On June 14, 2025, the Dave Matthews Band (DMB) brought their signature blend of rock, jazz, and folk to the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Maryland Heights, St. Louis, for a highly anticipated stop on their 2025 Summer Tour. After a few years away from the Gateway City, the band delivered a performance that sparked a range of reactions from fans, showcasing both their enduring strengths and some polarizing choices.
The evening kicked off around 7:50 PM, slightly later than the scheduled 7:30 PM start, with no opening act, allowing DMB to command the stage for nearly two and a half hours. The setlist, a mix of classics, newer tracks, and covers, reflected the band’s commitment to variety and improvisation, a hallmark of their live shows. Opening with the high-energy Pantala Naga Pampa into Rapunzel, the band set a lively tone, with Carter Beauford’s dynamic drumming and Dave Matthews’ distinctive vocals igniting the crowd. Fan-favorite What Would You Say followed, drawing enthusiastic sing-alongs, while Tripping Billies and Grace Is Gone—captured in fan videos shared on X—evoked nostalgia with their soulful delivery. Covers like Bob Dylan’s All Along the Watchtower and Led Zeppelin’s Fool in the Rain added a fresh twist, with Rashawn Ross and Buddy Strong shining on vocals for Word Up! and It’s Your Thing.
The setlist, however, was a point of contention for some. Fans like RickyD praised the band’s performance and the venue’s handling of the large crowd, describing the night as a “fun evening of good music” under pleasant weather conditions. Others, like davestwin7, expressed disappointment, citing a “subpar setlist” that leaned heavily on newer material like Walk Around the Moon and Idea of You, lacking the “continuity and highlights” of DMB’s classic catalog. Tracks from albums like Under the Table and Dreaming and Crash were present but didn’t dominate, which left some longtime fans wanting more of hits like Crash Into Me or Ants Marching. Catcrzy, however, gave the show a glowing 5-star review, appreciating the nearly three-hour performance and the balance of old and new songs.
The band’s musicianship remained a high point. The interplay between Stefan Lessard’s basslines, Jeff Coffin’s saxophone, and Boyd Tinsley’s violin (when present) created the eclectic, jam-heavy sound DMB is known for. The Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre’s acoustics were generally well-received, though some fans noted better sound clarity on the venue’s sides. The lack of an opening act allowed for an extended set, but the absence of a traditional encore was a minor letdown for those expecting a big finish.
Overall, the St. Louis show was a testament to DMB’s ability to deliver a unique experience, even if it didn’t fully satisfy every fan. The band’s improvisational spirit and diverse setlist kept the energy high, but the divide in fan reactions highlights the challenge of balancing their extensive catalog with newer material. For those who embraced the mix, it was a memorable night of music under the stars.
