This past Tuesday, Dave Matthews Band returned to the United Center after just shy of a decade from the last time they played an arena show in Chicago. The weather not being the most ideal did not deter fans from their growing excitement of having the band performing that evening. Fans eagerly lined up outside ahead of doors to secure their spots close to the stage and have the best vantage point to witness an energetic and lively show.
Dave and the guys arrived on stage a little after 8:30 to much fanfare. Getting set up and ready to kick off the evening while acknowledging fans and fire them up in the process. They kicked off the night with one of their newer songs, Madman's Eyes. A song with a lot of energy to that kicked off the show on a high note. The night flowed quite well with the song selection. High energy with a handful of sections that calmed the crowd down.
Also, with the tragic events that happened in Charlottesville this past Sunday, Dave spoke on what transpired briefly in between songs; and some of the setlist selections that evening were chosen in regards to the 3 young men who tragically lost their lives. The tone of the show was in no way somber though.
The evening saw 3 tour debuts in Funny the Way It Is, The Song That Jane Likes, and Virginia In The Rain.
The band also played a very rousing Jimi Thing that brought out the talents of Alex Wasily, on trumpet, and Ashlin Parker, on trombone, of Dumpstaphunk. They would lend their talents one more time on Ants Marching to close out the main set.
Dave came out and performed Virginia In The Rain solo on guitar and the rest of the band joined him to close out the night performing Don't Drink The Water. And the song Grey Street was a possibility to close out the night according to the setlist.
In the end, having DMB back at the United Center was long overdue and fans were happy to see them back in the city for a fall show. The number of shows in arenas in the fall and winter have always been light and fans tend to lean towards seeing them at outdoor amphitheaters during the spring and summer, but getting additional opportunities to see the band in the colder months is a big plus and one that I would welcome.
Check out more photos from the show.
Dead and Company made their final run at Wrigley Field absolutely memorable for all who were in attendance. Since they began their farewell run at JazzFest, expectations have been through the roof at each and every stop so far. Wrigley was no different. They have been putting on epic shows at the Friendly Confines for years. And this year’s run was no different.
As night 1 approached, the energy around Wrigley was teeming with excitement. Fans in Gallagher Way discussing the possibilities of what songs we would be hearing Friday and Saturday. While Mr. Blotto provided the pre-show entertainment both nights outside of Wrigley, the crowd was dancing and celebrating while eagerly awaiting the gates to open. Friday night, Dead and Co kicked off the weekend with Playing in the Band. The first set flowed from jamming to bluesy to a solid funky feel to then slowing down for a bit and then finishing strong, jamming out with Dancing in the Streets.
After a short set break, the packed 2nd set had the crowd going wild. Sugaree was a solid start to the set and they kept fans on their feet the majority of the night with each song that followed. Terrapin Station hit perfectly and the crowd rejoiced in unison. Nearing the end of the 2nd set, and after Drums/Space, they put a 4 song stretch together that was absolutely beautiful. Stella Blue, Sugar Magnolia, Scarlet Begonias, and closing out with Sunshine Daydream.
When the guys stepped away, I couldn’t help but think about what would they cap the first night off with for their encore. I thought Touch of Grey or Fire on the Mountain would be solid choices, but I was wrong on both counts and delighted with them ending the night with U.S. Blues. Walking out that evening I couldn’t help thinking how wonderfully put together the show was, but also wondering what was planned for night 2. Would it blow the first night away?
Night 2 was heavily focused on jamming during the first set. Truckin’ started the night off and they flowed right into Smokestack Lightning. Next fans were treated to a solid Althea. They slowed the show down for a moment with Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo. The big highlight near the end of the first set was the cover of All Along the Watchtower and Bertha to follow. They finished off the set with another cover in Good Lovin’.
