That's the problem with Modest Mouse shows though. They were always hit or miss. You either got a phenomenal performance or Isaac Brock was so wasted he might as well have been a marionette with its strings cut.
My understanding is he's gotten sober over the years, but I've still got the memories of watching him forget which song he was playing halfway through during a show at the Aragon in 2004. I genuinely hope he's gotten better because they were one of my favorites of that era.
Definitely hit or miss. I’ve seen them 3 times. The first two they sucked which was pretty disappointing. Honestly, it seemed like the mixing was really bad for those shows.
I saw them again a couple years ago and they were awesome! Really into it, tons of energy, great sound. The only downside was it was a music festival and half the crowd dipped after hearing their favorite song (probably Float On?). Anyway, that left tons of room for us to get closer. But that has to be shit from the band experience - seeing everyone leave early so they can line up at the next set.
I saw them in 2004, and they refused to play a single song off of Good News For People Who Love Bad News. They only played their older stuff, and they didn’t seem terribly enthused to be doing that either.
Yeah, they did a few shows around that time as unbilled friends of whomever where they played all the fan favs from the early albums. Secret shows because they had a tricky time adjusting from being an indie fav to shows where teeny boppers were singing along to float on. So that secret show I caught, think it was Wolf Parade? Maybe wolf eyes? Idk but def one of my favorite shows. I kinda stopped listening after the good news album, the ones after just such a tonal shift, I didn’t quite vibe. The first 3-4 albums tho I still go back and listen to
Good News is an undeniable, perfect album, I love Moon and Antarctica, and their previous albums have something for me here and there. But everything post Good News feels like they couldn’t adjust to being a mainstream band, but they also can’t organically return to being a hipster garage band.
I think We Were Dead is a pretty killer album (obviously not as flawless as Good News) that manages to ride that line between indie darling and mainstream rather well but totally agree that it’s a step down and they did not manage to hang onto that at all afterward.
I think March Into the Sea all the way up to Missed the Boat is pretty great, then it fades into a bunch of filler until the last two tracks which are also good but not as good as the front half lol.
I hated We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank when it first came out, then went back to it several years later and fucking loved it. It’s one of my favorites of theirs now.
I saw Wolf Parade open for them at Royal Oak Theater in Detroit 2004/2005? . Fucking amazing show.
I’ve only seen them live once, but I’ve read stories. I’m grateful that show was as good as it was. My first concert and an incredible experience.
What a show! The guitarist for Wolf Parade played almost the entire set with a beer and a cigarette in his hands while he was playing. I found that hilarious at the time.
Wolf parade is one of my favourite bands. Theyre canadian. They were signed to subpop. Isaac recorded and sings on the record apologies to queen Mary - in my opinion the best Canadian record. Pretty sure Isaac lost all the fucking recordings and they had to re-record the entire album. Insane.
I got to see them soundcheck for an outdoor show in 2004 and absolutely kill it. Then there were about three hours until showtime... and Isaac drank. And drank. And drank. Band hit the stage, and it was a disaster.
Yeah, my one time seeing them live was back around 2000 in Cleveland. I was super excited to see them and they just bombed due to Isaac being completely wasted. Hopefully their batting average is better now.
Opened for Weezer in WI. Second time I have seen them. The first was similar, but at least they made it through a set that time. I'll be seeing them in a few weeks with the Pixies, hopefully it's better this time around.
[Why does Setlist.fm say they played 12 songs?](https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/modest-mouse/2023/breese-stevens-field-madison-wi-7ba6cab4.html) That's a weird thing to lie about
Even weirder, I see a review from the site "The New Fury" that doesn't mention this failing. I would have bought someone copy pasting setlist, but...
(And I saw MM play forecastle, wherein Isaac was a mumbling mess)
I don't know what to tell you other than I was there and sat through Isaac mumbling for 20 minutes. I love MM, but my live experiences with them were awful.
That would be devastating. Two of my favorite bands, also both top 3 live shows I’ve ever seen (Weezer 1, MM 3). My wife and I caught Modest Mouse in a small theater and they were AMAZING. They were slated to perform outdoors, got rained out, said fuck it and moved a block away into the theater. Rocked the roof off. Was already a fan, became an ever bigger fan after that. They gave it everything they had too.
I’ve seen them like a dozen times between 2015 and present. The best shows have been the ones I’ve seen from 2022 to forward. The smaller the venue, and the closer to the front you can be the better.
Those couple of tours where they had Johnny Marr in the band were phenomenal. Felt like Johnny was a really good influence on Isaac. Or maybe it just didn't matter, because Johnny could vamp for ages on Tiny Cities Made of Ashes and make the crowd forget anything else.
Seen them 3 times since 2017 and each show has been killer. First two were in my town at the same 3k capacity venue, but the most recent was at a 1k capacity venue a couple hours away and it was fuckin magical. One of my favorite bands of all time and I never thought I'd get to see them at a place that intimate. They've been amazing all 3 times
He’s lightyears better. I’ve seen them roughly every other year, and haven’t seen Brock miss a beat since ~2013. Burly the years before that were *rough.*
I saw them 10 years ago in Winnipeg and he was too high. I was thinking I’d rather see them in a major city and wouldn’t bother in Winnipeg again but if he’s sober I’ll go.
Yes but this is how all great rock and roll bands are. It’s a tight-rope walk every night. The closer you come to total chaos and cacophony and falling off the stage the better you are. Every GREAT live rock and roll band is hit or miss.
If you want the band to basically cover themselves and stick to the script of the record I would say stay home and put the record on.
And if they manage to sound pretty much exactly the same as the record, well, I find that kind of boring and a waste of money.
But that’s just me.
If you haven’t seen them live in the last 5 years give em another try. Isaac is much better now and the 6 or so shows I’ve seen in the last 5 years have been good, both indoors and out. They are supposed to be putting together a fall tour to celebrate the 20 year anniversary of Good News for People Who Love Bad News. When they did Lonesome Crowded West a couple years ago they sounded really good so fingers crossed they keep it up.
Holy shit. 20 years? Fuck that makes me feel old. Thanks for the news though. I should probably go and see them. I don't go to concerts really ever anymore but I think I'd have to make myself go to that. That album was very special to me at the time of it's release.
When I saw them over 15 years ago it was great. They kept coming back for encores. Drummer fell off his drum stand. Isaac Brock totally wasted. The club eventually shut off his mic so he sang drunken garbles through his guitar which the amp could kind of pick up.
Been a while, but I saw them live 3-4 times over 2007-08, and they blew the roof off the place every time. Sad to hear sone folks haven’t experienced that because when they’re good, they’re great
I saw them open for the black keys a few years ago. I’m not a huge fan of either. Meaning I don’t actively chose to listen to either of then. Modest Mouse was better than the black keys in my opinion.
i saw them in 2008ish in kalamazoo and they were horrible. they had two drum sets playing the same exact thing for some reason. it was muddy and sounded awful. man man opened and kicked ass so it was definitely modest mouse and not the venue. it’s the worst show i’ve seen by a band i like
Yes I did see her in NH last night. She did use auto tune. I thought maybe it was artistic choice for effect… because when she sang without it she sounded angelic and wonderful…. I tried to just go with it and enjoy it. If you read her wiki you’ll find she has had some health issues over the last few years that may have effected her lungs. Poor Chan. I adore her voice and hope she is well.
