MANSFIELD, MA | Grammy Award-winning Dave Matthews Band continued the first leg of their 2019 North American Tour on June 21, 2019, at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, Mass. In support of the tour, the band released a reworking of the title track “Come Tomorrow” featuring Brandi Carlile from their latest album, Come Tomorrow (RCA Records), which debuted No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 2018.
The Massachusetts crowd was buzzing with excitement as the band took the stage of the outdoor amphitheater lit by a setting sun. With the majority of the packed house being diehard fans, a crowd thrilled for the dynamic show DMB has brought for more than 28 years. The veteran band humbly took the stage without a dramatic introduction or opener. Instead, they played a passionate and energetic 19-song set well into the night.
It was almost exactly one year to the day since they last performed at Xfinity Center—many elements reminiscent of the last performance; a spirited lead singer dancing along to the music backed by a joyous band sharing continuous smiles and laughs. The most notable change this year was the setlist, which only contained three songs from their last summer performance. The Dave Matthews Band’s discography of nine studio albums equips the band to deliver a unique and personal set to each crowd along their 2019 tour.
Dave Matthews Band’s ability to deliver a personal experience at their concert was best exemplified by the experience of super-fan Ashley Gleason of Pawtucket, RI who has been to four stops along DMB’s 2019 tour already—and has two more shows to go. While living with the sudden passing of her brother Justin, the song, “Sister” which was played during their show in Mansfield held special importance to her. “To be there, at my home venue, and hear Dave play “Sister” made my heart so full. I knew Justin was there with me enjoying the show alongside me.”
A deep connection to the music and each other was felt and seen between band members sharing smiles and belly laughs throughout the night. This can be partly attributed to the most common theme throughout Dave Matthews’ songwriting career—love. Fans heard lyrics like, “love, what more is there?” during the setlist. Fifty-five out of 107 tracks from their studio albums contain the word “love.” This doesn’t include songs like “That girl is you,” the opening song of their set, where the word is not directly sung but is the central message. Attending this tour is an opportunity for fans to re-experience albums dating back to 1994 and have the band’s vast array of love songs accompany new summer memories.
The Dave Matthews Band’s 2019 North American Tour contains 28 more stops, including three-night Labor Day run at the Gorge Amphitheater, pushing their total number of performances at the scenic venue above 60.
