It was a night filled with raised beer cans and “rock on” hand signs for Incubus’ triumphant return to The Rave’s Eagles Ballroom in Milwaukee.
After over five years away from the city, the 1991-formed rock band took the stage Saturday night with support from up-and-coming punk act Winona Fighter.
Winona Fighter
Coco, Winona Fighter’s front-woman, stormed the stage with a megaphone that serenaded the audience with an attention-grabbing siren. She later sang directly into the megaphone— with the microphone picking up the audio on the other side.
The band had high energy and great comradery for the entirety of their set. They closed with a song titled, “You Look Like a Drunk Pheobe Bridgers,” which got a Spotify like and stream out of me after the show for the title alone.
Incubus
Brandon Boyd, Incubus’ vocalist, took center stage with the band close behind. They started their 16-song set with a 2-song encore with “Nice To Know You,” the opening track to their 2001 album Morning View.
Upon their entrance, a handful of men in the audience ripped off their shirts and threw them into the air after waving them above their heads. The crowd of 30-to-40-somethings was nothing less than rowdy.
The band did not take many breaks to talk between songs, rather, continued from one to another. Fan-favorite “Wish You Were Here” was a peak of the show, as Boyd and fans alike rocked out and flipped their hair to the guitar shredding.
Post from DJ Kilmore showcasing his hair movements.
As the show continued, the band’s DJ Kilmore let his notably long locks down and waved them in impressive, gravity-defying circles, causing a commotion from the audience.
46-year-old Boyd showed off his vocal chops with a clean falsetto on “Are You In?” proving that he has still got it 21 years after the song’s release.
After a handful more of heavy rock and electronic-influenced tracks, Incubus went acoustic with “Mexico.” With just Boyd’s voice and Mike Einziger on the acoustic guitar, the song commanded the complete attention of everyone in the ballroom.
As an encore, Incubus completed the set with their Billboard Hot 100 top-ten hit, “Drive.” The timeless song had the room buzzing with nostalgia. Boyd held the microphone out for fans to sing the closing chorus with him.
“Whatever tomorrow brings, I’ll be there,” screamed the entire Eagles Ballroom. “With open arms and open eyes.”