Sorry unfortunately I’m not familiar enough with most of her music to know which songs they were. I was going to try to remember the lyrics & look it up later, but I can’t remember them now!
I just saw them and cat power opened.
She played in Quebec, which is 90% French.
She kept thanking the crowd in Spanish for some reason. The set was fine but she used an auto tune or vocoder or something on the last two songs and it was god awful. She butchered the greatest. Became the shitest.
That makes me so sad. I watched a video of her performing somewhat recently and noticed the use of auto tune as well. If anyone in the world doesn’t need it, it’s her. Bummer.
What was weird is that she didn’t use it for 80% of the set. Just the last two songs. Last time I saw her live was maybe around 2017 and she didn’t do that then.
From what I read they aren't completely terrible, just completely inconsistent. My show was easily one of the worst concerts I've been to once they even started to play, Isaac was like an hour late and obviously drunk off his ass.
When I saw them years ago it was people who just wanted to hear Kiss With a Fist, and like 3 random moonladies who wanted to act like Florence but were literally just walking into people and tripping on their flowy dress.
The band itself was fine, not great but fine. The crowd was shit. A bunch of hipsters sitting down, staring at their phones until they played that big hit they had a few years ago-this was when the song was huge and everywhere-and then they all stood up and started dancing and singing and then once the song was over they sat back down and went back to their phones. The whole experience lacked any kind of energy. It was kind of interesting to see people not give a fuck besides taking selfies and being able to say they saw them live but nobody cared about the actual music.
I've seen them twice. Once was in, dunno, early 2000s and was just ok, and once was a secret show when Johnny Marr was in the lineup and it was OUTSTANDING.
There is nothing really wrong with Modest Mouse live, but there is something missing that is tough to pinpoint. I’ve seen them live twice, ten years apart in different areas of the country and both experiences were the same. Both times I left the venue thinking “that was perfectly fine, but why didn’t I love it?”
I think part of it is their lack of crowd interaction. It kinda feels like they’re playing in a room by themselves and we’re all observing through a two-way mirror. They will end one song and immediately go into the next without saying anything.
I think my main criticism is that they need to do a better job crafting their set lists. I know 3 or 4 albums by heart and yet at both shows I knew less than half of the songs they played. They will play a lot of deep cuts all in a row, alienating non-super fans. And some of those deep cuts can be slow and extremely lengthy making them difficult to get into upon a first listen, let alone a first listen in a live environment. It can really kill the energy and vibe for a lot of people.
They need to craft a set list that weaves hits and deep cuts better, and also does a better job considering the energy levels throughout the set.
Yeaaaah, I have seen them 4 times and the last 3 were absolute shite. I will not be paying to see them live again. I love their music too and will happily listen to their albums.
I had no idea they had this reputation. I’ve seen them twice at Ommegang and both times I honestly enjoyed their set more than the headliner - so much energy and their lights are fantastic. They sounded great both times.
Would see them again without thinking twice.
I’m a huge fan but they’re so hit or miss. The last time I saw them they rocked it so hard, but the preceding shows were meh. Happy to hear you had a great experience!
I must be the lucky one, because I’ve seen modest mouse three times and not once was Isaac a disaster, but each time gave a memorable and dedicated performance.
First time was a legendary show for SLC, they played the last free Twilight concert before they started charging 5 bucks for tickets, and so many people showed up that fences got knocked over and people climbed the trees to get out of the crowd. Legendary. They killed it.
Saw them again and I’m pretty sure Jeremiah was sick but didn’t know it, he passed a few months later. It was their best show I’ve seen from them.
Then I saw them with the Pixies and Cat Power last year and they nailed it again. I was pretty sure my luck would run out because of Isaac’s reputation, and maybe this would be the show where he’d get blackout drunk because he’s not the headliner, but no, solid again, no complaints.
Extremely hit or miss. Either awesome and fun and killing it or just boring and no energy. Seen them 4 times. 3 bad shows, one incredible.it was like being two completely different bands.
When they were touring with Johnny Marr, Isaac was pretty sober. On the REM tour with the National and the headlining shows that year. Those were some damn good Modest Mouse sets. Then I saw them at Hollywood Forever a few years later and it was a mess.
I saw Modest Mouse at the Masonic in SF a few years ago, and it was probably one of my top 4 concerts. Their opener wasn't the best but they more than made up for it. I would 100% see them live again, and would recommend it if you like them.
I just saw them in Pittsburgh and it was one of my all time favorites. It was my first time seeing them live and all I want to do is see them again it was amazing.
They were the worst at lolla a few years back, just going through motions, left stage after 45 minutes, but returned not realizing they were scheduled for an hour. Oops
Modest Mouse have been hit or miss from the very beginning. I remember seeing them at the Crocodile Cafe opening for Built to Spill in 94 or so when they were basically unknown. They were drunk as shit and could barely play but they had insane energy and I couldn't stop looking at them and thinking "Who the fuck ARE these guys?." Sometimes they're good even when they're bad.
Saw them in Seattle 2018 maybe? It was perfectly serviceable, but a huge disappointment when they're one of my favourite bands. No talking in between songs, no energy, no personality. Id put it down to them not being a great live band, so it breaks my heart to hear all these amazing show reviews, knowing that I could have seen an amazing show if only I'd seen them a different night.
Energy and charisma was present, but they did not talk much between songs. I do remember one remark about how the singer said he was recovering from how beautiful New Hampshire was. Didn't seem to get much reaction so he shrugged and when into the next song.
Saw the same show last week in Atlanta. Pixies were great, but Modest Mouse was the highlight of the evening. They played all the classics I wanted to hear and they sounded amazing! I will definitely be seeing them again!!!
I fucking love Modest Mouse.
I was introduced to this band because my brother worked at the mall at a shoe story called Journeys. One day this smoking hot chick walks in with a Modest Mosue shirt on. My brother asked about the shirt and she replies that's its this cool ass band and he should check them out. This is 2001 I think, maybe 02, 03 fuck I can't remember, anyway...
So my brother walks down to the CD store and gets Everywhere and his nasty Parlor Tricks. This CD sits at our house for probably 6 months and nobody listens to it. One night myself a couple of buddies knock back a couple of grams of cocaine and a shit load of beers and it gets to be like 7a.m. and I'm so fucked up coming down off the blow, to much booze, can't sleep.but don't want to be up anymore so I grab this CD and put it in. I end up listening to this entire CD at 7a.m. and when Night on the Sun played I fell so hard in love with this band.
I ended up getting every album and song I could find, probably destroying my roommates computer downloading songs off Limewire.
I got to see Modest Mouse twice in my life. First time was right before Good.News for Ppl who love bad news came out and they played a venue that was comparable to a middle school gym and was like maybe 500-600 people at this show and I stood front stage and Issac Brock killed it. I was fresh 21 and was my first show where I could drink beers legally. Man what a time, think I paid $15-$20 tops for these tickets.
Saw them again with Band of Horses opening. They killed again but I was hammered for that show and don't remember much plus it was a long time ago.
I really happy these guys are still touring because for all the music I've listen to in my lifetime I genuinely think Issac Brock is one of the greatest song writers ever. Even if you don't like the music just read his lyrics as poetry. To this day Modest Mouse lives in my head everyday at some point, some song plays. Whether I think, Who would wanna be, such an asshole or The malls are the soon to ge ghost towns, so long, farewell, goodbye or one of the greatest things ever written...
