Dave Matthews Band

There is something magical about a DMB show! After 29 years and too many shows to count, this is one band I would follow to the ends of the earth! The music, the energy, the fans! There is nothing else like it! One big happy family! ❤️

First time I had seen DMB live since about 2007, I think? I have been in my “metal era” but I have recently been rediscovering my old faves. Took my husband to see them at Mohegan - he had never seen them, it’s been 17 years for me. He was just as good, if not better, than what I remembered. We both had an amazing time, so much fun, the time flew by. Husband said it was “the best sounding band live he had ever seen.”

Dave Matthews Band: 11/8/23 “Based primarily on my ongoing concert shenanigans, my motto for years has been ‘I’d Rather Be At A DAve Show’, however I had yet to see DMB LIVE until now, better late than never. When the opportunity presented itself back in September I jumped on the presale, scoring my seat in Bon Secours Arena’s upper bowl, row two. I was more concerned about taking in the entire experience rather than being close up, not to mention my wallet took a considerably less hit. Not being a classic jam band disciple I took advantage of the two month wait to familiarize myself with the essentials. The Grammy award winning band from Charlottesville VA came into town Wednesday with 10 studio albums, 30 charted singles including 9 number ones and too many live releases to list out. Aside from Matthews, founding members Stefan Lessard (bass), and Carter Beauford (drums) remain since its inception in 1991. In addition, onboard since 2009, are guitarist Tim Reynolds (a solo artist in his own right with 13 of his own studio albums) and Jeff Coffin on saxophone (formerly Bela Fleck), with Rashawn Ross on trumpet since 2006 who has worked with too many session musicians to list out. In 2018 keyboardist Buddy Strong (formerly Usher) took a permanent place in the band. Billed the ‘DMB 2023 Fall Tour’ the 8 city tour began in Savannah and concludes in New York, New York. The mini-tour was likely a dry run for their upcoming South African run and subsequent European tour which begins next month. Greenville’s show was only the second date so there were no prior set lists to follow along with, not that they would do any good since each gig is different with its own respective set. As one would expect the event was a sell out save a few restricted view seats behind the mix and on the upper side stage corners that opened up on Ticketmaster’s map once the band had set up. In typical fashion I was sure to arrive early for a close up peak of the stage set which majorly was an open concept. Keys were to the left, drums in the middle and horns to the right which included trumpet and four different saxophones set up on stands directly in the forefront. Four stage height light towers enclosed in three large video screens taking up the entire stage length. The top lights which could be raised, lowered, and pivoted at will were enclosed in frames which doubled as LED screens giving the stage a multi-dimensional appearance. Psychedelic patterns were most often displayed during the performance when individual close ups of band members were not shown on the screens. A nearly filled to capacity pit covered a full third of the floor. Despite an ‘Important Message’ appearing on social media stating, ‘Dave Matthews takes the stage at 7:30 PM, no opening band, get there early’, the Wednesday crowd was slow to trickle in. At 7:51 David John Matthews 56 from Johannesburg South Africa with band took the stage for a 2 hour and 35 minute / 19 song performance beginning with a pair of obscure 90’s cuts: ‘Spoon’ from the ‘Crowded Streets’ album and ‘One Sweet World’. Dave who had few words to say most evening long broke the silence by welcoming the crowd, ‘Thank you very much for spending your Wednesday evening with us this evening. What we will do is what we planned to do and um hopefully y’all have a good time.’ With that, the band started the opening notes of their #5 ‘Samurai Cop (Oh Joy Begin)’ to cheers from the crowd. A loud ‘Thank you Dave’ shout could be distinguished as some folk, although not all, were there to hear the hits. After ‘Joy Begin’ Dave began to address his activities during the pandemic and the same boisterous fan yelled out ‘Don’t get depressing’. Dave kept it lite though, ‘I found myself quite often along with many other things, I ate a lot of mushrooms, (then he qualified what he meant to laughter from the audience) Shiitake and other ones, Lion’s Mane and ah, I think I wrote a song about it.’ The song ensuing was the title cut from his latest album, the psychedelic ‘Walk Around The Moon’ one of three songs peppered in throughout the evening from the new release. The hits were also peppered in although not the majority of them, with ‘Grace Is Gone’ coming next featuring some great pinky slide work by Tim and ending with some impressive improve jazz by Buddy on keys. ‘You Never Know’ a deeper cut from ‘Busted Stuff’ followed, it’s performance had a distinct 1970’s Genesis concert-like feel in both sound and lighting (heavy on the keys, heavy on the drums), come to find out in a later read that Peter Gabriel has been one of Dave’s big inspirations. The next song, introduced by Dave as being ‘from the olden times’ was 1994’s ‘Jimi Thing’ which turned into an all out jam as the make up and composition of the original version no doubt entirely supports. Dave took a back seat to let Rashawn take lead vocals on a cover of Commodores ‘Brick House’ after which he introduced the original members of the band. ‘Me and Stefan and Carter been playing music together for going on now going on pretty close to thirty-tree years, feels like two hundred and thirty years!’ By inserting 2001’s #1 ‘The Space Between’, Dave broke an otherwise quieter lull in the set and fired up the near 13,000 person crowd into an all standing position once again.’ Shake Me Like A Monkey’ from the ‘Big Whiskey’ album came across with as much of psychedelic feel that you’d catch in a vintage Pink Floyd show. And just like that, it was hard to believe that over two hours had passed and Dave was thanking us once again for coming out on a Wednesday evening as 1995’s ‘Ants Marching’ ended the regular set. The audience sang along to every word, ‘Take these chances, place them in a box until a quieter time, lights down you up and die.’ With Dave and band exiting the stage and all the lights down the audience kept the decibel levels up non stop (as loud as I’ve heard in quite a while) all the while illuminating the darkened arena with cell phone lights until he appeared back on stage. Dave came back out for a two song encore beginning with a solo performance of Pearl Jam’s ‘Just Breathe’, just he and his custom Rockbridge SJ Sunburst six string. The song was a perfect match for his vocal range and arguably the best song of the evening vocally. With the band members having all returned to accompany Dave, the septet finished out the evening with 97’s ‘Two Step’ from the Crash album. It was a perfect ending to complete an evening filled with instrumental riff and run cross genre folk-rock-fusion fun. The only thing in my opinion that would have made things better would have been to see the set performed in a smaller venue, some place like Atlanta Symphony Hall where every seat could have been closer up, somewhere that had the capacity to showcase the sound quality which DMB delivers. Notably missing from the set were the #1’s ‘Too Much’, ’Stay’, ‘Everyday’, ‘Where Are You Going’, ‘Funny The Way It Is’, ‘Mercy’, ‘American Baby’ a #2, and ‘Grey Street’ a #5. Raised as a Quaker, Matthews a pacifist left South Africa facing possible military conscription. Working for IBM and bartending in the States prior to his career take off Matthews is presently living the American dream with no signs of letting down, all thanks to the power of rock ’n’ roll!” Review and photo by DAve (Concert #837)

