moe. joined the millions of Americans who took part in “No Kings” protests in more than 2,000 cities across the nation on Saturday by using its setlist at the Barrymore Theatre in Madison, WI, to send a clear political message.
After offering a bit of social commentary opening with “Stranger Than Fiction”(listed as “Fiction” on the setlist), the band expressed a sense of resilience with “Tomorrow Is Another Day”, followed by “Recreational Chemistry”. As the set progressed, it became clear that moe. was using the first letter of each song to spell out “F TRUMP,” a direct, if subtle, critique of the political establishment. From “Ups and Downs” (a Rob Derhak composition) to “Mexico” and “Prestige Worldwide”, the songs took on new layers of meaning as they were delivered in the context of the protests.
The political subtext continued as moe. kicked off the second set with a pairing of “Not Coming Down” and “Opium”. Any lingering doubts about the band’s intent disappeared as the sextet finished spelling out “NO KINGS” with “Kids”, “It”, “New Hope For The New Year”, “Gone”, and “Silver Sun”.
To cap off the evening, moe. tacked on a cover of Pink Floyd‘s “Have a Cigar” in the encore slot, itself a critical commentary on the corporate side of the music industry.
By weaving subtle yet powerful critiques of the political establishment and the corporate world into Saturday’s setlist, moe. effectively used its music as a picket sign, joining millions of protestors in taking a stand against the Trump administration and the threat of authoritarianism.
Setlist: moe. | Barrymore Theatre | Madison, WI | 10/18/25
Set 1: Stranger Than Fiction, Tomorrow Is Another Day, Recreational Chemistry, Ups and Downs (Rob Derhak song), Mexico, Prestige Worldwide,
Set 2: Not Coming Down > Opium, Kids, It, New Hope for the New Year (With first chicken squeeze at the end), Gone, Silver Sun
Encore: Have a Cigar (Pink Floyd)
Notes:
Vinnie setlist. Setlist reads F TRUMP NO KINGS