I want to remember to remember to forget that you forgot me.
Just, Issac Brock you are a fucking amazing mind, brilliant honestly.
I just love this band so much.
saw them in 2007 and it was amazing (johnny made on guitar!). saw them in 2018 and it sounded awful and isaac had a 10+ minute rant. it’s throwing the dice with them.
I love them, but saw them two times a few years apart and both times their first song was SO LOUD IT BLEW OUT MY EARDRUMS. First at a smaller venue, second at a medium sized one and.. then they turned the volume down.
The first time they played more mellow songs and it was disappointing, the second time they had a better mix with more upbeat stuff too, but I have to say once you have excessive ear pain from shitty sound checks or whatever, nothing is fun to hear. I've seriously been wondering if they are sadists and did it on purpose over the years. Like.. a week ago I was musing on it. Every time I hear them basically.
Admittedly these were shows 20 years ago, (Moon Over Antarctica is definitely my favorite album) but maybe now they are old enough they can't handle ear pain either ;) Thanks for the prompt to check out what they've been doing the last few years, they aren't being played on the west coast alternative music station that usually plays some of their older stuff regularly.
I saw them play in May 2022 in NJ and they put on a phenomenal show. That was my first time seeing them live and at the end I hoped they came out to play a couple more songs again. Thats how good it was
I was pleasantly surprised after seeing them in Toronto on this Pixies tour. I only know of the hits that are played on the radio and honestly couldn’t pick them out of a line up. But man, 3 guitarist two percussionist and a bass player, sounded great, still not sure what kind of category to place them in ? Prog pop ? Shoegaze pop ? 🤷♂️ dig it though, gonna Spotify some albums for sure 👍 ps great cure cover indeed!!!
Really like Good news…I think Moon and Antarctica is also a good mix of old MM and the turn towards that newer sound while retaining a little of the Lonesome Crowded vibe.
Do yourself a favor and listen to "the lonesome crowded west". IMO just great late 90s prog rock. "Good news for people that love bad news" for a more polished sound.
Saw Modest Mouse a few years back. 5 or 6 years ago maybe. Hard Rock in Orlando. They absolutely killed it. Isaac had the flu. Couldn’t understand a damn word he said between songs he was so congested and even more nasally than usual. Sang the hell out of the songs though.
My only gripe is that the sound was way too damn loud. The loudest show I’ve been to bar Thundercat opening for RHCP in Atlanta 2022, which was sort of unbelievably loud.
Wear earplugs to shows, y’all.
I do now.
I always found shows tolerably loud, but then I went to an Avenged Sevenfold, Poppy, and Sullivan King show.
I barely made it through Sullivan King the shit was so eardrum fuckingly loud.
I left after Poppy genuinely concerned for my long-term hearing.
Not quite related but I saw the pixies opening for U2 in 1992 during the Zoo TV tour. Tickets were 30-40$. I would have paid that much for the Pixies alone.
My wife and I saw them at a small venue about 8 years ago.
It was only concert we've ever left early. Sound was so overblown neither of us could identify a single song or lyric...
I’ve only seen them once and it was at a festival with other bands, but they were good. I hadn’t heard about people being dissatisfied with their shows before.
Wow, I have never heard that. I saw them 20+ years ago at the Agora Theater in Cleveland and I saw them just last year in Cooperstown and both shows were amazing. I even preferred Modest Mouse to the Pixies in Cooperstown. They even played through quite a bit of rain and still seemed to have great energy.
I went to see them with Weezer head lining a year ago. I was meh and Weezer but was super stoked on Modest Mouse. I know MMs discography and was excited for my first time seeing them. They came out flat and chose my least favorite songs including my least favorite. I can't remember the last time I was that bummed about a performance. Thankfully Weezer absolutely killed it and saved the show.
Great band to see live. Seen them half a dozen times and they always keep the setlist fresh and really get into the songs. I’ve never seen them disappoint.
Hopefully a lot of people get some good exposure to them during the Pixies tour. I prefer their solo headline shows where they usually play for a long time.
I saw them at the Hollywood Bowl for that tour. Was good. Set list was nice and very happy they played Shit Luck!
Previously saw them at First City Festival which didn’t have the best sound system between that and Isaac being drunk it was difficult to listen to at times. I would still say it was a decent show.
Definitely worth checking out.
I'm going for the Pixies in a couple weeks, probably. I'm ambivalent to modest mouse. How were the Pixies? If they were shite I'll probably pass because we are moving house the following weekend and I've got so much work to do.
Saw them in Ohio about 12 years ago and it was a very messy set.
Then, saw them at the same venue a couple years ago and it was an incredible show. They were on point and crowd energy in the pit was nuts. One of the best shows I’ve seen.
Black Francis has a reputation of being a control freak. I gotta figure MM has been more consistent if they’re on tour together. If not, Brock might want to practice dodging guitars.
How big was the venue? I worked their show in Seattle at Climate Pledge Arena, and it's really not the space for that sound - it's where a Drake or a Madonna would play, not really a MM venue.
Saw them last fall at the LA Bowl. They opened for Pixies and kicked ass. Completely exceeded my expectations and ended up almost overshadowing Pixies who were a little lifeless in comparison
Modest Mouse is probably my most favorite band of all time.
I’ve seen them many times over the years. Some shows were good some shows were bad (more shows were bad honestly).
They’re one of those bands that will play great one night and then completely suck the next night. It’s a total crapshoot.
OP’s one single experience seeing them live is not indicative of future performances.
I love modest mouse, if I could I'd see them live but I'm broke (wink wink) and also live in a third world country where bands like this almost never go :(
‘97, Pittsburgh (didn’t happen), stayed at my house that night. Saw them in Cleveland after. Just 3 underage kids and a shitty road manager. Lovely people.
Stoked to hear this. Seeing them on Sunday with Pixies and I am SO looking forward to it, I had heard that Isaac got sober and the quality of the shows went way up again!
I saw them at Made in America festival in 2015 and they were on right before Beyoncé, so they had a huge crowd. They were pretty bad. I had very high expectations and it was made extra stark by the performance thereafter. Death Cab was also at the same festival and they were amazing.
They were SUPER LATE in Mankato, MN. After becoming parents, it was our first time going out of town, and we allowed a generous window but had to leave about halfway through so our sitter could get home.
What we experienced was very nice.
I’ve seen Modest Mouse twice. One performance was fantastic, the other was so bad I left after 3 songs. The singer was HAMMERED and the lyrics were indecipherable slurring and the entire band was sloppy. I’d give them a chance if they’re on the same bill as another band I really want to see, but I’m not gambling on them again.
Hello friend! I was also there — MM killed it. I thought they were playing “into the trees” (The Cure) but I was questioning my senses. Thank you for confirming!! I saw MM in 2012 and I was very close, outdoors, smaller stage (Gov Ball) — thought they were fantastic at that show as well. I’ll never forget it. I could watch them play for hours. When Isaac pulls out the banjo, it’s over, I’m dead. I wish more people in this crowd were letting loose. I was dancing in place as much as I could without assaulting anyone next to me, and I saw others as well, but the majority were more still. Modest Mouse and Pixies both just effect me physically and gyration is unavoidable 😅
As someone who is a fan of MM and only just started appreciating the breadth of Pixies talent over the last few years, I was of course elated to see MM again but I was blown away by the Pixies— man he’s still got it. All the fun vocal dynamics are still there, and it was all together an enjoyable show. Thought that playing Wave of Mutilation 2x was an excellent choice by them, and not having an encore was, different? I wouldn’t have minded hearing more. Maybe they just don’t do encores because it’s kind of a silly tradition and expected , which is a choice I respect.