Surpassed expectations after having seen Dave in that amphitheater ten times over past 20 years! After losing Boyd Tinsley and Laroi, it’s the most cohesive, happy and engaging. I’ve seen the band! I had an absolute blast love the surprises, perfect energy from Dave in the band from start to finish! Wherever you are get a ticket.

2nd time seeing them but this time I was up close on the floor (last time was 3rd level in an arena 👎🏼). It was great to get a birds eye view of Carter on drums 👌🏽🤌🏽🔥 why they still didn’t play crash is beyond me but the rest of the set a was good mix.

The Dave Matthews Band was in great form! It is always a great experience to listen to great musicians play live !! The two hours plus of music was played with wonderful ease ! The music is sophisticated and NOT PRETENTIOUS and played at a world class level as usual ! This IS NOT a jam band !! They are well beyond that sophomoric label that non musicians want to place on music they cannot understand due to that level of sophistication! The IMPROVISATIONAL skills of the Dave Matthews Band continues to get better and better with each passing year. The musicians and musicianship is always great !! It was also my first time listening to DMB in an indoor setting with just over 13,000 in attendance. A box office workers estimate. It was quite relaxing, and just as much fun obviously, after usually attending their outdoor shows at either Riverbend in Cincinnati or the former Deer Creek in Indianapolis. Just because of the elevated arena seating. Even though it is still hilarious to see some fans ARRHYTHMICALLY dancing around to their hearts desire. At least they are having fun I guess even though they don't know where the backbeat is.That is not a condemnation, just a funny sideshow truth. The merchandise personnel for DMB were very easy to work with even though they ran out of sizes with some of the apparel because it was at the end of the tour. The only drawback to the concert was the lack of a police presence INSIDE of the venue to deter the usage of marijuana. Even though by law the use of marijuana is lackadaisical in Ohio; this is a college campus facility where it is illegal to use marijuana either inside or outside on campus. Just like any other college campus it is not legal but, the law is not taken seriously by the authorities anyway because they have more important things to do seemingly. This is a college campus venue where even though the majority of concert attendees are not students, those using marijuana on said premise is still illegal. Also, said authorities must not care it seems. However, that is the problem at either an indoor or outdoor venue usually.!

