on 2026-04-12
Goose | Asheville, NC | April 10th, 2026 - photos by Alexius Lipot
Goose came out swinging in Asheville at Harrah’s Cherokee Center, launching their tour opener with purpose, power, and heart. From the very first note, it was clear this wasn’t just another show—it was a love letter to a city still rebuilding after Hurricane Helene.
The band has been anything but idle since their last tour, spending time recording a new record, releasing fresh tracks, and collaborating across genres. That growth was on full display throughout the night, as Goose proved they are evolving faster than ever—pushing boundaries while deepening their connection with fans.
Excitement filled the air long before doors opened, with fans lining up as early as 7 a.m. for the highly anticipated return. Inside, the energy peaked as the band took the stage, greeted by roaring cheers and a sea of fans wearing masks of frontman Rick Mitarotonda—a nod to their upcoming album BIG MODERN! (dropping June 12). Keyboardist Peter Anspach leaned into the moment, snapping photos of the crowd and setting a playful tone to kick off the night.
New drummer Cotter Ellis wasted no time making an impression, launching into “MEDIA” with precision and force, immediately cementing his place behind the kit. Goose flowed seamlessly into an upbeat, funky “Dustin Hoffman” jam before delivering a crowd-shocking “Spirit of the Dark Horse”—a rare gem that longtime fans have chased for years.
The momentum never dipped. “Rockdale” turned the arena into a dance floor, while “One In, One Out” brought a moment of reflection and unity, its message resonating deeply with a community still healing. Then, without hesitation, the band surged back into high gear with “Atlas Dogs” and “So Ready,” keeping the first set in constant motion and leaving fans in disbelief at the sheer stamina and creativity on display.
Just when it seemed the set would close, Goose pulled out another surprise. Ellis tapped the drums and led the band into the rarely played “Elmeg the Wise,” sparking an emotional wave through the crowd. Fans swayed arm-in-arm, singing along as if the lyrics were meant just for Asheville—a shared moment of resilience, gratitude, and connection.
After a brief set break, Goose returned with no loss of energy. They dove into “Big Modern!” where bassist Trevor Weekz channeled a darker, heavier sound, driving a 24-minute jam that pushed into almost metal territory. The transition into “Animal” reignited the crowd, shaking the arena as fans moved in unison.
The night continued to break new ground with the live debut of “Good2B,” a vibrant, feel-good track that the crowd embraced instantly—even in its extended jam form. Goose followed with the fan-favorite “Pancakes” before delivering another emotional nod to Asheville with “Arise,” a song not played since September 2024, underscoring the band’s deep connection to the region.
Closing out an already historic night, Goose returned for a quick encore—an electrifying, no-frills cover of “Don’t Do It” by The Band, squeezing in one last burst of energy just past curfew.
For a tour opener, it was nothing short of extraordinary. Goose didn’t just play a show—they delivered a statement: musically fearless, emotionally present, and fully locked in with their community. Asheville gave them everything, and Goose gave it right back.
Set 1:
MEDIA
Dustin Hoffman
Spirit of the Dark Horse
Rockdale
One In, One Out
Atlas Dogs
So Ready
Elmeg The Wise
Set 2:
Big Modern!
Animal
Good2B
Pancakes
Arise
Encore:
Don’t Do It (The Band)
