Article Contributed by Brian Hurley
Published on 2026-11-08
Dave Matthews Band | United Center | Chicago, IL | November 7th, 2026 - photos by Brian Hurley
Dave Matthews Band gave Chicago plenty to talk about Saturday night at the United Center, delivering a set filled with unexpected choices, fan favorites, and a few welcome surprises. Rather than relying entirely on the familiar songs that have become staples of their live shows, the band dug into some less frequently played material, giving longtime fans plenty of reasons to celebrate.
The evening opened with an unexpected choice, “The Last Stop,” immediately setting the tone for a night that wouldn't necessarily follow the usual script. From there, the band moved through a mix of beloved material and deeper selections, including “When the World Ends,” “#41,” “Where Are You Going,” and “Hunger for the Great Light.”
But it was the less frequently heard songs that really gave the evening its personality. “You Never Know,” “Alligator Pie,” and “Stolen Away on 55th & 3rd” were among the welcome rarities that made this Chicago performance feel a little different.
The crowd was treated to another surprise with “Word Up!”—yes, the Cameo cover—with Rashawn Ross stepping into the spotlight on lead vocals. It was an unexpected detour that added some fun to an already unpredictable set.
The band continued to move between moods and musical styles, weaving in “Gravedigger,” “Minarets,” and “The Space Between” before returning to the more adventurous side of the catalog. “All Along the Watchtower” brought another familiar moment, followed by “The Stone” and “Jimi Thing,” giving the audience plenty of opportunities to settle into the rhythms and extended musical passages that have long been part of the band's live identity.
One of the night's most notable moments came when Jake Renick Simpson joined the band on fiddle for the final five songs of the main set. His presence brought an additional layer of energy and texture to the performance, adding a musical dimension that longtime fans may find especially meaningful. It was a welcome reminder of the fiddle's place in the band's history, bringing back some of the excitement and character the audience had not heard since Boyd Tinsley's contributions.
Simpson's contribution was particularly beautiful during “Spoon.” The song offered a moment to appreciate the added depth his fiddle brought to the arrangement, and it stood out as one of the evening's highlights. The crowd was clearly enjoying the unexpected song choices, and the deeper cuts made for a set that rewarded fans who have followed the band through its many years and musical chapters.
The main set continued with “Funny the Way It Is” and “Grey Street,” bringing the evening to a close with two songs that have become familiar favorites. But Dave Matthews wasn't quite finished.
For the encore, Matthews took center stage alone for “Peace on Earth,” creating a more intimate moment before the rest of the band returned to join him for “Stay (Wasting Time).” The full-band finish brought the evening to a fitting close, sending the United Center crowd home after a night that balanced unexpected selections with the songs and musical chemistry that keep audiences coming back.
Saturday's performance was a reminder that one of the pleasures of seeing Dave Matthews Band live is never knowing exactly where the setlist will lead. The familiar songs are always welcome, but it's the surprises—the deep cuts, the unusual covers, and the unexpected guests—that can make a particular night memorable.
With “Word Up!” giving Rashawn Ross a moment in the spotlight and Jake Renick Simpson adding his fiddle to the final stretch, the Chicago show offered a little something extra. For fans who appreciate the band's willingness to reach beyond the obvious choices, November 7 was a night worth remembering.
United Center – Chicago, IL
Saturday, November 7, 2026
The Last Stop
When the World Ends
#41
You Never Know
Where Are You Going
Hunger for the Great Light
Gravedigger
Minarets
The Space Between
Alligator Pie
Word Up!
Stolen Away on 55th & 3rd
All Along the Watchtower
The Stone
Jimi Thing
Spoon >
Funny the Way It Is
Grey Street
Encore
Peace on Earth (Dave Matthews solo)
Stay (Wasting Time)
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