The legendary Dave Matthews Band has returned to the stage, and what a treat it was for fans in Texas! The septet's 2026 headline tour kicked off with a bang, delivering a 20-song performance that was a delightful blend of old favorites and rare treats. One of the most exciting moments was the band's first performance of 'Kit Kat Jam' since 2013, a beloved instrumental that sent fans into a frenzy. This rare treat was a highlight of the set, and it's fascinating to see how the band continues to surprise and delight their audience.
The tour began at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, where the band delivered a stellar performance that was broadcast live on SiriusXM's Dave Matthews Band Radio channel. The set list was a carefully curated mix of fan favorites and lesser-known tracks, with a few surprises thrown in for good measure. 'So Right' kicked off the night, followed by the unreleased 'Cha Cha', which was last played in 2023. This rare treat was a highlight of the set, and it's fascinating to see how the band continues to surprise and delight their audience.
The band then moved on to 'The Only Thing' from their latest studio album, 'Walk Around The Moon'. The set list continued with a mix of oldies like 'Satellite' and 'Lie In Our Graves', broken up by a cover of David Bowie's 'Let's Dance'. The band then looked back to 2012's 'Away From The World' for their first 'Broken Things' since 2021, a span of 225 shows. This shows the band's willingness to explore their back catalog and bring new life to older material.
The rest of the set was a well-rounded affair, with staples like 'Funny The Way It Is', 'Gravedigger', 'You & Me', and 'Tripping Billies'. Matthews returned to begin the encore with a solo 'Take All Day', before the rest of the band came back for the 'All Along The Watchtower' finale. This solo performance was a nice touch, showcasing Matthews' versatility and skill.
The Saturday night show in Dallas was another career-spanning affair, with a similar set list to the previous night. The band delivered another stellar performance, with 'Kit Kat Jam' being performed for the first time since 2013. This rare treat was a highlight of the set, and it's fascinating to see how the band continues to surprise and delight their audience.
The band also covered Peter Gabriel's 'Sledgehammer', and 'Dancing Nancies' closed the frame, marking the first appearance of the song in that slot at a full-band show since 1995. The encore saw Matthews go solo again, delivering a take on Tex Ritter's 'Rye Whiskey'. The full-band 'The Stone' ended the concert, leaving fans wanting more.
The tour continues with a swing through Texas, and fans are eagerly awaiting the next performance. The band's ability to mix old and new, rare and familiar, is a testament to their skill and creativity. It's a pleasure to witness their evolution and see how they continue to push the boundaries of their music.
In my opinion, Dave Matthews Band is a testament to the power of live music and the joy of discovering new and old favorites. Their ability to surprise and delight their audience is a testament to their skill and creativity, and it's a pleasure to witness their evolution and see how they continue to push the boundaries of their music. I can't wait to see what the rest of the tour has in store!
