Longtime jam band Ultraviolet Hippopotamus hit The Intersection in Grand Rapids, MI last night, playing an emotional performance of sorts. The show marked the last appearance from guitarist Russell Olmsted, and the group gave a powerful two set showing that hit highlights from their career, as well as a ton of new material. They also welcomed guitarist Andy Kirby throughout the night, who will be joining the band full time going forward.
“It’s with a heavy heart that Ultraviolet Hippopotamus bids farewell to our amazing guitarist, singer, songwriter and dear friend, Russell Olmsted,” the band wrote in a statement. “We wish Russ nothing but the best in his future endeavors. The words ‘thank you’ hardly cover the appreciation for everything Russ has done for us, but all the same, thank you. Thank you times infinity. You will be missed.”
The show itself featured a number of great tunes from UV Hippo, as well as covers of Pink Floyd’s “Welcome to the Machine” and the debut of Prince’s “Purple Rain.” Thanks to Phierce Photo, we can see images from the show below.
Check out the full setlist, provided by the band, as well as a full gallery below.
Setlist: Ultraviolet Hippopotamus at The Intersection, Grand Rapids, MI – 7/9/16
S1: The Game, Hey Tommy, Reality, Yin Yang>Run Rabbit Run>The Scar, Chorale>Tetris>Chorale, La Marea>Jessica*>La Marea*
S2: Avalon, Georgie, Medicine>The Marine, Vultures and Thieves, Dusty’s Trumpet*, Welcome to the Machine*>Imperial Death March*, North Coast*>Welcome to the Machine*
E: Purple Rain*#, Bob the Wondercat*, Giants*
* w/Andy Kirby on Guitar
# first time played