Great performance, but the seating on the lawn is set up poorly at Fiddler's Green and took from the show. They should not have crosswalks (that are flat) going across a sloped lawn. It ruins the view for a lot of people and removes a lot of potential seating.

The DMB concerts are always so much fun and energizing and they did not disappoint this time at Harveys! You can tell they really enjoy what they do and it's great to watch such talented musicians give it their all (because they have a lot to give). My wife and I are fans for life.

This was my first DMB show & the energy was just unforgettable. Truly a life changing experience and it goes on as people tell me of their experiences when they see my shirt. I would also so love to come back to this venue, it was awesome and very well managed.

Best in a long time for me. Great combination of newer (Idea of You, Samurai Cop) and older (Say Goodbye, Grey Street). And the mashup of AC/DC-Bee Gees into Steve Miller was awesome. Not a big fan of Ants but that was the best I’d ever heard as the set ender. Missed the fiddle but Butch is really putting his stamp on the songs.

AMAZING SHOW and also the first show Ive seen by them, 100 out of 10 would go again, shout out to the DMB family l went with, would love to go with them again. One of the best shows l've seen this year can't wait for future shows....

It was a fantastic night! He played new songs and lots of great classics. All positive energy. I secretly hoped he would play the Christmas song bc ‘‘tis the season” but it was still a 5 star show!! Started on time, so don’t show up to DMB shows fashionably late or you will miss some great music. Satellite was 2nd song!

There is something magical about a DMB show! After 29 years and too many shows to count, this is one band I would follow to the ends of the earth! The music, the energy, the fans! There is nothing else like it! One big happy family! ❤️

First time I had seen DMB live since about 2007, I think? I have been in my “metal era” but I have recently been rediscovering my old faves. Took my husband to see them at Mohegan - he had never seen them, it’s been 17 years for me. He was just as good, if not better, than what I remembered. We both had an amazing time, so much fun, the time flew by. Husband said it was “the best sounding band live he had ever seen.”

