At 7:35 p.m., Cage the Elephant appeared on a stripped-down stage at La Montagne, in front of an enthusiastic audience that had been patiently waiting for their arrival, camping out in front of the stage for a good hour to secure a spot. Matt Schultz was visibly happy and bursting with energy.
He had missed the Montreal stage and took the time to share several anecdotes and jokes with the audience, in addition to dancing and commanding the stage as usual, using all the props at his disposal to give his fans a show to remember.
They treated us to two songs from the new album, the title track “Neon Pill” and “Good Time,” which gave the performers free rein to let their musical talents shine.
We were treated to several of their classics: “Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked,” where the three guitars brought all their weight to bare, “Back Against The Wall,” “Shake Me Down,” which shook Jean-Drapeau Park, “Trouble,” which the audience sang along to throughout, “Cold Cold Cold,” “Cigarette Daydream,” for which the crowd waved their cell phone lights, and a wild version of “Come A Little Closer” during which the band smashed a guitar, to end this heartfelt performance of almost 90 minutes.
A show where the joy of playing music freely was palpable and where the band’s strong affection for their audience and each other was contagious. A memorable concert, beautifully executed during an equally memorable sunset at Osheaga 2025.
Photo: Tim Snow
