I like that, regarding the Portland show, you said that it’s one of the best in memory, because I very much felt the same. It was my 53rd show, and I was absolutely mind blown by every bit of it, from the pre-show song choices, to the line-up, to the band and audience’s energy. That show was well worth the unrelenting sun and sweat dripping into my eyes.
Thank you so much for everything. Wish I could drop my life and follow you around and just chase the high, but alas, the houseless people need housing (that’s my job) and my bank account need replenishing (that’s from eating out instead of cooking all the time) and my dog needs to not be abandoned (that’s for the best furry friend appreciation). Safe journeys and hopefully I’ll see you on stage again soon!
The VIP pre-show at the Edgefield was definitely one of the highlights of my day and so worth the heat and sun! Saturday was my first ever full Decemberists show (your Topaz Farm concert last year was so magical!) and I had an incredible time, thank you all so much <33
Thank you, Colin. Usually a Bay Area show-goer, I was so thrilled to be there in the pit at Edgefield Saturday. I’ve been lucky enough to see every tour from Twilight in the Fearful Forest onwards (broke out that precious though disintegrating tour shirt for the show), and there have been so many wonderful moments, but your description of Sons and Daughters as revelatory strikes true to me too— there was something so fortifying about those final lines, over and over, from all directions, & for me it felt like the thread connecting my 14 old self first drawing strength from that song & my 30 year old self who’s found grounding & wonder & home in your music through all the intervening years— like that thread came into focus, something clicked into place. Endless appreciation for it all.
It was a truly magical show! Such an amazing set, and to see the back drop of the abbey behind was spectacular! It was my birthday, so it felt extra special to sing aloud to these songs that have forever set the scene in the background that is my life. Thanks for your talent and thanks for putting on a hell of a show!
The Edgefield concert was so lovely, soulful . A nice feeling of connection, which nowadays is difficult to find. Also, Colin, your Voice just gets better and better. Doesn’t seem possible but true. Great show indeed! Thank you 🙏
My family and I so enjoyed the VIP show at Edgefield. Loved the Q&A and the song choices! The whole show was incredible, great set list, and Sons and Daughters had me in tears at the end!
We really enjoyed the Edgefield show and thought it was absolutely amazing! Of course Marymoor and Montana were super special too but agree Edgefield was something special! See you tonight in LA! Thank you for making the pre-shows memorable and special and the shows so, well, rockin'!
You’ve definitely played the Crystal Ballroom a few times and I don’t know if it counts but the 2013 show at the Aladdin when you served as the backing band for John Wesley Harding’s Cabinet of Wonders was amazing (mostly for that magical performance of “You are the Everything” with Peter Buck and Ben Gibbard)
I will be honest, though, that the crowd vibe felt different from all the other Decemberists shows I’ve been to. Given that it was at The Mountain Winery, which is such a gorgeous setting, it made me wonder if there were a lot of folks there who sort of go to all the shows at that venue, simply for the experience. What was your take?
We tend to avoid that venue if we can help it precisely because of that. You can’t stand up without someone quickly telling you to sit back down, and you can’t try to dance in the aisles without staff quickly herding you back to your seat. Tickets are pricey, there’s no way to get there but in a car, and shows have to end early because of the curfew. But we had to go for the Decemberists! And, I must add, I was grateful that you played an outdoor venue as we weren’t sure we would’ve been brave enough to venture into the Fox in Oakland, our favorite venue. (For the record, through our masks we sang along loudly the whole night and cheered lustily, in part to express our gratitude for the simple joy of a live concert and in part to annoy the stern scolds seated around us. I hope it was a success on both counts.)
I tried so hard to justify going, but I just couldn't for all these reasons. Sticking the money I would have spent in the concert ticket jar for next tour.
That part of the South Bay is just yuppies and tech companies and sane people avoid it like the plague. Please go back to playing in Oakland, there's a bookstore across the street from the Fox, ffs!
See you in K-Town tonight, I hope you guys take advantage of one of the most exciting food scenes in the world while you have a chance!
Ah yes, my hometown of Unidentified San Francisco Suburb, my heart is always with thee
Honestly when people ask where I'm from I'm just going to tell them "suburban Bay Area city TBD"
I like that, regarding the Portland show, you said that it’s one of the best in memory, because I very much felt the same. It was my 53rd show, and I was absolutely mind blown by every bit of it, from the pre-show song choices, to the line-up, to the band and audience’s energy. That show was well worth the unrelenting sun and sweat dripping into my eyes.
Thank you so much for everything. Wish I could drop my life and follow you around and just chase the high, but alas, the houseless people need housing (that’s my job) and my bank account need replenishing (that’s from eating out instead of cooking all the time) and my dog needs to not be abandoned (that’s for the best furry friend appreciation). Safe journeys and hopefully I’ll see you on stage again soon!
