Last night, Dave Matthews returned to the iconic Irving Plaza in New York for a special SiriusXM concert, marking his first solo performance at the venue. The evening was a significant moment for Matthews, as Irving Plaza held great sentimental value for him, having played four seminal shows with Dave Matthews Band there in 1993 and 1994 and a fifth show with Tim Reynolds in ’95. Matthews shared his nostalgic feelings with the audience, describing the venue as an old home that suddenly feels smaller upon returning and made comments on its upgrades since the pandemic, including the “speakeasy in the basement.”
Matthews wasted no time and opened the show with the lively and uplifting “So Damn Lucky,” setting the tone for the night. He then surprised fans with the solo debut of “Looking for a Vein,” showcasing his willingness to explore stripped-down emotive territories. The audience embraced the fresh offering with empathy and attention. Continuing his set, Matthews delivered heartfelt performances of “Save Me” and the fan-favorite “#41,” captivating the crowd with his distinct vocals and guitar inclinations. He then treated the audience to another solo debut, “Walk Around the Moon,” which further showcased his ever-developing versatility.
The evening continued with a blend of beloved classics and tracks from Matthews’ 2003 solo album, Some Devil. The audience swayed along to the enchanting melodies of “Stay or Leave” and “Something to Tell My Baby.” The atmosphere reached a crescendo as the band launched into the familiar chords of “Grey Street,” filling the venue with energy and excitement. Matthews then introduced the soulful and introspective “Monsters” before delving into a captivating medley, seamlessly transitioning from “Old Dirt Hill (Bring That Beat Back)” to the solo debut of “Pantala Naga Pampa.” The crowd erupted in cheers, savoring the rare and intimate performance.
The array of musical delights continued to flow, including the poignant “Gravedigger” and the infectious rhythm of “Break Free.” Matthews then paid tribute to Willie Nelson with a soulful rendition of “Funny How Time Slips Away,” captivating the audience with his interpretative skills.
The show reached new heights as the opening notes of “Crush” filled the venue, prompting an outpouring of applause and sing-alongs. Matthews continued to enchant the crowd with powerful performances of “Don’t Drink the Water” and the title track from his aforementioned solo album. As the evening drew to a close, Matthews performed the timeless classic “Crash Into Me,” eliciting an overwhelming response from the audience before concluding on a high note with the energetic and fan-favorite “Dancing Nancies.”
Dave Matthews’ solo performance at Irving Plaza was a triumphant return to the venue that held so many memories for him. With a mixture of solo debuts, beloved classics, and heartfelt renditions, Matthews once again proved his musical prowess and ability to connect deeply with his audience, which is sure to be displayed during his upcoming performance at Forest Hills Stadium tomorrow.
Read Relix‘s Cover Story with Dave Matthews Band here.
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Dave Matthews
Irving Plaza – New York City
June 8, 2023
Set: So Damn Lucky, Looking for a Vein – first time played by Dave solo, Save Me, #41, Walk Around the Moon (first time played by Dave solo), Stay or Leave, Something to Tell My Baby, Grey Street Monsters Old Dirt Hill (Bring That Beat Back) > Pantala Naga Pampa (first time played by Dave solo), Gravedigger, Break Free, Funny How Time Slips Away, Crush, Don’t Drink the Water, Some Devil, Crash Into Me, Dancing Nancies
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