The Cure song was “A Forest” and it sounded awesome. Saw them in Charlotte a week or so ago and they sounded awesome. Went for the Pixies and only knew a couple MM songs but man they killed it.
I saw them about 10 years ago in Phoenix and it wasn’t the best. The band was great but the crowd was really rowdy and just made it not the best experience
with Brand New? because they were super ass garbage at that show.
I also saw them outdoor at Crescent Ballroom a year or two before that. it was pretty bad too, but just regular bad.
Personally had a great time seeing them this tour, also a great show when they toured with Future Islands. Even saw them at the fair and Issac was drunk, but he was adorable and enjoyed the show a lot. But I am a person who likes them already…
Their reputation for live performances isn't the reason why I would never consider giving them my money. The multiple allegations against Isaac Brock going back decades is the reason.
Saw Modest Mouse at Lewis & Clark College 25+ years ago. They played for like 100 people and it was freakin awesome. Hung around afterwards and chatted with people. Saw them at Bumbershoot as well, also an amazing concert.
I saw them at the Gibson Theatre in like 2008 or something, and they were okay. Like not awful, but they were definitely overshadowed by the opening band, Man Man.
I wish that had been the case when I saw them. It wasn't a question of the performance being bad. It was a question of the sound mixing being so terrible that I couldn't hear half the instruments. I'm pretty sure I could find a deaf person who would do a better job.
Honest question about Modest Mouse: Does the singer sound like he does on "Float On" in every song of theirs?
I ask because when I first heard that song, his voice grated on me so much that I absolutely never checked out any of their other music. I never understood how that song became a hit. So does he always sound like that?
Depends on the era. That album was a huge tonal shift that continued in every album after. It also sounds like he had blown out his voice between that album in the previous.
The Lonesome Crowded West is my fave album of all time and The Moon and Antarctica is a fantastic follow up. If you want young and angry, try Lonesome Crowded West. If you want something a little softer and more experimental try the Moon. If you want something messier, but genuine try This is a Long Drive (listen to Dramamine from that album)
I saw this same show in NH and was not an MM fan but was blown away. Holy crap did they rock. They were so good Frank Black was on his ‘A’ game and easily the best pixies show I’ve seen in years
I saw Modest Mouse at the Masonic in SF a few years ago, and it was probably one of my top 4 concerts. Their opener wasn't the best but they more than made up for it. I would 100% see them live again, and would recommend it if you like them.
I saw them at Coachella in one of the tents about 10 or so years ago. Dude was so plastered he was mumbling the songs or straight up just swaying around trying not to eat shit. It was kinda funny but also sad as clearly alcoholism was at play. Would be encouraging to see the lead singer (don’t know names sorry) has sobered up.
I saw them last summer in Huntsville with Weezer and they were both fucking amazing. Weezer see was definitely better but I was not disappointed with modest mouse at all
Oh no a musician drinking or doing drugs, that's never happened before in the entire history of music.
I've seen them live twice and they were fantastic both times.
He was sober when I saw them last year and it was one of the worst concerts I had been to in years. The mix was bad. The performance was last and the song selection was dog shit. I was a big fan going in and had never seen them live. I couldn't have been more disappointed.
Bad reviews of their shows just come from whiney babies that are mad that they actively don't play Float On anymore--a thing they all need to get the fuck over. I've seen them three times, in three very different eras, and they were amazing each time. Go see them while you still can.
That's the problem with Modest Mouse shows though. They were always hit or miss. You either got a phenomenal performance or Isaac Brock was so wasted he might as well have been a marionette with its strings cut. My understanding is he's gotten sober over the years, but I've still got the memories of watching him forget which song he was playing halfway through during a show at the Aragon in 2004. I genuinely hope he's gotten better because they were one of my favorites of that era.
Definitely hit or miss. I’ve seen them 3 times. The first two they sucked which was pretty disappointing. Honestly, it seemed like the mixing was really bad for those shows. I saw them again a couple years ago and they were awesome! Really into it, tons of energy, great sound. The only downside was it was a music festival and half the crowd dipped after hearing their favorite song (probably Float On?). Anyway, that left tons of room for us to get closer. But that has to be shit from the band experience - seeing everyone leave early so they can line up at the next set.
I saw them in 2004, and they refused to play a single song off of Good News For People Who Love Bad News. They only played their older stuff, and they didn’t seem terribly enthused to be doing that either.
Yeah, they did a few shows around that time as unbilled friends of whomever where they played all the fan favs from the early albums. Secret shows because they had a tricky time adjusting from being an indie fav to shows where teeny boppers were singing along to float on. So that secret show I caught, think it was Wolf Parade? Maybe wolf eyes? Idk but def one of my favorite shows. I kinda stopped listening after the good news album, the ones after just such a tonal shift, I didn’t quite vibe. The first 3-4 albums tho I still go back and listen to
Good News is an undeniable, perfect album, I love Moon and Antarctica, and their previous albums have something for me here and there. But everything post Good News feels like they couldn’t adjust to being a mainstream band, but they also can’t organically return to being a hipster garage band.
I think We Were Dead is a pretty killer album (obviously not as flawless as Good News) that manages to ride that line between indie darling and mainstream rather well but totally agree that it’s a step down and they did not manage to hang onto that at all afterward.
It has its moments. Dashboard is too fun and catchy. But overall, it’s filled with songs that aren’t bad, but to me, it’s missing heart
I think March Into the Sea all the way up to Missed the Boat is pretty great, then it fades into a bunch of filler until the last two tracks which are also good but not as good as the front half lol.
Someday you will die and somehow something’s gonna steal your carbon
I hated We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank when it first came out, then went back to it several years later and fucking loved it. It’s one of my favorites of theirs now.
It got more listenable to me over the years, but I still don’t love it
I saw Wolf Parade open for them at Royal Oak Theater in Detroit 2004/2005? . Fucking amazing show. I’ve only seen them live once, but I’ve read stories. I’m grateful that show was as good as it was. My first concert and an incredible experience.
I got to hang out with Dan a few years ago on their reunion tour. Guy is absolutely amazing and down to earth. Spencer, he's a little stuck up. Lol
I was at that show. Wolf Parade blew me away. Still a huge fan.
What a show! The guitarist for Wolf Parade played almost the entire set with a beer and a cigarette in his hands while he was playing. I found that hilarious at the time.
Wolf parade is one of my favourite bands. Theyre canadian. They were signed to subpop. Isaac recorded and sings on the record apologies to queen Mary - in my opinion the best Canadian record. Pretty sure Isaac lost all the fucking recordings and they had to re-record the entire album. Insane.
Yeah I saw wolf parade a few times. Phenomenal show. I just couldn’t remember if it was “wolf parade and friends” or someone else.
I got to see them soundcheck for an outdoor show in 2004 and absolutely kill it. Then there were about three hours until showtime... and Isaac drank. And drank. And drank. Band hit the stage, and it was a disaster.
