Goose celebrated their 11-year anniversary with a milestone performance at PNC Music Pavilion, joined by supporting act Penelope Road. Charlotte’s biggest amphitheater, with a capacity of 19,500, became the perfect stage for a night that felt both historic and deeply personal. Despite threats of rain and storms, fans poured in early for the pre-show ritual known as Flodown — Goose’s own take on the Grateful Dead’s iconic Shakedown Street. It’s more than just vending; it’s a community hub where artists, makers, and fans share their creations, connect, and strengthen the bonds of honkers (the Goose fan base).
Over the past 11 years, Goose has evolved through different lineups to discover their perfect “Fab Four.” The anniversary show proved just how magical that journey has been: founding friends Rick Mitarotonda and Trevor Weekz, joined by Peter Anspach (who came aboard in 2017), and their newest powerhouse, drummer Cotter Ellis (2024). Cotter has more than filled the shoes of the two previous drummers, bringing an energy and precision that rounds out Goose’s strongest form yet. Together, the band’s chemistry is undeniable — and it grows stronger with every note.
Charlotte showed up loud Saturday night to celebrate Goose’s big day. The crowd glittered in sequins, feathers, and festival wear, buzzing with excitement and ready to dance. The love was palpable the moment the band walked onstage, as cheers and whoops ricocheted between band and fans in a warm embrace of energy.
They kicked off the night with “Royal” — not only a perfect nod to the Queen City, but also the first time ever played in North Carolina. From the very first ripping notes Rick delivered, the crowd was locked in, swaying head to toe, and it was clear we were in for something unforgettable. As fans were still beaming from that debut, Goose kept the gifts coming with another NC first-timer, “Iguana Song.”
From there, the band shifted gears into a fan-favorite cover, Father John Misty’s “I’m Writing a Novel” — always a crowd winner — before diving into a jammed-out pairing of “Drive” and one of the juiciest renditions of “Me and My Uncle” (John Phillips) in recent memory. The musicianship was razor-sharp; every note and tone delivered with precision and joy.
The celebration pressed on with a stunning “Your Ocean” that flowed into a new synth-driven vibe, blossoming into “Silver Rising.” To close the set, Goose unleashed a soul-shredding “Hungersite” that left the crowd hungry for more, buzzing with the energy of a night that felt as historic as it was heartfelt.
After a quick set break, Goose returned to the stage with even more fire. Fans leapt from the ground, their seats, and the lawn, buzzing with anticipation to see what else the band had in store. The weather held steady, and as the first notes of “Thatch” dropped, the vibrations seemed to ripple through the solar system. Goose carried that cosmic energy straight into “Creatures,” reshaping it with a fresh, sci-fi edge that transported the crowd even deeper into their universe.
The momentum surged as they launched into a surprise cover of “Hollywood Nights” by Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band — a perfect blend of classic rock swagger and Goose’s improvisational spark. For the final jam of the set, the band invited members of their supporting act, Penelope Road — Max Moore on guitar/vocals and Charles Eastman on keys/vocals — to join in on “So Ready.” The collaboration was pure magic, a seamless weaving of two musical communities celebrating together on one stage.
And because Goose is Goose — generous, loving, and always in tune with the spirit of the moment — they sent the crowd home with an encore of “Give It Time.” It felt like both a gift and a message: a reminder that there is so much beauty still ahead, and if we “give it time,” we can continue to build this community brighter, kinder, and more loving than ever.
PNC Music Pavilion, Charlotte, NC
Set One:
Royal
Iguana Song
I’m Writing a Novel (Father John Misty)
Drive (unfinished)
Me and My Uncle (John Phillips)
Your Ocean
Silver Rising
Hungersite
Set Two:
Thatch
Creatures
Hollywood Nights (Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band)
So Ready w/ Max Moore on guitar/vocals and Charles Eastman on keys/vocals
Encore:
Give It Time