Bob and the guys took another short set break and came out swinging with Help on the Way, Slipknot, and Franklin’s Tower. I always have enjoyed that three-song stretch when they play it. Fans were then treated to a chill and beautiful St. Stephen. After Drums/Space, we got a slowed-down Uncle John’s Band. It’s not something I have seen or can recall seeing, but it was a perfect fit leading into a wild and spectacular Cumberland Blues. The 2nd set finished off with The Other One and a mesmerizing Morning Dew. Realizing when the first night ended, we still had a solid amount of time to be treated to more than a one-song encore on Saturday, and the band did not disappoint. A song that perfectly fits with what we are all witnessing, Brokedown Palace began the encore with a lead into a Playing in the Band reprise, and closing out the run with an appropriate One More Saturday Night.
This weekend can be discussed for days, weeks, months, and years to come. Which night was the best? That is pretty much up to you to decide. For those who are still waiting to see their final shows, you are in for a treat. This band is playing at a high level that feels like they aren’t ending anytime soon. We are going to be talking about this tour for quite some time and there are sure to be many more epic moments before it’s all over.
This weekend marked the final shows for many fans and I can’t help but think, what a long strange trip it’s been. And a wonderful one at that!
6/9/23 Setlist:
Playing in the Band
Deal
Tennessee Jed
It Hurts Me Too (Tampa Red cover)
Ramble On Rose
Brown-Eyed Women
Crazy Fingers
Dancing in the Street (Martha Reeves and the Vandellas cover)
Set 2
Sugaree
Estimated Prophet
The Other One
Terrapin Station
Drums
Space
Stella Blue
Sugar Magnolia
Scarlet Begonias
Sunshine Daydream
Encore:
U.S. Blues
6/10/23 Setlist:
Truckin’
Smokestack Lightning (Howlin Wolf cover)
Althea
Mississippi Half-Step Toodeloo
High Time
All Along the Watchtower (Bob Dylan cover)
Bertha
Good Lovin’ (The Rascals cover)
Set 2
Help on the Way> Slipknot> Franklin’s Tower
St. Stephen
Drums >. Space
Uncle John’s Band
Cumberland Blues
The Other One
Morning Dew (Bonnie Dobson cover)
Encore:
Brokedown Palace
Playing in the Band (reprise)
One More Saturday Night
Check out more PHOTOS from the show!
Dave Matthews Band once again graced the stage of Summerfest and the American Family Insurance Amphitheater, marking their return on an atmospherically smoggy, overcast, and humid evening. Despite being a mid-week concert, the expectation among ardent fans was a journey into less explored terrains of their discography, not an overemphasis on radio-friendly hits. They were rewarded with a robust, exhilarating performance that set a high-octane prelude to their impending two-night spree at Deer Creek.
Coming alive just shy of 8 pm, the band, true to form, acknowledged their sea of admirers. Dave, embodying his characteristic quirkiness, ignited an anticipatory cheer from the expectant crowd. A rarity for an opening act, the night kicked off with "Lie in Our Graves," to the audience's delight. The enchanting rhythms of "Bismark" followed, maintaining the invigorating momentum.
The band then veered into "When the World Ends," subtly threading a motif of the evening, a reference to the Canadian wildfire-induced smog engulfing Milwaukee. This theme reverberated in their rendition of "Don’t Drink the Water" and was amplified by Dave's heartfelt reflection on the state of the world and its impact on future generations. The encore commenced with a hopeful message, envisioning environmental healing to secure a sustainable future.
The concert was dotted with electrifying highlights, including the scintillating "Louisiana Bayou," a soul-stirring Beatles cover of "I Want You (She’s So Heavy)," the crowd-pleaser "Cornbread," and the iconic "Ants Marching."
The band's resonant sound has beautifully matured over time, firing on all cylinders this night. Their solos were impeccably rendered, each note meticulously orchestrated, sending ripples of energy across the ecstatic crowd. Notably, Buddy Strong's impassioned performance during "Brickhouse" had him literally leaping out of his seat.
The energy reached a crescendo during the much-loved "Grey Street," the amphitheater pulsating with fans' fervent singing and shared euphoria.
The evening was a charged exchange between the band and their fans, an undercurrent of high energy flowing seamlessly throughout. Critics might quibble over the song selection, but that would undermine the experience – a classic, immersive DMB live show. Though the band is touring for their latest album, "Walk Around the Moon," that detail was merely incidental to this concert's timeless charm.
