No worse for wear however, as the band was tight and energetic, whipping a sold-out crowd into a frenzy from the first note of set opener, "I Need Never Get Old," the intro of which really allows the dynamic horn section of Wesley Watkins on trumpet and saxophonist Andy Wild to let loose.
Keeping the groove going and the energy up, the band ripped through the songs on their eponymous album before mixing it up with a cover of Neil Young's "Out on the Weekend." Allowing the crowd to catch its collective breath, Rateliff guided his band through "Mellow Out", "Shake", and "Thank You", allowing each to take a turn showcasing their chops.
As expected they saved their big hit, "S.O.B," for the end encouraging the willing crowd to clap and sing along with the whoa whoa whoas. Not ready for the night to end, the crowd continued to serenade the band with whoa whoa whoas wooing them back to the stage after a brief exit for an encore. After profusely thanking the crowd, including many family members in attendance, and lamenting the loss of Missourians passed, Rateliff closed the show with a cover of "The Shape I'm In" by The Band.
There's nothing better than watching a band that truly enjoys playing together and having fun. It goes without saying that this comes across in the performance. I've seen this band
three times now and they get better each time out. I look forward to more from the Nathaniel Rateliff & Night Sweats in the future.
