As their Florida run continued, Goose headed to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, ranked the second-best amphitheater in the USA by Pollstar Magazine in 2019. This 5,000-capacity venue boasted impeccable sound and not a single bad seat in the house. The band, still on fire from the previous night, delighted the crowd with several notable covers.
Located on Anastasia Island, adjacent to St. Augustine, this venue was certainly something special. Its proximity to the beach created a fantastic experience for both the band and fans, with plenty of beachfront hotels nearby. Built on an old coquina quarry, the venue featured a covering reminiscent of the old roof at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Both of these aspects contributed to the impressive sound quality from any vantage point within the venue.
The Constitution State quintet kicked off the show with 'Hot Love & The Lazy Poet,' a new track debuted in April 2024 that has since solidified its place in their lineup. This version featured a drum solo courtesy of drummer Cotter Ellis. The band then pivoted into the blues-rock-heavy 'Butterflies,' with multi-instrumentalist Peter Anspach contributing vocals and guitar. Both he and guitarist Rick Mitarotonda wove their parts together nicely during this short but sweet jam. A breezy 'California Magic' followed.
Father John Misty’s 'I’m Writing a Novel' followed, leading into a tasty blues-rock jam that fired up the crowd. The new tune 'One In, One Out' came next, bringing a ten-minute ambient jam with considerable guitar peaks as the song wound down. A well-executed segue then transitioned into Devo's 'Whip It,' last played in San Francisco on April 27, 2023. Percussionist Jeff Arevalo and drummer Cotter Ellis were on fire during this popular '80s tune.
The music took a more serious tone as the band flowed into 'Seekers on the Ridge Pt 1.' This melodic, layered tune, which debuted in 2020, transitioned into its usual companion, 'Seekers on the Ridge Pt 2.' Mitarotonda unleashed more face-melting guitar work during this piece. The final song of the set, 'Tumble,' brought a raucous, twenty-two-minute jam, with bassist Trevor Weekz taking flight during this slap-happy rager. Arevalo and Ellis were on point as the jam shifted directions multiple times, including a notable trance-inspired section that morphed into a fiery prog-rock ending. This was Goose at their finest, and there was still another set left.
The band returned for set two and picked up where they left off with a twenty-three-minute 'Big Modern!' This tune took a dark direction before settling into a bass-heavy rock jam. Weekz continued to dominate as Mitarotonda unleashed on the guitar, eventually returning to the melody to close the song. Lighting Director Andrew Goedde decorated the stage with multiple smoke drops during this heater.
The jam vehicle 'Red Bird' soared into the set next, bringing a layered tapestry that had everyone dancing. Goedde bathed the stage in red and cast dancing red flashes on the rooftop structure, adding to the overhead aesthetics. The tune mellowed out, and the band leapt into another powerhouse, 'Echo of a Rose.' This succinct version did not disappoint, steering toward the Grateful Dead’s 'Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo.' The band couldn’t resist diving into this well-loved song that they tend to crush—and crush it they did.
The final song of the set was the quintessential 'Arcadia.' A funk jam emerged with intensity as the band fired on all cylinders. The fans responded with an overwhelmingly loud reaction, reminiscent of set endings at Goosemas, catching many by surprise. This energy carried into the encore, 'Slow Ready.' As the band transitioned from the slower section into a disco dance party, the crowd grew more and more excited. It felt like everyone had their arms in the air as the song wound down.
Goose destroyed night one at the incredible St. Augustine Amphitheater, and made a lot of new fans in the Sunshine State. We can only hope they head back to this absolute gem of a venue very soon. They are back in action on Tuesday, November 12th at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. Tickets are available via this link. They are also hosting their annual two night December event Goosemas at the North Charleston Coliseum on December 13-14, as well as playing a two night stand in Austin, TX for New Years. Head on over to their tour page for more dates near your location.
Check out more photos from the first night in St. Augustine. Also, view our Goose Florida run 2024 coverage from St. Petersburg.
Band: Goose
Date: November 1, 2024
Location: St. Augustine, FL
Venue: St. Augustine Amphitheater
Set One: Hot Love & The Lazy Poet, Butterflies, California Magic, I'm Writing A Novel[1], One In, One Out -> Whip It[2], Seekers on the Ridge pt I > Seekers on the Ridge pt II, Tumble
Set 2: Big Modern!, Red Bird, Echo of a Rose[3] > Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo[4], Arcadia
Encore: Slow Ready
Coach's Notes:
[1] Father John Misty.
[2] Devo.
[3] Fast version.
[4] Grateful Dead.
Set list via elgoose.net
