September 16, 2024 – CHI Health Center – Omaha, NE

Monday night, September 16, 2024, was unforgettable as Cage the Elephant lit up the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska, with their 2024 Neon Pill Tour.

Thousands of fans filled the arena for an epic night of music that kicked off with Willow Avalon. 

Willow Avalon hails from a small town in rural Georgia, where she grew up fixing old cars, playing music at her local Baptist church, and racking up an impressive number of broken bones along the way. Her faith is just one of many things that’s been tested and fractured over the years.  Seeing Willow Avalon live is like watching pure energy take shape on stage. Her performance feels raw and personal, like she’s giving you a glimpse into her wild journey. From the moment she walked out, she owned the stage with a mix of grit and charm that had the crowd hooked. Her voice—somewhere between soulful and edgy—cut through the room, especially when she slowed things down to show off her roots in gospel and country.

She played a mix of heart-pounding rock and more intimate, acoustic moments, all while telling stories that made you feel like you were hanging out with an old friend. When she broke out a song about her time in Georgia, you could feel the pride and pain in every note. The band backing her was tight, but it was clear that Willow was the one steering the ship.  The band has over 1.1 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and they’re just getting started.  Make sure to check out their new single, “Homewrecker!”  Great way to kick off the show!

Next to the stage was BAKAR, a British singer-songwriter known for blending indie rock, punk, and hip-hop into a unique, genre-defying sound. Hailing from Camden, London, he broke onto the scene with his 2018 mixtape Badkid, which showcased his raw, rebellious style. His music often touches on themes of youth, identity, and city life, with catchy hooks and introspective lyrics.

BAKAR’s breakout moment came with his hit single “Hell N Back” in 2019, which gained major radio play and brought him a wider audience. Since then, he’s continued to push boundaries with his music, earning comparisons to artists like Bloc Party and Kid Cudi while carving out his own lane. With a distinct voice and fearless approach to genre, BAKAR has quickly built a loyal fanbase and is seen as one of the most exciting new voices in the UK music scene.

This guy had the crowd’s attention throughout his set. When he played “Hell N Back,” the place went wild—people were singing every word like it was a personal anthem.

BAKAR’s stage presence is effortless but magnetic. He brings an edge with his raspy vocals and gritty beats, but there’s also something laid-back about how he connects with the crowd. He didn’t have a band or a flashy stage design.  It was just him-front and center. Between songs, he took moments to talk about his journey and the meaning behind his music, making his set feel personal.

The mix of chill grooves and high-energy tracks kept the night feeling fresh. If you’re into genre-bending music with real heart, seeing BAKAR live is a must—it’s a vibe from start to finish.  Currently, he has over 10.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and his latest single, “A Girl Like You,” is definitely worth checking out!

Young the Giant was next to the stage, and this was a performance that was worth waiting for.  I’ve been waiting for years to see them live, and they didn’t disappoint.

In case you’re unfamiliar, Young the Giant is an indie rock band formed in Irvine, California, in 2004. Known for their soaring vocals and catchy, alternative sound, they first made waves with their 2010 self-titled debut album, which included hits like “My Body” and “Cough Syrup.” Both tracks became anthems, with “My Body” gaining widespread radio play and pushing them into the mainstream.

Their music blends indie rock with pop and alternative elements, and lead singer Sameer Gadhia’s powerful vocals are a signature part of their sound. Over the years, they’ve released several albums, including Mind Over Matter and Mirror Master, and continued to evolve their sound. While they haven’t won major awards, Young the Giant has built a dedicated fanbase and earned critical acclaim for their live performances and emotionally charged music, making them one of the standout acts in the indie rock scene. They currently have over 6.8 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and they just released their 10th Anniversary Edition of “Mind Over Matter.”

These guys know how to entertain!  From the moment they hit the stage, their passion was contagious. The energy in the venue was electric, with Sameer Gadhia’s powerful vocals cutting through the crowd as they kicked things off with some of their biggest hits.

What really stood out was how they connected with the audience. Between songs, Sameer shared heartfelt messages about embracing who you are and chasing your dreams, reminding everyone that it’s okay to be different and to never give up. It felt like a pep talk wrapped in an incredible concert.

The band played a mix of their classics and newer tracks, and the crowd sang along, creating an unforgettable singalong atmosphere. Their performance was tight and full of life, with each member pouring their heart into every note. They were absolutely fantastic!

After a short intermission, it was finally time for the headliners, Cage the Elephant! With over 17.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify, a major tour underway, and their latest album, Neon Pill, they’re undeniably a powerful force in the music scene.

The band formed in 2006 in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and is known for their energetic performances and eclectic sound that blends rock, blues, and punk. They quickly gained a huge following and the lineup includes lead vocalist Matt Shultz, guitarist Brad Shultz, bassist Daniel Tichenor, drummer Jared Champion, and guitarist Nick Bockrath.

Their self-titled debut album dropped in 2008, featuring hits like “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked.” They’ve continued to build their discography with popular albums like Thank You, Happy Birthday, Melophobia, and Social Cues, showcasing their evolution as artists.

Cage the Elephant has received several awards, including two Grammy Awards for Best Rock Album for Social Cues in 2020 and Best Hard Rock Performance for “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked.” With a reputation for their dynamic live shows and thought-provoking lyrics, they’ve solidified their place in the modern rock landscape.

Their set was spectacular, even with Matt Shultz rocking a boot and using a leg scooter due to a broken foot! You might think that would slow him down, but he brought so much energy to the stage that you barely noticed. He was jumping around (well, as much as he could) and engaging with the crowd, proving that nothing could keep him down.

The visuals were incredible—pyro, laser lights, and fog created an electrifying atmosphere that matched the band’s vibe perfectly. When they kicked things off with “Broken Boy,” the crowd erupted, and it felt like a giant singalong from there. Each song was delivered with raw energy, and the band seemed to feed off the crowd’s excitement.

Even with his injury, Matt’s vocals were powerful, and his passion shone through every note. The way he connected with the audience was inspiring; you could tell he was giving it his all despite the circumstances. Cage the Elephant truly knows how to put on a show, and this one was no exception—definitely a night to remember!

Cage the Elephant Setlist:

• Broken Boy
• Cry Baby
• Spiderhead
• Too Late to Say Goodbye
• Good Time
• Cold Cold Cold
• Ready to Let Go
• Neon Pill
• Social Cues
• Halo
• Mess Around
• Trouble
• Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked
• Skin and Bones
• Rainbow
• Telescope
• House of Glass
• Back Against the Wall
• In One Ear
• Sabertooth Tiger

Encore

• Shake Me Down
• Cigarette Daydreams
• Come a Little Closer

Willow Avalon

BAKAR

Young the Giant

Cage the Elephant