Cage The Elephant’s Resilience and Triumph at Noblesville Indiana: Review and Photos

Wednesday was a warm, clear August night, perfect for an outdoor show. The Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville, Indiana, became a sanctuary of rock as Cage The Elephant, accompanied by a stellar lineup of three, count ’em, three opening acts, delivered a concert that will be etched in the memories of those present.

The evening kicked off with Vlad Holiday, a Romanian-born American singer-songwriter whose lo-fi and bedroom pop melodies set a reflective mood. Holiday, known for his introspective lyrics and multi-instrumental talents, has been a solo act since 2017, captivating audiences with his blend of genres and hip-hop-inspired beats. For more on Vlad, visit here.

Following Holiday, Bakar took the stage. The English singer-songwriter, Abubakar Baker Shariff-Farr, known professionally as Bakar, brought his experimental indie rock style to life. His rise to fame began with the mixtape ‘Badkid’ in 2018, and his single “Hell n Back” has become synonymous with his name. His very positive stage presence was well received. For more on Bakar, go here.

The anticipation built as Young the Giant, an American rock band formed in Irvine, California, in 2004, prepared to perform. The band, consisting of Sameer Gadhia on lead vocals, Jacob Tilley and Eric Cannata on guitars, Payam Doostzadeh on bass, and Francois Comtois on drums, has been a staple in the alternative rock scene. Their stage lighting and flowing outfits made the show visually thrilling.

Their setlist was a journey through their discography, featuring hits like “Cough Syrup” and “My Body,” showcasing their ability to blend indie rock with anthemic pop. For more on Young the Giant, here:

The headliner, Cage The Elephant, formed in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and led by the charismatic Matt Shultz, took to the stage with an air of defiance and determination. With giant pyrotechnics and lazers, it was a spectacle.

Despite Shultz’s recent foot injury, which had him navigating the stage on a scooter, the band’s energy was undiminished. The accident, occurring just days before at a previous show, served as a testament to Shultz’s dedication to his art and his fans. Well, not exactly as much a testament to dedication as it was a testament to the fact that Shultz is simply a wild front man who unquestionably needs to command the stage.

Shultz mentioned after the first song, that he “Kinda broke my foot, but it’s all good because I got this really cool set of wheels.” With his knee on the scooter, he then popped a wheelie that set the tone for the night.

Halfway through the set, Shultz expressed heartfelt gratitude to the audience for their unwavering support during his personal struggles over the past five years. His battle with mental health, exacerbated by medication-induced psychosis, and the subsequent arrest on gun charges, were a crucible from which he emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and creativity.

The setlist was a narrative of resilience, with songs like “Trouble” and “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” resonating with Shultz’s journey. The encore, featuring “Shake Me Down” and “Cigarette Daydreams,” was a poignant reminder of the band’s evolution and the healing power of music.

The setlist was a great one:

• Broken Boy
• Cry Baby
• Spiderhead
• Too Late to Say Goodbye
• Good Time
• Cold Cold Cold
• Ready to Let Go
• Neon Pill
• Social Cues
• Halo
• Mess Around
• Trouble
• Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked
• Skin and Bones
• Rainbow
• Telescope
• Tokyo Smoke
• House of Glass
• Sabertooth Tiger
• Encore:
• Shake Me Down
• Cigarette Daydreams
• Come a Little Closer

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