Yeah, my one time seeing them live was back around 2000 in Cleveland. I was super excited to see them and they just bombed due to Isaac being completely wasted. Hopefully their batting average is better now.
[удалено]
They headlined, can’t recall the name of the venue. Was fairly large and fairly empty.
I saw that show. It was really hot, he said something about being on a 3 day long bender.
This is old talk now though. They’ve been a stellar live act for close to 10 years now. Once Isaac got his shit together more
I saw them last year. They were nearly an hour late, and Isaac could barely stand. They played 4 songs and called it quits.
Which show was that?
Opened for Weezer in WI. Second time I have seen them. The first was similar, but at least they made it through a set that time. I'll be seeing them in a few weeks with the Pixies, hopefully it's better this time around.
[Why does Setlist.fm say they played 12 songs?](https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/modest-mouse/2023/breese-stevens-field-madison-wi-7ba6cab4.html) That's a weird thing to lie about
Even weirder, I see a review from the site "The New Fury" that doesn't mention this failing. I would have bought someone copy pasting setlist, but... (And I saw MM play forecastle, wherein Isaac was a mumbling mess)
I don't know what to tell you other than I was there and sat through Isaac mumbling for 20 minutes. I love MM, but my live experiences with them were awful.
I wasn’t trying to directly call them out. I think people hear isaacs lisp and thinks he’s drunk most the time.
Breese Stevens gang rise up!
That would be devastating. Two of my favorite bands, also both top 3 live shows I’ve ever seen (Weezer 1, MM 3). My wife and I caught Modest Mouse in a small theater and they were AMAZING. They were slated to perform outdoors, got rained out, said fuck it and moved a block away into the theater. Rocked the roof off. Was already a fan, became an ever bigger fan after that. They gave it everything they had too.
Eh, I've seen them like 6 times in the past 10 years. It's a 50-50 shot if you get a good show
I wouldn’t say that. Two shows in the past four years might as well have been two different bands. The sober one obviously much better.
100% 2002 he was three hours late and absolutely wasted. 2024 opening for Weezer it was fucking awesome.
I’ve seen them like a dozen times between 2015 and present. The best shows have been the ones I’ve seen from 2022 to forward. The smaller the venue, and the closer to the front you can be the better.
Those couple of tours where they had Johnny Marr in the band were phenomenal. Felt like Johnny was a really good influence on Isaac. Or maybe it just didn't matter, because Johnny could vamp for ages on Tiny Cities Made of Ashes and make the crowd forget anything else.
Seen them 3 times since 2017 and each show has been killer. First two were in my town at the same 3k capacity venue, but the most recent was at a 1k capacity venue a couple hours away and it was fuckin magical. One of my favorite bands of all time and I never thought I'd get to see them at a place that intimate. They've been amazing all 3 times
Man I was at that Aragon show too. First and only time seeing them.
At least Secret Machines and Calexico were good.
Saw them at Stubbs almost a decade ago. Heard about their mixed reviews prior. Damn good show. He looked pissed off though
He’s lightyears better. I’ve seen them roughly every other year, and haven’t seen Brock miss a beat since ~2013. Burly the years before that were *rough.*
I saw them 10 years ago in Winnipeg and he was too high. I was thinking I’d rather see them in a major city and wouldn’t bother in Winnipeg again but if he’s sober I’ll go.
Yes but this is how all great rock and roll bands are. It’s a tight-rope walk every night. The closer you come to total chaos and cacophony and falling off the stage the better you are. Every GREAT live rock and roll band is hit or miss. If you want the band to basically cover themselves and stick to the script of the record I would say stay home and put the record on. And if they manage to sound pretty much exactly the same as the record, well, I find that kind of boring and a waste of money. But that’s just me.
I went to the first show in Charleston and it was amazing. Great concert all around. It seemed like the crowd was into as well.
I was front row center baby! What a show and I shook isaacs hand!
If you haven’t seen them live in the last 5 years give em another try. Isaac is much better now and the 6 or so shows I’ve seen in the last 5 years have been good, both indoors and out. They are supposed to be putting together a fall tour to celebrate the 20 year anniversary of Good News for People Who Love Bad News. When they did Lonesome Crowded West a couple years ago they sounded really good so fingers crossed they keep it up.
I need the GNfPWLBN tour. can’t wait.
Holy shit. 20 years? Fuck that makes me feel old. Thanks for the news though. I should probably go and see them. I don't go to concerts really ever anymore but I think I'd have to make myself go to that. That album was very special to me at the time of it's release.
I saw them for the first time last summer. They opened for Weezer. I thought they were awesome!
When I saw them over 15 years ago it was great. They kept coming back for encores. Drummer fell off his drum stand. Isaac Brock totally wasted. The club eventually shut off his mic so he sang drunken garbles through his guitar which the amp could kind of pick up.
Been a while, but I saw them live 3-4 times over 2007-08, and they blew the roof off the place every time. Sad to hear sone folks haven’t experienced that because when they’re good, they’re great
I saw them open for the black keys a few years ago. I’m not a huge fan of either. Meaning I don’t actively chose to listen to either of then. Modest Mouse was better than the black keys in my opinion.
Modest Mouse built their popularity around amazing live shows. Grew up in the Northwest. Saw them 10+ times throughout early 2000s. Never a bad show.
i saw them in 2008ish in kalamazoo and they were horrible. they had two drum sets playing the same exact thing for some reason. it was muddy and sounded awful. man man opened and kicked ass so it was definitely modest mouse and not the venue. it’s the worst show i’ve seen by a band i like
Man Man is one of the best live acts I’ve ever seen.
It doesn't help that Man Man is a ridiculously good live show
I think they had bad overall sound mixing that tour. I saw them in Miami the same year and had the same exact experience.
Was Cat Power at that show?
Yes I did see her in NH last night. She did use auto tune. I thought maybe it was artistic choice for effect… because when she sang without it she sounded angelic and wonderful…. I tried to just go with it and enjoy it. If you read her wiki you’ll find she has had some health issues over the last few years that may have effected her lungs. Poor Chan. I adore her voice and hope she is well.
I believe she mentioned she was starting to lose her voice. The first few songs she sounded better without it
She totally did, sounded great
Do you remember which songs she used it for? Someone else mentioned The Greatest
Sorry unfortunately I’m not familiar enough with most of her music to know which songs they were. I was going to try to remember the lyrics & look it up later, but I can’t remember them now!
I just saw them and cat power opened. She played in Quebec, which is 90% French. She kept thanking the crowd in Spanish for some reason. The set was fine but she used an auto tune or vocoder or something on the last two songs and it was god awful. She butchered the greatest. Became the shitest.
That makes me so sad. I watched a video of her performing somewhat recently and noticed the use of auto tune as well. If anyone in the world doesn’t need it, it’s her. Bummer.
What was weird is that she didn’t use it for 80% of the set. Just the last two songs. Last time I saw her live was maybe around 2017 and she didn’t do that then.
Saw them in Laval, ripping straight into Stars Are Projectors… then Dance Hall and Tiny Cities, what?! It was a tremendous show.
Saw them at the same show and they sounded awful imo.
Saw them open in Charlotte a couple weeks ago thought they were great! Large band created a real wall of sound vibe for a few songs.