The VIP pre-show at the Edgefield was definitely one of the highlights of my day and so worth the heat and sun! Saturday was my first ever full Decemberists show (your Topaz Farm concert last year was so magical!) and I had an incredible time, thank you all so much <33
Thank you, Colin. Usually a Bay Area show-goer, I was so thrilled to be there in the pit at Edgefield Saturday. I’ve been lucky enough to see every tour from Twilight in the Fearful Forest onwards (broke out that precious though disintegrating tour shirt for the show), and there have been so many wonderful moments, but your description of Sons and Daughters as revelatory strikes true to me too— there was something so fortifying about those final lines, over and over, from all directions, & for me it felt like the thread connecting my 14 old self first drawing strength from that song & my 30 year old self who’s found grounding & wonder & home in your music through all the intervening years— like that thread came into focus, something clicked into place. Endless appreciation for it all.
I’ll be at the VIP show tonight with bells on...
I mean, not literally of course. Unless you’ll be breaking out a little Morris dancing tune or two?
It was a truly magical show! Such an amazing set, and to see the back drop of the abbey behind was spectacular! It was my birthday, so it felt extra special to sing aloud to these songs that have forever set the scene in the background that is my life. Thanks for your talent and thanks for putting on a hell of a show!
Love this. Love the band. Love Pandemic.
Edgefield was absolute magic. The “Ask” riff alone was more than I hoped for, but “Sons and Daughters” blew it away. Cheers and best wishes on tour!
p.s. - I almost bought that *exact* hat when I was in Astoria. Regrets...
The Edgefield concert was so lovely, soulful . A nice feeling of connection, which nowadays is difficult to find. Also, Colin, your Voice just gets better and better. Doesn’t seem possible but true. Great show indeed! Thank you 🙏
I was at Edgefield and cried multiple times it was so amazing for a first concert thank you !!
I must say, the portdale show was remarkable. The energy and intensity, rock and roll magic.
My family and I so enjoyed the VIP show at Edgefield. Loved the Q&A and the song choices! The whole show was incredible, great set list, and Sons and Daughters had me in tears at the end!
We really enjoyed the Edgefield show and thought it was absolutely amazing! Of course Marymoor and Montana were super special too but agree Edgefield was something special! See you tonight in LA! Thank you for making the pre-shows memorable and special and the shows so, well, rockin'!
Paula (Capybara Crew)
You’ve definitely played the Crystal Ballroom a few times and I don’t know if it counts but the 2013 show at the Aladdin when you served as the backing band for John Wesley Harding’s Cabinet of Wonders was amazing (mostly for that magical performance of “You are the Everything” with Peter Buck and Ben Gibbard)
Also the Scott McCoughey benefit at The Wonder Ballroom when you sang with 3/4 of R.E.M.
I remember that gig well, one of those once in a lifetime moments.
Loved the show last night at The Mountain Winery!
I will be honest, though, that the crowd vibe felt different from all the other Decemberists shows I’ve been to. Given that it was at The Mountain Winery, which is such a gorgeous setting, it made me wonder if there were a lot of folks there who sort of go to all the shows at that venue, simply for the experience. What was your take?
it was a little subdued, but those season-ticket-kinda places can be like that
We tend to avoid that venue if we can help it precisely because of that. You can’t stand up without someone quickly telling you to sit back down, and you can’t try to dance in the aisles without staff quickly herding you back to your seat. Tickets are pricey, there’s no way to get there but in a car, and shows have to end early because of the curfew. But we had to go for the Decemberists! And, I must add, I was grateful that you played an outdoor venue as we weren’t sure we would’ve been brave enough to venture into the Fox in Oakland, our favorite venue. (For the record, through our masks we sang along loudly the whole night and cheered lustily, in part to express our gratitude for the simple joy of a live concert and in part to annoy the stern scolds seated around us. I hope it was a success on both counts.)
I tried so hard to justify going, but I just couldn't for all these reasons. Sticking the money I would have spent in the concert ticket jar for next tour.
Yeah, agreed. Hope to see you in SF/Oakland/Berkeley next time!
I agree… crowd participation (apart from dancing) seemed subdued.
Not only that but, usually, at Decemberists concerts, everyone is singing along. I kept looking around me and no one seemed to know any lyrics! 😳
Also, happy birthday!
Thanks! Yeah I felt self conscious about how loud I was singing, but then remembered we’re all a part of the Youth and Beauty Bregade
True. Every single one of us bed-wetters.
That part of the South Bay is just yuppies and tech companies and sane people avoid it like the plague. Please go back to playing in Oakland, there's a bookstore across the street from the Fox, ffs!
See you in K-Town tonight, I hope you guys take advantage of one of the most exciting food scenes in the world while you have a chance!
I was definitely sitting by at least three Karens. 😂