Soulive performed at Madison Square Garden in support of the Dave Matthews Band on this day 2005. Eric Krasno, Neal Evans, and Alan Evans were no strangers to the gentlemen of DMB, as they had supported them many times in the past. This particular show, however, was a proper New York City throwdown which fans still look back on with a smile even 15 years later.

Soulive took the stage with Ryan Zoidis on sax and Rashawn Ross on trumpet courtesy of an introduction from Dave Matthews himself. It’s fun to look and listen back to a show like this one considering Ross would later become an official member of DMB. The group opened up hot with “Spinna” followed by “Uncle Junior”, an early track from 1999’s Get Down!. Coming off the heels of the recent release, Break Out, Soulive delivered a plentiful helping of material from that album, including “She’s Hooked”, “What Can You Do”, and “Vapor”.

A slow and heavy cover of The Beatles‘ “Come Together” made for a perfect fit with the New York City crowd. They’d end up following the 1960s anthem with a set-closing cover of the Archie Bell & The Drells‘ 1968 number, “Tighten Up”, which sounded extra funky with Alan Evans taking the lead on vocals. Although this was only an opening set, Soulive was on point front-to-back, making this recording a must-listen for any true fan of the band.

The Soulive connection for the evening would not end there, however, as Krasno once again took the stage during DMB’s headlining performance to add his searing guitar prowess to a memorable rendition of Bob Dylan‘s “All Along The Watchtower”. Krasno’s sit-in with Dave Matthews Band for “Watchtower” from that night at The Garden back in 2005 can be watched via the fan-shot below.

Dave Matthews Band with Eric Krasno – “All Along The Watchtower” – 12/9/2005

[Video: JayBTV]

Both Krasno and Matthews have never lost sight of the magic they can produce in front of a New York City audience. Two years ago, on November 29th, 2018, Krasno once again joined Dave Matthews Band at MSG, making a surprise guest appearance during “Lie In Our Graves”.

Fans can also revisit Soulive’s entire thrilling opening set from that evening through the audio stream below.

Soulive – Full Show Audio – 12/9/2005

[Audio: Chris Maler]

Setlist: Soulive | Madison Square Garden | New York, NY | 12/9/2005

Set: Dave Matthews Intro, Spinna -> Uncle Junior, She’s Hooked*, What Can You Do *, Don’t Tell Me *, Vapor, Come Together, Tighten Up *

* With Reggie Watts on vocals
* Entire set with Rashawn Ross on trumpet and Ryan Zoidis on sax

Setlist: Dave Matthews Band | Madison Square Garden | New York, NY | 12/9/2005

SET: Recently, Granny, Everyday, Dream Girl, Pig, Crash Into Me, Hunger For The Great Light, Where Are You Going, American Baby Intro, Stefan Solo, All Along The Watchtower*, Louisiana Bayou, Stand Up (For It), Old Dirt Hill (Bring That Beat Back), Too Much, Stay (Wasting Time)

ENCORE: Christmas Song, Two Step

* With Eric Krasno

[Originally published on 12/9/18]