From what I read they aren't completely terrible, just completely inconsistent. My show was easily one of the worst concerts I've been to once they even started to play, Isaac was like an hour late and obviously drunk off his ass.
I saw them like 20 years ago and it was the second worse experience at a concert I have had, only behind Florence and the Machine.
What was so bad about Florence and the machine?
They played Florence and the machine songs. I’m kidding but it was too easy
When I saw them years ago it was people who just wanted to hear Kiss With a Fist, and like 3 random moonladies who wanted to act like Florence but were literally just walking into people and tripping on their flowy dress.
The band itself was fine, not great but fine. The crowd was shit. A bunch of hipsters sitting down, staring at their phones until they played that big hit they had a few years ago-this was when the song was huge and everywhere-and then they all stood up and started dancing and singing and then once the song was over they sat back down and went back to their phones. The whole experience lacked any kind of energy. It was kind of interesting to see people not give a fuck besides taking selfies and being able to say they saw them live but nobody cared about the actual music.
I 100% agree! The Modest Mouse show that I went to years ago was pretty amazing. It was everything I wanted out of the experience
It’s been close to twenty years since I have seen them but that was an excellent show.
I saw them in 2015 or so, and it was incredible. I guess I got lucky.
I saw their Lonesome Crowded West anniversary tour a few years ago. Absolutely amazing.
I've seen them twice. Once was in, dunno, early 2000s and was just ok, and once was a secret show when Johnny Marr was in the lineup and it was OUTSTANDING.
There is nothing really wrong with Modest Mouse live, but there is something missing that is tough to pinpoint. I’ve seen them live twice, ten years apart in different areas of the country and both experiences were the same. Both times I left the venue thinking “that was perfectly fine, but why didn’t I love it?” I think part of it is their lack of crowd interaction. It kinda feels like they’re playing in a room by themselves and we’re all observing through a two-way mirror. They will end one song and immediately go into the next without saying anything. I think my main criticism is that they need to do a better job crafting their set lists. I know 3 or 4 albums by heart and yet at both shows I knew less than half of the songs they played. They will play a lot of deep cuts all in a row, alienating non-super fans. And some of those deep cuts can be slow and extremely lengthy making them difficult to get into upon a first listen, let alone a first listen in a live environment. It can really kill the energy and vibe for a lot of people. They need to craft a set list that weaves hits and deep cuts better, and also does a better job considering the energy levels throughout the set.
I just saw modest mouse during this tour. The sound was awful. Muddy as fuck. Guitar was thin and bad. The banter was terrible.
I couldn't even understand the dude he was so drunk and mumbly it was like going to a Joaquin Phoenix concert
He hasn’t been drinking this tour. He has a very pronounced lisp though.
He talked about something to do with the lion king multiple times. Nobody understood anything and nobody cared.
There are certain bands I am glad I saw when they played bars.
Yeaaaah, I have seen them 4 times and the last 3 were absolute shite. I will not be paying to see them live again. I love their music too and will happily listen to their albums.
Co-sign. Not even a fan but my partner is so I took them to a concert once. Had an incredible time!
I had no idea they had this reputation. I’ve seen them twice at Ommegang and both times I honestly enjoyed their set more than the headliner - so much energy and their lights are fantastic. They sounded great both times. Would see them again without thinking twice.
I had a terrible time at the one I went to. Couldn’t hear any of the vocals. Crowd wouldn’t dance. It was not a great time.
I’m a huge fan but they’re so hit or miss. The last time I saw them they rocked it so hard, but the preceding shows were meh. Happy to hear you had a great experience!
I must be the lucky one, because I’ve seen modest mouse three times and not once was Isaac a disaster, but each time gave a memorable and dedicated performance. First time was a legendary show for SLC, they played the last free Twilight concert before they started charging 5 bucks for tickets, and so many people showed up that fences got knocked over and people climbed the trees to get out of the crowd. Legendary. They killed it. Saw them again and I’m pretty sure Jeremiah was sick but didn’t know it, he passed a few months later. It was their best show I’ve seen from them. Then I saw them with the Pixies and Cat Power last year and they nailed it again. I was pretty sure my luck would run out because of Isaac’s reputation, and maybe this would be the show where he’d get blackout drunk because he’s not the headliner, but no, solid again, no complaints.
Extremely hit or miss. Either awesome and fun and killing it or just boring and no energy. Seen them 4 times. 3 bad shows, one incredible.it was like being two completely different bands.
When they were touring with Johnny Marr, Isaac was pretty sober. On the REM tour with the National and the headlining shows that year. Those were some damn good Modest Mouse sets. Then I saw them at Hollywood Forever a few years later and it was a mess.
I’ve seen them 6 times, it has always been an amazing show
I saw Modest Mouse at the Masonic in SF a few years ago, and it was probably one of my top 4 concerts. Their opener wasn't the best but they more than made up for it. I would 100% see them live again, and would recommend it if you like them.
Modest Mouse was one of my first shows after COVID restrictions and they rocked. But yeah I have seen them other times and they were not as good.
I just saw them in Pittsburgh and it was one of my all time favorites. It was my first time seeing them live and all I want to do is see them again it was amazing.
saw them perform a few years ago and they killed it! also loved the opener, they made a fan of me
They were the worst at lolla a few years back, just going through motions, left stage after 45 minutes, but returned not realizing they were scheduled for an hour. Oops
Modest Mouse have been hit or miss from the very beginning. I remember seeing them at the Crocodile Cafe opening for Built to Spill in 94 or so when they were basically unknown. They were drunk as shit and could barely play but they had insane energy and I couldn't stop looking at them and thinking "Who the fuck ARE these guys?." Sometimes they're good even when they're bad.
Saw them in Seattle 2018 maybe? It was perfectly serviceable, but a huge disappointment when they're one of my favourite bands. No talking in between songs, no energy, no personality. Id put it down to them not being a great live band, so it breaks my heart to hear all these amazing show reviews, knowing that I could have seen an amazing show if only I'd seen them a different night.
Energy and charisma was present, but they did not talk much between songs. I do remember one remark about how the singer said he was recovering from how beautiful New Hampshire was. Didn't seem to get much reaction so he shrugged and when into the next song.
Saw the same show last week in Atlanta. Pixies were great, but Modest Mouse was the highlight of the evening. They played all the classics I wanted to hear and they sounded amazing! I will definitely be seeing them again!!!
I fucking love Modest Mouse. I was introduced to this band because my brother worked at the mall at a shoe story called Journeys. One day this smoking hot chick walks in with a Modest Mosue shirt on. My brother asked about the shirt and she replies that's its this cool ass band and he should check them out. This is 2001 I think, maybe 02, 03 fuck I can't remember, anyway... So my brother walks down to the CD store and gets Everywhere and his nasty Parlor Tricks. This CD sits at our house for probably 6 months and nobody listens to it. One night myself a couple of buddies knock back a couple of grams of cocaine and a shit load of beers and it gets to be like 7a.m. and I'm so fucked up coming down off the blow, to much booze, can't sleep.but don't want to be up anymore so I grab this CD and put it in. I end up listening to this entire CD at 7a.m. and when Night on the Sun played I fell so hard in love with this band. I ended up getting every album and song I could find, probably destroying my roommates computer downloading songs off Limewire. I got to see Modest Mouse twice in my life. First time was right before Good.News for Ppl who love bad news came out and they played a venue that was comparable to a middle school gym and was like maybe 500-600 people at this show and I stood front stage and Issac Brock killed it. I was fresh 21 and was my first show where I could drink beers legally. Man what a time, think I paid $15-$20 tops for these tickets. Saw them again with Band of Horses opening. They killed again but I was hammered for that show and don't remember much plus it was a long time ago. I really happy these guys are still touring because for all the music I've listen to in my lifetime I genuinely think Issac Brock is one of the greatest song writers ever. Even if you don't like the music just read his lyrics as poetry. To this day Modest Mouse lives in my head everyday at some point, some song plays. Whether I think, Who would wanna be, such an asshole or The malls are the soon to ge ghost towns, so long, farewell, goodbye or one of the greatest things ever written... I want to remember to remember to forget that you forgot me. Just, Issac Brock you are a fucking amazing mind, brilliant honestly. I just love this band so much.
