The sixth stop of the highly anticipated Mother Mother and Cavetown co-headline tour rolled into Rogers Arena in Vancouver on June 17, 2024. The buzz leading up to this night was electric, with nearly 8,000 fans eagerly anticipating the blend of alt-rock and indie vibes promised by these two powerhouse acts. The tour, produced by Live Nation, has just began sweeping across North America, making waves in iconic venues and gathering a massive following.
Photos by Tage Stenner / Backspin Canada
The night kicked off with Cavetown, the multi-Platinum singer/songwriter and producer whose gentle yet compelling presence captivated the audience from the first note. Cavetown, also known as Robin Skinner, has built a dedicated fanbase with his introspective lyrics and soothing melodies. His recent album, "worm food," has been a global hit, and his previous tour, Bittersweet Daze, left fans craving more.
The stage was adorned with warm, ambient lighting that created an intimate and inviting atmosphere. The backdrop featured large, circular, mushroom structures, contributing to a whimsical and earthy aesthetic that complements Cavetown’s indie-folk style.
Cavetown, dressed in a casual and distinctive outfit, wearing green overalls with embroidered designs of butterflies and other whimsical patterns over a white long-sleeve shirt. His signature Fender guitar, decorated with colourful stickers, added a personal and playful touch to his stage presence. The combination of outfit and stage design enhances the comforting and relatable vibe that Cavetown is known for especially when he opened with "let them know they’re on your mind".
The setlist was a journey through his evolving sound, with highlights like "1994," "heart attack," and the popular "Sweet Tooth." Each song was met with enthusiastic cheers and heartfelt sing-alongs, especially during fan favourites "Lemon Boy" and "Boys Will Be Bugs." The crowd swayed and sang along, creating a sense of community.
Robin's interaction with the audience was warm and genuine. He shared stories behind his songs, including personal anecdotes that added depth to tracks like "Juliet" and "This Is Home." His vulnerability on stage was a example of his connection with his fans, making the large arena feel like an intimate gathering of friends.
As the opening strums of "Nobody Escapes" rattled through Rogers Arena, Mother Mother took the stage with a burst of energy that sent waves of excitement through the crowd. The Vancouver Canadian alt-rock legends, fronted by the charismatic Ryan Guldemond, brought an eclectic mix of their new and classic hits, demonstrating why they are one of Canada’s biggest musical exports.
Ryan Guldemond began singing at the centre stage, commanding attention with his striking presence. He dressed in a black outfit adorned with flowing fabric, adding a theatrical element to his performance. Flanking him on either side were Molly Guldemond and Jasmin Parkin, both wearing voluminous, red-tulle dresses that enhance their dynamic stage movements and contribute to the visual spectacle.
The band’s performance was a dynamic blend of theatricality and raw power. Guldemond’s distinctive vocals and guitar riffs, combined with the harmonies of Molly Guldemond and Jasmin Parkin, created a sound that was both unique and instantly recognizable.
Their set was a rollercoaster of emotions, from the haunting "Arms Tonite" to the raucous "Hayloft II." The crowd erupted when the band launched into "The Matrix / Where Is My Mind?," a mashup that showcased their versatility and creativity. The medley of "Dirty Town / Neighbour / Wisdom / Ghosting / Little Pistol / It's Alright" was a proof to their vast repertoire and ability to keep the audience engaged.
The evening’s climax came with the encore, where Mother Mother delivered powerful renditions of "Grief Chapter," "Burning Pile," and a surprising cover of "We Are The Champions." The energy in the arena was electric, with fans dancing and singing at the top of their lungs.
This co-headline tour has been a monumental success, blending the introspective, heartfelt performances of Cavetown with the explosive, genre-defying sound of Mother Mother. The Vancouver stop was no exception, leaving fans in awe and craving more. As the final chords rang out and the lights dimmed, the audience was left with a sense of having witnessed something truly special.
The tour continues to sweep across North America, hitting more iconic venues and spreading the magic of these two incredible acts. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to their music, this tour is not to be missed. So, if you have the chance, grab your tickets and experience the unforgettable fusion of Cavetown and Mother Mother.
As the night ended and the crowd slowly dispersed, one couldn't help but wonder: How will the rest of this tour evolve, and what surprises await in the upcoming performances? Stay tuned as this epic journey across North America continues.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
June 16 - Seattle, WA - Seattle Zoo
June 18 - Salt Lake City, UT - Granary Live
June 20 - Morrison, CO - Red Rocks Amphitheatre
June 22 - Dallas, TX - South Side Ballroom
June 23 - Austin, TX - Moody Amphitheatre at Waterloo Park
June 25 - Houston, TX - 713 Music Hall
June 28 - Miami, FL - FPL Solar Amphitheater
June 29 - Orlando, FL - Orlando Amphitheater
June 30 - Atlanta, GA - Coca-Cola Roxy
July 2 - Washington, DC - The Anthem
July 3 - Philadelphia, PA - Highmark Skyline Stage at the Mann
July 5 - Toronto, ON - Budweiser Stage
July 7 - Boston, MA - MGM Music Hall at Fenway
July 9 - New York, NY - The Rooftop at Pier 17
July 10 - New York, NY - The Rooftop at Pier 17
July 12 - Sterling Heights, MI - Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre
July 13 - Chicago, IL - Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
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