Cage The Elephant Sets SLC Ablaze in Tour Kickoff
Article written by and photos by Alec Moody
On June 20th, 2024, Cage The Elephant kicked off their much-anticipated tour at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre with an electrifying performance that set the bar high for the rest of the tour. The evening began with the artist Willow Avalon, whose melodic country tunes welcomed concertgoers. Though I was unable to see her performance directly, her voice and captivating melodies drifted through the air, providing a sweet prelude to the night we’d had ahead. It was clear from the reactions of those who were able to catch her set that Willow Avalon had made a memorable impression on Salt Lake City.
Following Willow Avalon's enchanting opening, the stage was taken by Bakar, an English artist who has amassed a very large following throughout the UK and US. His set brought a chill, yet extremely danceable laid-back vibe that seamlessly transitioned the audience into the night. Bakar’s smooth vocals and relaxed beats resonated well with the crowd, as he opened up with “All In” creating an intimate atmosphere that allowed everyone to settle in and fully immerse themselves in the musical journey that was unfolding. His performance was a perfect balance of mellow and energetic, setting the tone for the act that was set to follow.
As the night continued, Young The Giant took the stage, and the energy in the amphitheater began to climb. Known for their melodic rock sound, the band played a healthy amount of both new hits and beloved classics, They opened up with “Jungle Youth” and seamlessly transitioned to “The Walk Home”. Which they then transitioned to my favorite song and the one I was the most excited to hear, “Cough Syrup”. Their performance was nothing short of energetic nostalgia, with fans jumping and singing along to every song. Young The Giant's dynamic presence and powerful setlist kept the audience on their feet and eagerly anticipating the headliner.
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived as Cage The Elephant stormed onto the stage amidst a dramatic display of flames shooting high into the night sky. Their explosive opening to the night began with “Broken Boy” from the first chord, the band's energy was palpable and the crowd erupted with screams and cheers. With a setlist that included tracks from their newest album "Neon Pill" alongside fan-favorite classics like Melophobia, Cage The Elephant delivered a high-octane performance that had everyone jumping, dancing, and singing at the top of their lungs. The seamless blend of new and old songs showcased their versatility and ensured that every fan left wanting more, marking the first show of their tour as an unforgettable night and celebration of classic alternative music.