They are either great or I’m leaving early shows , which the cost of tickets isn’t worth it . Iv been to two stinker modest mouse shows .. .
saw them in 2007 and it was amazing (johnny made on guitar!). saw them in 2018 and it sounded awful and isaac had a 10+ minute rant. it’s throwing the dice with them.
I appreciate this! All the reviews had me sad whenever they'd come on!
I have seen them 15-20 times and they killed it everytime
They were great
I love them, but saw them two times a few years apart and both times their first song was SO LOUD IT BLEW OUT MY EARDRUMS. First at a smaller venue, second at a medium sized one and.. then they turned the volume down. The first time they played more mellow songs and it was disappointing, the second time they had a better mix with more upbeat stuff too, but I have to say once you have excessive ear pain from shitty sound checks or whatever, nothing is fun to hear. I've seriously been wondering if they are sadists and did it on purpose over the years. Like.. a week ago I was musing on it. Every time I hear them basically. Admittedly these were shows 20 years ago, (Moon Over Antarctica is definitely my favorite album) but maybe now they are old enough they can't handle ear pain either ;) Thanks for the prompt to check out what they've been doing the last few years, they aren't being played on the west coast alternative music station that usually plays some of their older stuff regularly.
I saw them play in May 2022 in NJ and they put on a phenomenal show. That was my first time seeing them live and at the end I hoped they came out to play a couple more songs again. Thats how good it was
I was pleasantly surprised after seeing them in Toronto on this Pixies tour. I only know of the hits that are played on the radio and honestly couldn’t pick them out of a line up. But man, 3 guitarist two percussionist and a bass player, sounded great, still not sure what kind of category to place them in ? Prog pop ? Shoegaze pop ? 🤷♂️ dig it though, gonna Spotify some albums for sure 👍 ps great cure cover indeed!!!
Though not my favorite, Good News for People Who Love Bad News is an excellent entry point to the band.
Really like Good news…I think Moon and Antarctica is also a good mix of old MM and the turn towards that newer sound while retaining a little of the Lonesome Crowded vibe.
I love The Cure so that was a great surprise.
I saw them in 2018 and fell asleep on the lawn lol. I didn’t think it was terrible overall, but still
My wife bought us tickets to MM a few years ago and I was like “wow great thanks 😒” They Fucking blew me away. Fantastic entertainers.
Good wife
Do yourself a favor and listen to "the lonesome crowded west". IMO just great late 90s prog rock. "Good news for people that love bad news" for a more polished sound.
Saw Modest Mouse a few years back. 5 or 6 years ago maybe. Hard Rock in Orlando. They absolutely killed it. Isaac had the flu. Couldn’t understand a damn word he said between songs he was so congested and even more nasally than usual. Sang the hell out of the songs though. My only gripe is that the sound was way too damn loud. The loudest show I’ve been to bar Thundercat opening for RHCP in Atlanta 2022, which was sort of unbelievably loud. Wear earplugs to shows, y’all.
I do now. I always found shows tolerably loud, but then I went to an Avenged Sevenfold, Poppy, and Sullivan King show. I barely made it through Sullivan King the shit was so eardrum fuckingly loud. I left after Poppy genuinely concerned for my long-term hearing.
I saw them a few yeaea ago and they were one of the best live shows I've seen
Not quite related but I saw the pixies opening for U2 in 1992 during the Zoo TV tour. Tickets were 30-40$. I would have paid that much for the Pixies alone.
My wife and I saw them at a small venue about 8 years ago. It was only concert we've ever left early. Sound was so overblown neither of us could identify a single song or lyric...
I’ve only seen them once and it was at a festival with other bands, but they were good. I hadn’t heard about people being dissatisfied with their shows before.
Sucks that they have so many bad shows and it's really anyone's guess if it would be worth it. I was lucky and they were one of my favourite concerts.
Haven’t seen the MM gang since 1997, but damn what a show that was…they leveled the room.
Wow, I have never heard that. I saw them 20+ years ago at the Agora Theater in Cleveland and I saw them just last year in Cooperstown and both shows were amazing. I even preferred Modest Mouse to the Pixies in Cooperstown. They even played through quite a bit of rain and still seemed to have great energy.
I went to see them with Weezer head lining a year ago. I was meh and Weezer but was super stoked on Modest Mouse. I know MMs discography and was excited for my first time seeing them. They came out flat and chose my least favorite songs including my least favorite. I can't remember the last time I was that bummed about a performance. Thankfully Weezer absolutely killed it and saved the show.
Great band to see live. Seen them half a dozen times and they always keep the setlist fresh and really get into the songs. I’ve never seen them disappoint. Hopefully a lot of people get some good exposure to them during the Pixies tour. I prefer their solo headline shows where they usually play for a long time.
I only saw them once but they were great. Good energy, great set list. No complaints
I saw them at the Hollywood Bowl for that tour. Was good. Set list was nice and very happy they played Shit Luck! Previously saw them at First City Festival which didn’t have the best sound system between that and Isaac being drunk it was difficult to listen to at times. I would still say it was a decent show. Definitely worth checking out.
Saw Modest Mouse not too long ago. Was an awesome concert. Sad to hear about the bad experiences.
I've seen them twice in two very different venues and loved both shows. 10/10 would go again.
I'm going for the Pixies in a couple weeks, probably. I'm ambivalent to modest mouse. How were the Pixies? If they were shite I'll probably pass because we are moving house the following weekend and I've got so much work to do.
Saw them in Ohio about 12 years ago and it was a very messy set. Then, saw them at the same venue a couple years ago and it was an incredible show. They were on point and crowd energy in the pit was nuts. One of the best shows I’ve seen.
Black Francis has a reputation of being a control freak. I gotta figure MM has been more consistent if they’re on tour together. If not, Brock might want to practice dodging guitars.
How big was the venue? I worked their show in Seattle at Climate Pledge Arena, and it's really not the space for that sound - it's where a Drake or a Madonna would play, not really a MM venue.
Saw them last fall at the LA Bowl. They opened for Pixies and kicked ass. Completely exceeded my expectations and ended up almost overshadowing Pixies who were a little lifeless in comparison
Modest Mouse is probably my most favorite band of all time. I’ve seen them many times over the years. Some shows were good some shows were bad (more shows were bad honestly). They’re one of those bands that will play great one night and then completely suck the next night. It’s a total crapshoot. OP’s one single experience seeing them live is not indicative of future performances.
