Brent Cobb & The Fixins – The Fine Line – Minneapolis MN – September 25th, 2025

Brent Cobb & The Fixins – Gold Star- The Fine Line – Minneapolis MN – September 25th, 2025

Review and photos Brian Underhill

Brent Cobb & The Fixins made their way back to Minnesota for an intimate show at the Fine Line Music Café, and I was lucky enough to be there for it. This marked my second time seeing Brent live—the first was during the massive Luke Combs World Tour at U.S. Bank Stadium, where he shared the stage with Lainey Wilson, Riley Green, and Flatland Cavalry. That show was unforgettable, not just for the music but because I got to cover it thanks to a seminar led by Dave Bergman, Luke Combs’ photographer. That experience transitioned from classroom to concert pit in a matter of hours, and it sparked my passion for live music photography.

This time around, the vibe was completely different—smaller venue, no pit, just a few hundred fans packed in close. At first, I wondered how I’d navigate the crowd to get good shots, but as the night unfolded, I realized how much I love these up-close, personal shows. There’s something special about being right there with the music and the people who love it.

Before diving into Brent’s set, I must give a shoutout to the incredible staff at Fine Line Music Café. Friendly, helpful, and always ready to point you in the right direction—they made the night smooth and enjoyable.

The opening band, Gold Star, hails from Los Angeles, California. A three-piece group with a sound that blends folk, alternative rock, and Americana, they brought a refreshing acoustic vibe to the stage. As someone who leans toward heavy rock and metal, I wasn’t sure what to expect—but my mother-in-law always says to expand my horizons, and I’m glad I did.

Gold Star channels the spirit of legends like Bob Dylan, John Lennon, and Neil Young, and they’ve been crafting their sound since 2012. Their set was simple yet powerful—great lighting, no frills, just music. With five albums under their belt, they delivered a 12-song set that included standout tracks from their 2024 release How to Shoot the Moon, like “Fentanyl,” “Searchlights,” and the title track. They also played “Surrender” from Headlights, and newer songs like “Phantoms” and “5AM.” “Beneath the Wheels” and “Darkest Days” rounded out my personal favorites.

Their performance was tight, well-paced, and emotionally resonant. I’d give their set a solid 10/10. If you missed them this time, don’t make that mistake again—Gold Star is a band that leaves you in awe.

Now for the main event. Brent Cobb, now touring with The Fixins, brought a different energy than the stadium show I saw years ago. This time, it was all about connection—he interacted with fans, fed off the crowd’s energy, and made the room feel like home.

The lineup has changed since I last saw him, but the music remains as strong as ever. The lighting was more dynamic than Gold Star’s set, with vibrant colors and subtle automation that added flair without overshadowing the performance.

Brent and The Fixins delivered a 24-song set that mixed fan favorites with newer tracks. Songs like “Keep ‘Em on Your Toes,” “Shut Up and Sing,” “If I Don’t See Ya,” and “Patina” had the crowd cheering and hollering after every note. His blend of country, Americana, and Southern outlaw rock kept everyone locked in from start to finish.

Brent’s laid-back charm and genuine appreciation for his fans were evident. He mentioned this was his third or fourth time playing in Minnesota and expressed how much he enjoys the intimate vibe here. Since that stadium show, Brent’s music has become a staple in my playlists—he’s earned a permanent spot on my Pandora and Spotify.

This show was everything I love about live music: great sound, passionate fans, and artists who truly care about their craft. The atmosphere at Fine Line was electric yet cozy, and the acoustics were spot-on—loud enough to feel the music, but clear enough that you didn’t need earplugs (though they were available if needed).

Minnesota showed up for Brent Cobb & The Fixins, and they delivered a performance that proves they’re only getting better. If you haven’t seen them yet, make sure you do next time they roll through town. You won’t regret it.