The Neon Pill Tour rolled into Winnipeg’s Canada Life Centre on August 10, 2024, bringing a night of electrifying performances from Cage the Elephant, Young the Giant, and Vlad Holiday. While scheduled to perform, the artist BAKAR, was unable to make it to Winnipeg because of travel issues. Additionally, despite an unexpected setback with Cage the Elephant’s frontman, Matt Shultz, sustaining a broken leg mid-tour, the band delivered a performance that left the crowd buzzing.
Vlad Holiday. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
Opening the evening was Vlad Holiday, whose set was a perfect blend of moody, cinematic rock. The haunting melody of "The World We Knew (Over And Over)" captivated the audience, and by the time he launched into "Downtown Baby," the crowd was fully engaged. Holiday’s soulful vocals shone on tracks like "Phonograph" and "So Damn Into You," while his latest single, "I Don't Wanna Party Anymore" closed the set on a melancholic yet powerful note. His ability to blend introspective lyrics with lush soundscapes made for an impressive start to the night.
Young the Giant. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
Next up, Young the Giant took the stage with an energy that was both infectious and commanding. They opened up their set with "Jungle Youth," immediately getting the crowd on their feet. Frontman Sameer Gadhia’s charisma was on full display as the band moved through a setlist that balanced older hits with newer tracks. "Cough Syrup" brought a wave of nostalgia, while the soulful "Waves" showcased the band’s versatility. The anthemic "It’s About Time" and the tender "Superposition" highlighted the emotional range of their set. As they closed with the raucous "My Body," it was clear that Young the Giant had left a lasting impression, their tight performance solidifying their place as one of the night’s highlights. The anticipation reached its peak as Cage the Elephant took the stage. Despite Matt Shultz’s injury, which required him to perform with the aid of a knee scooter, the band did not miss a beat. In fact, Shultz turned the scooter into an extension of his stage presence, using it to zip across the stage and engage with the audience in a way that felt both spontaneous and playful. Opening with the explosive "Broken Boy," Cage the Elephant delivered a set that was as dynamic as ever.
Cage the Elephant. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
"Cry Baby" and "Spiderhead" kept the energy high, with the crowd feeding off Shultz’s infectious enthusiasm. The tour's namesake "Neon Pill" was a standout, with its pulsing rhythms and psychedelic visuals creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. The band’s ability to transition from the eerie "Cold Cold Cold" to the more introspective "Trouble" showcased their versatility.
The encore was nothing short of spectacular. "Shake Me Down" had the entire arena singing along, and the emotionally charged "Cigarette Daydreams" provided a moment of introspection before the finale. They closed the night with "Come a Little Closer," bringing the show to a triumphant end as Shultz, defiant in the face of his injury, delivered a performance that will be remembered by Winnipeg fans for years to come.
In a night filled with standout performances, Cage the Elephant proved that not even a broken leg could slow them down. The Neon Pill Tour’s stop in Winnipeg was a testament to the resilience and creativity of the artists involved, making it one of the most memorable concerts of the year.