I had a blast at the recent MM/Pixies concert in Cincinnati. I didn’t think either band was phoning it in and the acoustics were great at the venue.
Last one I went to was amazing.
I saw modest mouse in 2003 for free. I don’t need to see them again.
Dang that’s good to hear. They were absolutely atrocious both times I saw them. Whoever was doing the live mix wasn’t doing them any favors though
I love modest mouse, if I could I'd see them live but I'm broke (wink wink) and also live in a third world country where bands like this almost never go :(
‘97, Pittsburgh (didn’t happen), stayed at my house that night. Saw them in Cleveland after. Just 3 underage kids and a shitty road manager. Lovely people.
Stoked to hear this. Seeing them on Sunday with Pixies and I am SO looking forward to it, I had heard that Isaac got sober and the quality of the shows went way up again!
I went last year with limited expectations and was blown away. So my wife and I are going again, tonight! Can't wait!
I saw them at Made in America festival in 2015 and they were on right before Beyoncé, so they had a huge crowd. They were pretty bad. I had very high expectations and it was made extra stark by the performance thereafter. Death Cab was also at the same festival and they were amazing.
Depends on how much Isaac has had to drink.
You can’t negotiate with terrorists
TIL they have become inconsistent since I last saw them in 2001
How were the pixies? I heard they're garbage live
They were SUPER LATE in Mankato, MN. After becoming parents, it was our first time going out of town, and we allowed a generous window but had to leave about halfway through so our sitter could get home. What we experienced was very nice.
Saw them with the Pixies in NY, they were fantastic…
I’ve seen Modest Mouse twice. One performance was fantastic, the other was so bad I left after 3 songs. The singer was HAMMERED and the lyrics were indecipherable slurring and the entire band was sloppy. I’d give them a chance if they’re on the same bill as another band I really want to see, but I’m not gambling on them again.
I've seen them four times (technically seven if you count festivals) in 2010, 2015 and twice in 2022 and they were great every time. Fantastic shows
Hello friend! I was also there — MM killed it. I thought they were playing “into the trees” (The Cure) but I was questioning my senses. Thank you for confirming!! I saw MM in 2012 and I was very close, outdoors, smaller stage (Gov Ball) — thought they were fantastic at that show as well. I’ll never forget it. I could watch them play for hours. When Isaac pulls out the banjo, it’s over, I’m dead. I wish more people in this crowd were letting loose. I was dancing in place as much as I could without assaulting anyone next to me, and I saw others as well, but the majority were more still. Modest Mouse and Pixies both just effect me physically and gyration is unavoidable 😅 As someone who is a fan of MM and only just started appreciating the breadth of Pixies talent over the last few years, I was of course elated to see MM again but I was blown away by the Pixies— man he’s still got it. All the fun vocal dynamics are still there, and it was all together an enjoyable show. Thought that playing Wave of Mutilation 2x was an excellent choice by them, and not having an encore was, different? I wouldn’t have minded hearing more. Maybe they just don’t do encores because it’s kind of a silly tradition and expected , which is a choice I respect.
The Cure song was “A Forest” and it sounded awesome. Saw them in Charlotte a week or so ago and they sounded awesome. Went for the Pixies and only knew a couple MM songs but man they killed it.
Ah thank, you my brain likes to rename songs I guess
I saw them about 10 years ago in Phoenix and it wasn’t the best. The band was great but the crowd was really rowdy and just made it not the best experience
with Brand New? because they were super ass garbage at that show. I also saw them outdoor at Crescent Ballroom a year or two before that. it was pretty bad too, but just regular bad.
Actually 2013. Can’t remember who opened for them
Personally had a great time seeing them this tour, also a great show when they toured with Future Islands. Even saw them at the fair and Issac was drunk, but he was adorable and enjoyed the show a lot. But I am a person who likes them already…
Their reputation for live performances isn't the reason why I would never consider giving them my money. The multiple allegations against Isaac Brock going back decades is the reason.
Saw Modest Mouse at Lewis & Clark College 25+ years ago. They played for like 100 people and it was freakin awesome. Hung around afterwards and chatted with people. Saw them at Bumbershoot as well, also an amazing concert.
I saw them at the Gibson Theatre in like 2008 or something, and they were okay. Like not awful, but they were definitely overshadowed by the opening band, Man Man.
I wish that had been the case when I saw them. It wasn't a question of the performance being bad. It was a question of the sound mixing being so terrible that I couldn't hear half the instruments. I'm pretty sure I could find a deaf person who would do a better job.
Honest question about Modest Mouse: Does the singer sound like he does on "Float On" in every song of theirs? I ask because when I first heard that song, his voice grated on me so much that I absolutely never checked out any of their other music. I never understood how that song became a hit. So does he always sound like that?
Depends on the era. That album was a huge tonal shift that continued in every album after. It also sounds like he had blown out his voice between that album in the previous. The Lonesome Crowded West is my fave album of all time and The Moon and Antarctica is a fantastic follow up. If you want young and angry, try Lonesome Crowded West. If you want something a little softer and more experimental try the Moon. If you want something messier, but genuine try This is a Long Drive (listen to Dramamine from that album)
Appreciate the insightful response. I'm sure I didn't give them a fair chance at the time, so I might now.
It still won’t be everyone’s thing, but they were in the early-mid 20’s for those three and there’s just a cool honesty to them
I saw this same show in NH and was not an MM fan but was blown away. Holy crap did they rock. They were so good Frank Black was on his ‘A’ game and easily the best pixies show I’ve seen in years
I saw Modest Mouse at the Masonic in SF a few years ago, and it was probably one of my top 4 concerts. Their opener wasn't the best but they more than made up for it. I would 100% see them live again, and would recommend it if you like them.
I saw them at Coachella in one of the tents about 10 or so years ago. Dude was so plastered he was mumbling the songs or straight up just swaying around trying not to eat shit. It was kinda funny but also sad as clearly alcoholism was at play. Would be encouraging to see the lead singer (don’t know names sorry) has sobered up.
Looking forward to Friday 🤘
I saw them last summer in Huntsville with Weezer and they were both fucking amazing. Weezer see was definitely better but I was not disappointed with modest mouse at all
Saw the same show(in Atlanta). Completely agree. Wonderful set for both bands.
They aren’t known for self promotion.
I am not attending Midest Mouse because I do not like the music.... .
Who said Modest Mouse sucks live? Do they not have ears?
Do you live under a rock? Countless stories of Brock being absolutely shitfaced on stage.
Oh no a musician drinking or doing drugs, that's never happened before in the entire history of music. I've seen them live twice and they were fantastic both times.
Ok, good for you. But there are plenty of accounts of him not making it through songs and forgetting lyrics. Not what I'd call "fantastic."
He was sober when I saw them last year and it was one of the worst concerts I had been to in years. The mix was bad. The performance was last and the song selection was dog shit. I was a big fan going in and had never seen them live. I couldn't have been more disappointed.
I was shocked at how bad Pixies are live
Not last night
Just speculation, but it was one of the last Paz shows and it was raining miserably. Maybe I didn't see them at their best
Bad reviews of their shows just come from whiney babies that are mad that they actively don't play Float On anymore--a thing they all need to get the fuck over. I've seen them three times, in three very different eras, and they were amazing each time. Go see them while you still can.