Old97s.com

Toad's Place, Richmond VA

You know when you are getting ready to see a band that you have been listening to for years but never seen live; there is this dream in your mind of how the night will be. Somehow you will "accidentally" run into the band before the show and they will be totally cool and talk to you. Then you will tell them, "Yeah we came up for my birthday...been waiting for you guys to come around here!" and somehow the lead singer will actually remember who you are and mention you during the show, letting you request a song for your birthday. Then somehow through the graciousness of the other fans you will end up with the playlist and the pick, which you will then go home and frame with your picture of you and the lead singer. Yeah crazy dream right? Well miracles can happen and it did on July 27th at Toad's Place in Richmond when I went to go see the Old 97's! Not only were they as amazing live as on their albums, but they made my 16th birthday the best a girl could have! Rhett Miller is a creative genius and also a normal person too! And of course the rest of the band is just as amazing. Their stage presence is electrifying and I couldn't look away throughout the whole performance. Absolutely entertaining in every aspect!!

Colleen 

07-27-2008

Orange Peel, Asheville NC

All Old 97s shows rock - but when the power fails and Rhett gives the screaming fans two acoustic encore songs because they just won't leave...very awesome. It was fun to see the dedication on the sides of the audience AND the band. Also, I tried to catch the Raleigh show on July 26 but had to leave because the kids were tired - but I did hear the show from my porch after they were in bed, so it sounded like that one rocked equally. Thanks for the TWO NC shows!!

Shelby 

07-24-2008

Taste of Chicago, Chicago IL

The Taste of Chicago usually draws a pretty eclectic crowd and it showed in the audience. True fans, casual attendees, suburban families playing with their kids, urban hipsters sneaking mixed drinks out of their coolers. The show was at the Petrillo Band Shell -- it has a few seats, but most people prefer the lawn as you can smuggle your booze in or stretch out on the lawn and enjoy the day. Anyhoo, the show was awesome -- great mix of old and new songs. You could tell the true fans right away as they were singing along right off the bat to "Barrier Reef". Loved "Won't be Home" it just rocked. "Color of a Lonely Heart" sounded wonderful -- a few of my friends hadn't heard that yet and really liked it. Of course "Time Bomb" live in Grant Park on the 4th of July with the weather a perfect 76F and breezy may have well have been heaven. Awesome Awesome Awesome.

Garrick 

07-04-2008

Summerfest, Milwaukee MN

I just saw the Old 97s for the first time ever at Summerfest. It was by far one of the best shows I have ever seen. I have been an Old 97s fan for quite some time, but this is the first time I have seen them live and honestly I was blown away. I’m from Chicago and I know they play there all the time, but I just never got the chance to go. Great live performances of “Barrier Reef”, “Smokers” (Murray Hammond is the man) and “Time Bomb” as well as a few other new and old classics. I wish they would have played “West Texas Teardrops” and I also wished that the set would have run longer. Seeing how it was at a festival and they weren't the last ones up ... I understand not being able to play a ten song encore. I guess I’ll just have to see them play many more times as soon as possible. Overall ... it was a perfect 10 out of 10 and really just a great show. Oh and I may be a man ... a straight man ... but boy can Rhett shake it.

Tom 

06-28-2008

House of Blues, San Diego CA

The show was better than I expected!!! It was amazing. The sound was great, the energy was even better. I was actually sad when it was over. I may need to spend a few days in bed to recoup.

Julie 

06-20-2008

Wonder Ballroom, Portland OR

I've been a fan of the band for years, but this is the first show I've made it to. Let me say I wish I could have been at every show they've ever done...and will do in the future! It was the best time I've ever had at a concert. Just wonderful. Great songs. Great guitar solo by Rhett, and Murry was terrific on “Valentine”. The Wonder Ballroom is great, the crowd was great at this sold out show, and I really enjoyed the opening band I Love Math. Just an excellent evening all the way around. Thanks Guys!!!! Come back soon!!!!

 Tracy 

06-15-2008

Gothic Theatre, Englewood CO

I hate overused words and this one is but all I can say is UNBELIEVABLE! The opening band (still trying to recall the name and buy cds) was a great starter. The Old 97's came out to a pumped and rocking audience. I was at the 2006 show at this same venue and the crowd was cultish. This was my indoctrination to the understanding of seeing a band live, especially this band. Apparently I can only write using one paragraphs so forgive the written structure. Last night, the place was wall to wall and everyone and I mean everyone was singing every song. The band played for (my distorted calculation) two and a half hours with multiple encores. It was a thing of beauty. My wife and I have always held the Gruene Hall performance of 2007 as the best ever. I have to place that one second. We will be seeing them in Oshkosh WI and Summerfest. I don't expect for this level of energy but hope for it. I will keep you posted. I look forward to other comments correcting any misinformation and adding to my thoughts.

