On Saturday, June 29, Forest Hills Stadium in Queens saw Goose fans flocking towards the venue well before doors opened. With strong but pleasant winds blowing in alongside them, the anticipation was undeniable as large lines formed to snag posters and merch. Long time friends reuniting, new friends being made, the vibes were high as everyone in the audience eagerly awaited what was to come.

Forest Hills was their second stop in New York on what has been a lengthy nationwide spring and early summer tour. If it wasn’t already hard enough to deny how unstoppable this band is, the announcement that this show was their biggest headlining show to date all but solidifies it, selling out the venue of 13,000 people. This isn’t the first time their draw power in New York was in full view, the band previously sold out two nights at Radio City Music Hall, boasting crowds of more than 6,000.

Excitement was at its peak when Goose hit the stage, greeted by the audience chanting “Gooooose” loudly, but low pitched. As is also usual custom, Peter Anspach saluted the crowd with “What’s up, New York City?!” before embarking on what was to be an evening of pure music-magic. The super catchy and funky notes of “Hot Tea” rang out to open the first set. Hips and arms swayed side to side, smiles were everywhere as fans matched lead singer and guitarist Rick Mitarotunda’s scatting.

The first set featured covers, foreshadowing what would come much later. The band tapped into their deep catalog by busting out “Hot Love & the Lazy Poet” from their own side project, Vasudo, and following that, “I Would Die 4 U,” a tribute to the illustrious Prince. The evening’s exceptional vibes were expounded during set-break, as the audience bore witness and cheered on a marriage proposal which saw the bride to be saying yes enthusiastically.

Goose showcased just how deep and expansive their catalogue of music is during the second set, with electrifying renditions of “Travelers” and “Elmeg The Wise.” A beautiful version of “Thatch” came after, bringing the evening to uncharted heights. Closing out set 2 was the title track off their 2023 album, Dripfield, a song that truly exemplifies the essence of what Goose represents as a band.

A brave and bold new frontier, honoring the footsteps of their predecessors, but carving out their own path. An exciting contemporary take on the classic jam band model, incorporating new sounds and tech with traditional instruments and improvisation. Jams that serve very well written songs, not songs that serve the epic jams. All of this enhanced by an impressive lighting design by Andrew Goedde, seeing Goose live is a must for any fan of live music.

The encore saw the band once again tapping into their deep arsenal, busting out one more cover from Vasudo, “Give It Time”, which was the perfect note to end to the evening on. As light wind and rain began to trickle in, the audience flocked out the venue paying the elements no mind as the anticipation began once again for their next show. Goose will embark on another lengthy fall tour, which tickets are on sale for now.

Goose – Forest Hills Stadium, Queens – Saturday, June 29, 2024

Set 1: Hot Tea, Lead Up, Turned Clouds, Yeti , Hot Love & the Lazy Poet, I Would Die 4 U, So Ready

Set 2: Travelers, Elmeg the Wise, Thatch, 726, Dripfield

Encore: Give It Time