Cage The Elephant’s Sold Out Concert in Fort Worth
July 13, 2024 — With the recent release of their sixth album, Neon Pill, Cage the Elephant’s show at Dickies Arena was a sold-out event. Opening artists Willow Avalon, Young the Giant, and Bakarrr put on a show that newcomers to their sound won’t soon forget. The diverse genres meant there was something for everyone in the crowd, whether they were familiar with the artists or not.
Willow Avalon, a singer from rural Georgia, and her band took the stage first. Before performing, Avalon provided backstories for some of her songs, including her unreleased upcoming single, "Homewrecker." She shared how the song was about being deceived by someone who was married, reflecting on the painful discovery that came through her own digging. Avalon’s songwriting is a unique and creative form of artistic expression. I also loved her choice of mellow lighting, the flowers entwining her mic stand, and her dress. It all felt fitting for the thematic approach of her songs, conveying a message of growth and blossoming through heartaches and hardships. Regardless of what we go through, with time, we can all blossom into something better than before. Avalon also performed songs like "Yodelayheewoo," "Tequila and Whiskey," and others. Her aura was felt throughout the crowd, and even those who had never heard her before encouraged her to play more songs, singing along when the choruses returned. Avalon interacted with her band and the crowd throughout the set, something you don’t often see. She gave attention to each band member, creating a sense of unity on stage.
After Avalon’s performance, Young the Giant took the stage as the arena began to fill. Lead vocalist Sameer Gadhia, guitarists Jacob Tilley and Eric Cannata, bassist Payam Doostzadeh, and drummer Francois Comtois delivered a dynamic performance. One of the coolest moments was Gadhia using a touch vocal effects processor live on stage, showcasing how musicians utilize their instruments in real-time. Young the Giant kicked off their set with "Jungle Youth," immediately setting the tone for a high-energy performance. The dreamy, floating hair of bassist Payam Doostzadeh added a nice touch to their performances. "Cough Syrup" was another highlight, with the crowd reacting with screams as soon as the instrumental began. The band, especially Gadhia, worked the entire stage, and seeing some people moved to tears showed the impact of their music. They also performed songs like "Call Me Back," "Tightrope," "Apartment," and others.
The last opening act, Bakarrr, took the stage with a more mysterious approach, using lighting effects and fog. He opened with "All In," and I loved the theatricality of his performance. For those familiar with theater, his use of fog was masterful, guiding the audience’s attention to him. The dramatic lighting, which went completely dark at times, only to highlight his face with flickering lights, created a powerful atmosphere. Bakarrr also performed songs like "Right Here, Right Now," "Small Town Girl," "Alive," and others. His approach to lighting setup was unique, and even those unfamiliar with him were captivated.
Finally, Cage the Elephant took the stage with a performance that was literally on fire. They kicked off with "Broken Boy," accompanied by pyrotechnics that set the stage ablaze, both visually and sonically. The energy was relentless as they transitioned into "Cry Baby" and "Spiderhead," keeping the crowd on their feet.
Brad and Matt Shultz were as magnetic as ever. Brad interacted with the audience, even borrowing a fan’s hat during his guitar solo. I created still-shot videos of these moments, including Matt’s famous jumps, which drove the crowd wild. "Too Late to Say Goodbye" and "Good Time" showcased the band’s versatility, mixing raw emotion with undeniable groove. The highlight of the night was their performance of "Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked," which had the entire arena singing along. Other songs like "Rainbow" from their latest album *Neon Pill*, "Cigarette Daydreams," and "Come a Little Closer" were also sung in unison by the crowd.
The visual elements were just as captivating as the music. The lighting, fire, and stage design enhanced the band’s dynamic sound, creating an immersive experience. Bakarrr’s performance before Cage the Elephant was a strategic choice, as both acts brought a theatrical flair to their sets. This made every song feel like a climactic moment.
As the night wound down, we thought it was over after "House of Glass." When the band started to exit the stage, the crowd cheered for them to come back. Just as we thought the night was ending, the band returned for a powerful encore, performing "Shake Me Down," "Cigarette Daydreams," and "Come a Little Closer," leaving the crowd in a euphoric state. This show was a perfect blend of high-energy performance, stellar musicianship, and a connection with the audience that few bands can achieve. It was a night that won’t be forgotten, especially for those who experienced the band’s interactions firsthand.