Jay S

...

Hard to believe it's taken me 12 years to get to a show. To use the cliche, it was worth the wait. They flat out rocked the hell out of the Gothic Theater.

Patrick

06-10-2008

Slowdown, Omaha NE

Awesome show! My husband used lyrics to an Old 97's song to propose almost 6 years ago. It was nice to see them in person. Diverse music, great performers, great openers!

Rebecca

06-03-2008

House of Blues, Dallas TX

So--I've been very consistant with the fact that the Old 97's is my favorite band, but I have never been able to make it to a show before. On May 31 I definately fell deeper in love with the band i already raved about to other people. Any show around or near me I will forever be attending . Another good detail of the show was the opening band. I really enjoyed Hayes Carll. There is not one thing I would have changed about the show or new album--Loved it.

Natalie

...

I was right in the front row at the House of Blues! They were INCREDIBLE! They played a lot of their songs (they played all my favorite ones!) and I couldn't hear for a week after (that's not a bad thing XD). I can't wait to see them in Helotes, TX!

Scott 

05-31-2008

Meridian, Houston TX

The boys never disappoint. This is the 3rd show i've seen of theirs. The first time was at Austin City Limits Festival and last year at the Meridian. The show last night in support of their Blame it on Gravity album topped all of their previous performances by a landslide. The mix of old and new songs was what made this show so special. "Dance with Me", the raucous rocker off the new album, really got the crowd moving. Ken rocked the guitar great. Phillip laid down the beat with the highest of authority. Murray played the bass great as usual. Rhett came through great with vocals with his very first solo ever front a crowd! Not too shabby Rhett. To me, the gem of the whole night was "Valentine". Murray did a great job. With the best version of "Timebomb" as a closer, the boys left everyone wanting more after over two hours of killer songs. It was a stellar production.

Andy A

...

I took my ten year old son to his first concert ever and I want to thank you, because he'll remember that show forever. In his eyes and mine too, you were awesome. He actually ran into Murray, while waiting in line to get into the concert. I've always been a fathful listener, but in passing he's grown to love your music as well. He's now your biggest fan and is eagerly waiting your next visit to Houston. Once again you rocked, the only thing I wished is that you would have played all of his favorite songs. He loves Brown Eyed Girl, but wanted to hear Time Bomb and Friends Forever earlier in the show. You may have played it, but we had to leave around midnight because he was getting tired. Once again, THANKS you ROCK!

John E

05-30-2008

Dallas Stars Pregame Party, Dallas TX

Outstanding show and way to pump up the crowd before the Stars Game. New CD is wonderful and the long wait was well worth it! Keep up the good work and looking forward to seeing you at the House Of Blues in NOLA!

Eric N

05-14-2008

Austin TX

Badass second row right behind the old lady Rhett shared a little moment with. Everytime I see you guys its always the best show Ive ever seen. DALLAS TEXAS BOYS. Come to dallas and I'll be there.

tyler

12-29-2007

7 WTC, New York NY

The Old 97's played a free show in a small park next to Ground Zero at the foot of the newly rebuilt 7 WTC. The Eclectic crowd of students, business people, passerbys, and loyal fans, was treated to a solid 1 hour performance by the band. Even with the lead guitar player, Ken Bethea suffering through some technical difficulties, the boys managed to blow the doors off of the opening act, Illinois, and to steal the show from the headliners, The Hold Steady. Based on the audience reaction, it is safe to say that some new fans of the Old 97's were created on 9/17/07.

Ross B

09-19-2007

Flames Central, Calgary AB

The show was incredible as always but I wanted to share an article from the Calgary Herald newspaper. It was an article that named the best shows in Calgary of 2007. Read what they say about the Old 97's show. The link.

Scott

07-06-2007

The Great American Music Hall, San Francisco CA

I wrote this review back in '97. Re-reading it now, I realize how influential the Old 97's were on my development as a songwriter: many of the values I express here are at the core of what I do today in my band, Careless Hearts. Thanks, guys! http://www.sfweekly.com/1997-08-20/music/reviews/

Paul K

08-07-1997