Bush – Uptown Theater – Minneapolis MN – December 14th 2024

Bush live at The Uptown Theater in Minneapolis MN on December 14th 2024

Review and photos by Kyle Hansen

On December 14, 2024, Bush took the stage at the intimate Uptown Theater in Minneapolis, delivering a performance that felt both nostalgic and fresh. For those who’ve followed the band since their breakthrough in the ‘90s, this show was a reminder of how far they’ve come—and just how enduring their sound remains. Packed with intensity, raw emotion, and a perfect blend of old and new, Bush’s set was a powerful experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.

A Setlist That Spans a Career

The evening opened with a thunderous rendition of “Machinehead,” which instantly had the crowd on their feet, fists raised, and voices singing along to every line. It’s a song that has become synonymous with the grunge era, and it felt just as vital and urgent as ever. From there, the band seamlessly worked through a setlist that spanned their entire career, from their breakout album Sixteen Stone to their more recent work like The Kingdom.

“Glycerine” was a standout moment, with Gavin Rossdale’s voice cutting through the air like a beacon of raw emotion. The iconic track’s haunting vulnerability was only amplified in the cozy confines of the Uptown Theater, which allowed every note to resonate deeply with the crowd. When Rossdale belted out the heart-wrenching “It’s all gone wrong,” the connection between the band and the audience was palpable.

As expected, the show featured a strong mix of hits, including “Comedown,” “Swallowed,” and “The Chemicals Between Us,” but there was also room for more recent material. The Kingdom tracks like “Flowers on a Grave” and “Take Me Down” fit comfortably in the set, with their heavier, anthemic sound offering a new layer to the band’s evolving style.

Gavin Rossdale: Still a Magnetic Frontman

From the moment he stepped onto the stage, Gavin Rossdale commanded the room with his signature charisma. With a voice that still carries the same intensity and soul that made Bush a household name, Rossdale gave every song his all. There’s a certain swagger to his performance that never seems to wane, and the crowd was drawn in by his every movement.

At one point, Rossdale addressed the crowd, expressing his love for Minneapolis and its rich music history, before launching into an acoustic version of “The Heart of the Matter,” a rare but much-appreciated moment that stripped back the band’s usual sonic bombast. In this quieter moment, Rossdale’s voice was at its most vulnerable, reminding the audience of the depth of emotion that has always been central to Bush’s sound.

The Uptown Theater: A Perfect Venue for an Intimate Show

The Uptown Theater, with its old-school charm and intimate setting, was the perfect venue for a Bush concert. While the space is smaller than some of the larger arenas the band has played, it allowed for a more personal connection between the band and the audience. The acoustics were sharp, and the sound mix was spot-on, with every instrument coming through clear and powerful.

Despite its intimate size, the venue was packed, and the energy in the room was electric from start to finish. The crowd, made up of a mix of fans who’d followed the band since Sixteen Stone and younger listeners discovering Bush’s music for the first time, was fully engaged throughout the performance. Fans were singing, moshing, and completely immersed in the experience.

A Defining Moment: “Little Things” to Close the Show

The night came to an emotional close with “Little Things,” a song that encapsulates the band’s essence: reflective, anthemic, and beautifully melancholic. It was a perfect way to end the evening, with the audience belting out the lyrics in unison, creating a sense of community and shared experience. As the lights came up and the band left the stage, the crowd stood there for a moment, unwilling to let go of the magic they’d just witnessed.

Final Thoughts

Bush’s December 14, 2024, performance at the Uptown Theater was a triumph of both nostalgia and new energy. The band demonstrated that they remain a formidable force in alt-rock, still able to command an audience with the same raw intensity that made them famous decades ago. With a setlist that celebrated their history while showcasing their growth, this concert was a testament to Bush’s enduring power and relevance in the rock world.

Whether you’ve been a fan since Sixteen Stone or you’re just discovering the band now, this was a night that reminded everyone why Bush still matters. The energy was high, the emotions were real, and the music was unforgettable.