Cage the Elephant Concert: Last show on Tour
Emma Londoner ‘26/ Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer
I didn’t expect to go to a Cage The Elephant concert this year—my friend had an extra ticket and graciously asked if I wanted to come with her. I obviously said yes without hesitation. I grew up listening to Cage the Elephant, and because my siblings always played their music, their songs became part of the background of my childhood.
It was October 30th, and walking into MGM Music Hall on the final night of their tour felt like stepping into something bigger than just a concert.
It was like walking into a memory I will never forget.
Before Cage came on, we caught opener Hey, Nothing. I had never heard of them, and didn’t have any expectations. This made the experience even better. Throughout their set, I learned that the two main bandmates were best friends and that this was a huge milestone for their careers. Their music was emo-folk, with a mix of indie rock. At times, it was difficult to hear and understand the lyricism, but honestly, it didn’t matter because their voices were so strong and paired so well. The drummer, Karmen Smith, was also fantastic. The whole set played as effortlessly. Since the concert, I’ve been listening to them; after all, being introduced to a new artist felt exciting and was a reminder that concerts aren’t just about the headliner but also about discovery and what else they offer. They truly set the tone for the rest of the night.
Then… it was Cage Time!!!
Around 9 p.m., Cage The Elephant stepped on the stage, and the room exploded. There was no slow build or warm-up—they went straight into high energy, determined to leave everything they had on that stage.
Matt Shultz, the band’s lead singer, is not a regular performer, but rather a force of nature. He absolutely throws himself into the music, dancing, running, jumping, and moving as if every lyric were passing through him physically. Even with all the movement, his vocals stayed strong. The band was also influential. The sound was loud but clean—you could hear every detail without losing the feeling of live chaos.
I went into the concert unaware of the setlist, but it was truly banger after banger. There wasn’t a moment to catch your breath, which made it impossible to be anything but fully present. The emotional high point for me was “Cigarette Daydreams,” one of the band’s biggest hits, and an encore song. Hearing that song live was a riveting experience. When the opening chords began, the entire room shifted, and the crowd sang every word.
As the song progressed, Matt Shultz’s voice became gentler and more vulnerable. There’s something so special about hearing a song that you’ve known for years being sung by a crowd that loves it as much as you do. It just completely takes over and consumes you. It was a pure connection that rocked us like an out-of-body experience.
The final song, “Come a Little Closer,” was also unforgettable and a fantastic way to end the concert. Cage completely leaned into its fanbase without a hint of fear or hesitation, particularly during the chorus, and the performance truly felt raw and alive in a way that could never be replicated in any other moment. It was amazing getting to hear it live.
Other notable songs were “Telescope” and “Skin and Bones,” both of which brought me right back to high school with their nostalgia and full-force energy. My friend was completely screaming the lyrics, and it was, to say the least, a liberating feeling.
The show lasted over an hour and a half, featuring 21 songs. Matt and the rest of the band gave it their all; it didn’t feel like this was the last stop on the tour. I couldn’t believe it was over because it went by so fast.
Cage the Elephant didn’t just put on a concert; they created an experience that people will remember for a long time. It was nostalgic, emotional, chaotic, and completely electric. I didn’t just watch the show, I felt it. I’m so appreciative of my friend for inviting me and for sharing this experience on the final night of the tour.