It seems both like only yesterday and forever ago that Goose shared a bill with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong on back-to-back nights at the 500-person Troubadour in West Hollywood. That “Birds of a Feather” tour landed in Los Angeles in early February 2020, mere weeks before the United States—and most of the world—shut down due to the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Goose had migrated back in L.A. since then, for a phenomenal performance at the 1,200-person Fonda Theatre in Hollywood this past January. But even that show hewed closer to who and what the Connecticut-based band had been, in terms of repertoire and notoriety.
Fast forward seven-and-a-half months, and Goose found itself back in Southern California, at the 5,900-seat Greek Theatre. And while the band didn’t quite sell out the venue—even with fellow East Coast phenoms Lawrence performing in support—the vibe and the audience were of such a scale as to pronounce Goose’s prominence even in the less jam-centric West Coast live music scene.
For that arrival, the band busted out plenty of new and exciting wrinkles. There were as-of-yet-unrecorded tracks, from a fitting opener of “California Magic” to “A Western Sun” and “Pancakes” forming the core of the first set. There were guest appearances, including Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig from Lucius joining to sing Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” and “Slow Ready” as part of the “Goocius” portion of the evening, as well as The String Cheese Incident’s Jason Hann adding some extra percussion on the show-closing “Hot Tea”.
Goose ft. Lucius – “Slow Ready” [Pro-Shot] – 8/21/22
All throughout, the band pulled heavily from its new album, Dripfield, which itself serves more as a compilation of new tracks and reworked material than a wholly fresh release. The second set, in fact, was comprised almost entirely of tracks from the band’s latest release—including the album-opening run of “Borne,” “Hungersite” (of Trey Anastasio sit-in fame) and the title song—save for the “Madhuvan” that signaled the end of intermission.
No matter the timing or origin of the song, Goose gave fans old and new plenty of pungent jams to soak in under the smoggy stars. Between Rick Mitarotonda’s glistening guitar, Peter Anspach hopping around on keys, or Trevor Weekz stoically slapping his bass, the group proved once again why it has risen so meteorically through the ranks of the live music scene—that is, superlative musical skill and the ability to flex it collectively. And, of course, a sick, spectacular light rig to captivate all the changed heads in attendance.
Where Goose goes from here is clear, at least as far as touring is concerned. The band will continue its trek across the country, concluding with a pair of appearances at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in October, before linking up with Trey Anastasio Band in November to entertain fans in the Northeast as well as Virginia and Pennsylvania.
From there, Goose could find itself launched onto yet another rocket ride, courtesy of its impending collaboration with Phish’s leading man. Will that give Goose enough juice to shoot the gap between the Greek Theatre and, say, the 17,505-seat Kia Forum the next time L.A. comes calling? Considering the band’s trajectory so far, nothing seems out of reach for this flock.
See below for the full setlist and a selection of photos and fan-shot videos from the show at the Greek. For a complete list of upcoming Goose tour dates, head here.
Setlist [via elgoose.net]: Goose | Greek Theatre | Los Angeles, CA | 8/21/22
Set 1: California Magic, Echo Of A Rose, Rockdale, A Western Sun, Pancakes[1], In Your Eyes[2], Slow Ready[3]
Set 2: Madhuvan, Borne > Hungersite > Dripfield, Hot Tea[4]
Coach’s Notes:
[1] Home Depot Theme tease from Rick.
[2] Peter Gabriel. With Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig on vocals.
[3] With Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig on vocals.
[4] Jason Hann on percussion.
Coach’s Corner: In Your Eyes was played for the first time since July 9, 2021 (80 shows).
Opening Band(s): Lawrence
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Goose ft. Lucius – “In Your Eyes” (Peter Gabriel) – 8/21/22
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