Dave Matthews Band: 11/8/23 “Based primarily on my ongoing concert shenanigans, my motto for years has been ‘I’d Rather Be At A DAve Show’, however I had yet to see DMB LIVE until now, better late than never. When the opportunity presented itself back in September I jumped on the presale, scoring my seat in Bon Secours Arena’s upper bowl, row two. I was more concerned about taking in the entire experience rather than being close up, not to mention my wallet took a considerably less hit. Not being a classic jam band disciple I took advantage of the two month wait to familiarize myself with the essentials. The Grammy award winning band from Charlottesville VA came into town Wednesday with 10 studio albums, 30 charted singles including 9 number ones and too many live releases to list out. Aside from Matthews, founding members Stefan Lessard (bass), and Carter Beauford (drums) remain since its inception in 1991. In addition, onboard since 2009, are guitarist Tim Reynolds (a solo artist in his own right with 13 of his own studio albums) and Jeff Coffin on saxophone (formerly Bela Fleck), with Rashawn Ross on trumpet since 2006 who has worked with too many session musicians to list out. In 2018 keyboardist Buddy Strong (formerly Usher) took a permanent place in the band. Billed the ‘DMB 2023 Fall Tour’ the 8 city tour began in Savannah and concludes in New York, New York. The mini-tour was likely a dry run for their upcoming South African run and subsequent European tour which begins next month. Greenville’s show was only the second date so there were no prior set lists to follow along with, not that they would do any good since each gig is different with its own respective set. As one would expect the event was a sell out save a few restricted view seats behind the mix and on the upper side stage corners that opened up on Ticketmaster’s map once the band had set up. In typical fashion I was sure to arrive early for a close up peak of the stage set which majorly was an open concept. Keys were to the left, drums in the middle and horns to the right which included trumpet and four different saxophones set up on stands directly in the forefront. Four stage height light towers enclosed in three large video screens taking up the entire stage length. The top lights which could be raised, lowered, and pivoted at will were enclosed in frames which doubled as LED screens giving the stage a multi-dimensional appearance. Psychedelic patterns were most often displayed during the performance when individual close ups of band members were not shown on the screens. A nearly filled to capacity pit covered a full third of the floor. Despite an ‘Important Message’ appearing on social media stating, ‘Dave Matthews takes the stage at 7:30 PM, no opening band, get there early’, the Wednesday crowd was slow to trickle in. At 7:51 David John Matthews 56 from Johannesburg South Africa with band took the stage for a 2 hour and 35 minute / 19 song performance beginning with a pair of obscure 90’s cuts: ‘Spoon’ from the ‘Crowded Streets’ album and ‘One Sweet World’. Dave who had few words to say most evening long broke the silence by welcoming the crowd, ‘Thank you very much for spending your Wednesday evening with us this evening. What we will do is what we planned to do and um hopefully y’all have a good time.’ With that, the band started the opening notes of their #5 ‘Samurai Cop (Oh Joy Begin)’ to cheers from the crowd. A loud ‘Thank you Dave’ shout could be distinguished as some folk, although not all, were there to hear the hits. After ‘Joy Begin’ Dave began to address his activities during the pandemic and the same boisterous fan yelled out ‘Don’t get depressing’. Dave kept it lite though, ‘I found myself quite often along with many other things, I ate a lot of mushrooms, (then he qualified what he meant to laughter from the audience) Shiitake and other ones, Lion’s Mane and ah, I think I wrote a song about it.’ The song ensuing was the title cut from his latest album, the psychedelic ‘Walk Around The Moon’ one of three songs peppered in throughout the evening from the new release. The hits were also peppered in although not the majority of them, with ‘Grace Is Gone’ coming next featuring some great pinky slide work by Tim and ending with some impressive improve jazz by Buddy on keys. ‘You Never Know’ a deeper cut from ‘Busted Stuff’ followed, it’s performance had a distinct 1970’s Genesis concert-like feel in both sound and lighting (heavy on the keys, heavy on the drums), come to find out in a later read that Peter Gabriel has been one of Dave’s big inspirations. The next song, introduced by Dave as being ‘from the olden times’ was 1994’s ‘Jimi Thing’ which turned into an all out jam as the make up and composition of the original version no doubt entirely supports. Dave took a back seat to let Rashawn take lead vocals on a cover of Commodores ‘Brick House’ after which he introduced the original members of the band. ‘Me and Stefan and Carter been playing music together for going on now going on pretty close to thirty-tree years, feels like two hundred and thirty years!’ By inserting 2001’s #1 ‘The Space Between’, Dave broke an otherwise quieter lull in the set and fired up the near 13,000 person crowd into an all standing position once again.’ Shake Me Like A Monkey’ from the ‘Big Whiskey’ album came across with as much of psychedelic feel that you’d catch in a vintage Pink Floyd show. And just like that, it was hard to believe that over two hours had passed and Dave was thanking us once again for coming out on a Wednesday evening as 1995’s ‘Ants Marching’ ended the regular set. The audience sang along to every word, ‘Take these chances, place them in a box until a quieter time, lights down you up and die.’ With Dave and band exiting the stage and all the lights down the audience kept the decibel levels up non stop (as loud as I’ve heard in quite a while) all the while illuminating the darkened arena with cell phone lights until he appeared back on stage. Dave came back out for a two song encore beginning with a solo performance of Pearl Jam’s ‘Just Breathe’, just he and his custom Rockbridge SJ Sunburst six string. The song was a perfect match for his vocal range and arguably the best song of the evening vocally. With the band members having all returned to accompany Dave, the septet finished out the evening with 97’s ‘Two Step’ from the Crash album. It was a perfect ending to complete an evening filled with instrumental riff and run cross genre folk-rock-fusion fun. The only thing in my opinion that would have made things better would have been to see the set performed in a smaller venue, some place like Atlanta Symphony Hall where every seat could have been closer up, somewhere that had the capacity to showcase the sound quality which DMB delivers. Notably missing from the set were the #1’s ‘Too Much’, ’Stay’, ‘Everyday’, ‘Where Are You Going’, ‘Funny The Way It Is’, ‘Mercy’, ‘American Baby’ a #2, and ‘Grey Street’ a #5. Raised as a Quaker, Matthews a pacifist left South Africa facing possible military conscription. Working for IBM and bartending in the States prior to his career take off Matthews is presently living the American dream with no signs of letting down, all thanks to the power of rock ’n’ roll!” Review and photo by DAve (Concert #837)

