In 2019, Grammy Award-winning artist Beck teamed up with the renowned rock band Cage the Elephant for a co-headlining North American tour that captivated fans across the continent. Named after the track “Night Running” from Cage the Elephant’s album Social Cues, the tour offered an exciting mix of alternative rock, indie vibes, and electric performances. With special guest performances from Spoon, Starcrawler, Wild Belle, and Sunflower Bean, the Night Running Tour became a must-see event for fans of both artists and the broader rock music scene.
The Night Running Tour: A Dynamic Collaboration
Beck and Cage the Elephant’s collaboration brought together two musical forces that have shaped the alternative and rock landscapes for decades. Beck, known for his eclectic style and genre-blending music, joined forces with Cage the Elephant, a band that blends indie rock with bluesy and energetic sounds. The two artists complement each other beautifully, with Beck’s experimental approach to music and Cage the Elephant’s raw, intense energy creating a tour experience like no other.
Why the Night Running Tour Stood Out
The Night Running tour was more than just a string of concerts; it was a unique experience for fans who were treated to two headliners of immense talent, along with a dynamic mix of supporting acts. This collaboration marked an important moment in both artists’ careers, offering a blend of nostalgic hits and fresh material from their respective albums.
- Beck’s Recent Success: Beck’s Colors (2017) had garnered critical acclaim, including Grammy wins for Best Alternative Music Album and Best Engineered Album (Non-Classical). Fans could expect live performances of tracks from Colors, alongside classics like “Loser” and “Where It’s At.”
- Cage the Elephant’s Social Cues (2019): Cage the Elephant’s Social Cues album, featuring the title track “Night Running” featuring Beck, was one of the most anticipated releases of 2019. The song, which was a precursor to the tour, set the stage for what would be an electrifying concert experience.
The Special Guests: Adding More Flavor to the Tour
In addition to the headliners, the Night Running tour boasted an impressive lineup of opening acts. These special guests added a unique flavor to the tour, introducing new sounds and talents to audiences.
- Spoon: Known for their sharp, minimalist rock style, Spoon brought their distinctive sound to the stage, showcasing songs from their extensive catalog, including their critically acclaimed Hot Thoughts (2017).
- Starcrawler: This up-and-coming band added a raw, high-energy performance to the mix. Their garage rock style, filled with catchy hooks and an edge-of-chaos performance, energized audiences and made them an exciting addition to the bill.
- Wild Belle: Known for their soulful, reggae-infused rock sound, Wild Belle’s music added a unique flavor to the lineup, giving concertgoers a taste of their laid-back yet electrifying performance style.
- Sunflower Bean: This indie trio brought an experimental blend of rock, pop, and psychedelic elements, offering a fresh and captivating opening act that perfectly complemented the main performances.
A Tour Across North America
The Night Running tour spanned across 30 dates, bringing Beck and Cage the Elephant to cities from coast to coast, with stops in major metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Toronto. The performances were spread across the summer months, giving fans the perfect chance to experience these powerhouse acts in a live setting.
Tour Highlights and Dates
The Night Running tour kicked off in the summer of 2019, with performances taking place at iconic venues such as amphitheaters and music theaters. Some of the key dates and locations included:
- July 11 – Ridgefield, WA @ Sunlight Supply Amphitheater
- July 16 – Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheater
- July 23 – Denver, CO @ Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater
- July 28 – Houston, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
- Aug 11 – Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage
Fans across North America flocked to these venues, eager to experience the live renditions of tracks from both Beck and Cage the Elephant’s latest albums.
Beck’s Grammy Win and the Impact on the Tour
Beck was riding high on the success of his Colors album during the Night Running tour. At the 2019 Grammy Awards, Colors was nominated for several awards, including Best Pop Solo Performance. Although Beck didn’t win in the category of Best Pop Solo Performance, he took home two Grammy awards for Best Alternative Music Album and Best Engineered Album (Non-Classical). This recognition solidified Beck’s standing as one of the most innovative and influential musicians of his generation.
These Grammy wins only added to the excitement surrounding the tour, as fans were eager to hear live renditions of Beck’s award-winning tracks.
Cage the Elephant: Riding High on Tell Me I’m Pretty
Cage the Elephant, fresh off their Grammy win for Best Rock Album for Tell Me I’m Pretty at the 59th Grammy Awards, brought an unmatched energy to the Night Running tour. The band’s eclectic mix of rock, blues, and alternative styles, combined with their electric live performances, made each concert a unique experience.
Cage the Elephant’s Social Cues (2019) was the album that gave rise to the title track “Night Running” and marked the band’s continued evolution. The collaboration with Beck on this track was one of the most exciting aspects of the tour, and fans eagerly awaited its live performance.
Ticket Information and Fan Exclusives
Ticket sales for the Night Running tour were eagerly anticipated by fans. General sales began on February 15, 2019, with presale tickets available for Beck and Cage the Elephant’s fan clubs starting on February 12, 2019. This early access allowed dedicated fans to secure their spots at what would be one of the most exciting tours of the year.
Official Tour Dates: Beck and Cage the Elephant’s Night Running tour was an unforgettable event for rock music fans. The 30-date North American trek featured spectacular performances from two of the most influential artists of their time, complemented by stellar opening acts. For those who were fortunate enough to attend, the tour provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the magic of Beck and Cage the Elephant live on stage.
Conclusion
The Night Running tour was a celebration of two remarkable artists coming together to deliver a tour experience that rocked the North American music scene. Beck’s unique sound, paired with Cage the Elephant’s explosive energy, created an unforgettable series of performances. With an all-star lineup of supporting acts and an enthusiastic fan base, the Night Running tour became a major highlight of the 2019 summer concert season.
Whether you were there for the Grammy-winning hits, the anticipation of new music, or simply to experience a night of unforgettable performances, the Night Running tour was a musical event that left a lasting impression on fans across the continent.