The last six-and-a-half years have been nothing if not challenging for moe. First, the band took a brief hiatus in 2017, after bassist Rob Derhak was diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer. Fortunately, moe. was able to return to the road in 2018, once Rob was declared cancer-free.
Then after braving the uncertainty of the COVID pandemic in 2020, the band was dealt another devastating setback after founding guitarist Chuck Garvey suffered a stroke in 2021. The music never stopped, as they say, and the Buffalo-bred band continued touring in his absence with ringers Suke Cerulo (guitar) and Nate Wilson (keyboards) filling out the sound, with Wilson joining as a permanent member following Garvey’s triumphant return to the stage at the dawn of 2023. Despite those interruptions, the outfit has persevered. That much was clear during its triumphant return to Los Angeles, at the Teragram Ballroom on a chilly January night.
On the evening of January 19th, the Teragram Ballroom in Los Angeles was electrified by the presence of moe., a band that has become a beacon of resilience and musical innovation in the jam band scene. The show opened with a cover of the Grateful Dead‘s “West L.A. Fadeaway”, a fitting tribute in the heart of Los Angeles. The band’s rendition was both respectful to the original and imbued with its unique flair, setting a high bar for the night.
The band then dipped into its own catalog with “Stranger Than Fiction” before transitioning into a cover of Wilson’s pre-moe. group Ghosts of Jupiter‘s “Yellow Tigers”. Both tracks were played with impeccable precision and energy, showcasing the band’s versatility and all-around jamming skills.
moe. brought some Beatles-meets-Pink Floyd vibes to bear with “Silver Sun”. Rob’s spin through his own “Ups and Downs” was a particularly poignant piece, offering a glimpse into the band’s personal and musical journeys. The band closed out the first set with a one-two punch of time-tested classics “Moth” and “Lazarus”. Naturally, the audience went to the set break in awe of moe.’s ability to weave intricate musical narratives through its jubilant jams.
The second set saw a continuation of this high energy and even higher art. moe. returned to the stage with “Nebraska”, a song that showcased the band’s storytelling prowess. “Shoot First” and “Crushing” continued the dynamic performance, while “ATL”, off 2020’s Not Normal, and “Meat” put the band’s jam pedigree on full, glorious display with extensive improvisation and interplay among the members. “Billy Goat” was a fitting end to the second set, leaving the audience craving more.
Upon resuming the spotlight for the encore, guitarist and singer Al Schnier read his traditional “Al.nouncements” of notes, shoutouts, and wishes from the audience. This intimate interaction exemplified the unique bond moe. has cultivated with its fanbase over its 30-plus-year journey.
The encore was a single, yet powerful song, “Downward Facing Dog”. This choice exemplified the band’s ability to blend humor, skill, and musical depth, ending the night on a high note.
In truth, moe.’s show at the Teragram Ballroom was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of life, music, and the triumph of the human spirit. With a setlist that skillfully blended covers with original compositions, the band proved that they are not just surviving but thriving in the face of challenges.
Those who attended won’t soon forget the sonic sensations of this evening with moe. Those who missed it would do well to catch the group on tour as it weaves its way through California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts, Florida, Utah, and Colorado between now and late March. For tickets and a full list of tour dates head here.
Check out a gallery of images from moe. at the Teragram Ballroom courtesy of photographer Brandon Weil.
Setlist: moe. | Teragram Ballroom | Los Angeles, CA | 1/19/24
Set One: West L.A. Fadeaway (Grateful Dead), Stranger Than Fiction, Yellow Tigers (Ghosts Of Jupiter), Silver Sun, Ups And Downs, Moth, Lazarus
Set Two: Nebraska, Shoot First, Crushing, ATL, Meat, Billy Goat
Encore: Downward Facing Dog
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