Surpassed expectations after having seen Dave in that amphitheater ten times over past 20 years! After losing Boyd Tinsley and Laroi, it’s the most cohesive, happy and engaging. I’ve seen the band! I had an absolute blast love the surprises, perfect energy from Dave in the band from start to finish! Wherever you are get a ticket.

2nd time seeing them but this time I was up close on the floor (last time was 3rd level in an arena 👎🏼). It was great to get a birds eye view of Carter on drums 👌🏽🤌🏽🔥 why they still didn’t play crash is beyond me but the rest of the set a was good mix.

The Dave Matthews Band was in great form! It is always a great experience to listen to great musicians play live !! The two hours plus of music was played with wonderful ease ! The music is sophisticated and NOT PRETENTIOUS and played at a world class level as usual ! This IS NOT a jam band !! They are well beyond that sophomoric label that non musicians want to place on music they cannot understand due to that level of sophistication! The IMPROVISATIONAL skills of the Dave Matthews Band continues to get better and better with each passing year. The musicians and musicianship is always great !! It was also my first time listening to DMB in an indoor setting with just over 13,000 in attendance. A box office workers estimate. It was quite relaxing, and just as much fun obviously, after usually attending their outdoor shows at either Riverbend in Cincinnati or the former Deer Creek in Indianapolis. Just because of the elevated arena seating. Even though it is still hilarious to see some fans ARRHYTHMICALLY dancing around to their hearts desire. At least they are having fun I guess even though they don't know where the backbeat is.That is not a condemnation, just a funny sideshow truth. The merchandise personnel for DMB were very easy to work with even though they ran out of sizes with some of the apparel because it was at the end of the tour. The only drawback to the concert was the lack of a police presence INSIDE of the venue to deter the usage of marijuana. Even though by law the use of marijuana is lackadaisical in Ohio; this is a college campus facility where it is illegal to use marijuana either inside or outside on campus. Just like any other college campus it is not legal but, the law is not taken seriously by the authorities anyway because they have more important things to do seemingly. This is a college campus venue where even though the majority of concert attendees are not students, those using marijuana on said premise is still illegal. Also, said authorities must not care it seems. However, that is the problem at either an indoor or outdoor venue usually.!

Great performance, but the seating on the lawn is set up poorly at Fiddler's Green and took from the show. They should not have crosswalks (that are flat) going across a sloped lawn. It ruins the view for a lot of people and removes a lot of potential seating.

The DMB concerts are always so much fun and energizing and they did not disappoint this time at Harveys! You can tell they really enjoy what they do and it's great to watch such talented musicians give it their all (because they have a lot to give). My wife and I are fans for life.

This was my first DMB show & the energy was just unforgettable. Truly a life changing experience and it goes on as people tell me of their experiences when they see my shirt. I would also so love to come back to this venue, it was awesome and very well managed.

Best in a long time for me. Great combination of newer (Idea of You, Samurai Cop) and older (Say Goodbye, Grey Street). And the mashup of AC/DC-Bee Gees into Steve Miller was awesome. Not a big fan of Ants but that was the best I’d ever heard as the set ender. Missed the fiddle but Butch is really putting his stamp on the songs.

AMAZING SHOW and also the first show Ive seen by them, 100 out of 10 would go again, shout out to the DMB family l went with, would love to go with them again. One of the best shows l've seen this year can't wait for future shows....

It was a fantastic night! He played new songs and lots of great classics. All positive energy. I secretly hoped he would play the Christmas song bc ‘‘tis the season” but it was still a 5 star show!! Started on time, so don’t show up to DMB shows fashionably late or you will miss some great music. Satellite was 2nd song!