Dave Matthews Band Deliver First “Old Dirt Hill (Bring That Beat Back)” with Full Band Since 2005 in Syracuse

Photo Credit: Rodrigo Simas

On Tuesday, May 27, Dave Matthews Band brought their summer tour to the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview in Syracuse, N.Y. During the performance, “Granny” entered the final slot of the main frame for the first time since Jan. 13, 2018. The move also marked the first time it received a full band delivery since 2015. Similarly, “Old Dirt” got the same treatment, ending a 20-year lapse since the last full-capacity play. 

Ahead of the latter concert moves that proved poignant reminders of DMB’s chameleon-like live approach, the band stacked their main set with classics from across their discography, going as far back as their 1994 debut, Under the Table and Dreaming, while also supplying pulls that hit on their latest full-length endeavor, 2023’s Walk Around the Moon. Before the onslaught of noteworthy moments, the band collectively entered their musical comfort zone on “Warehouse,” followed up with a pairing of “Pantala Naga Pampa” into “Lie in Our Graves,” no reprise. 

“Repunzle” and “Spaceman” were performed ahead of the extemporized “Tripping Billies,” which featured an interpolation of the theme from “Lost in Space.” The band continued their display with a mix of fan favorites that included setlist representations of “Crash Into Me,” ahead of the song sequence sans pause, “So Much to Say,” “Anyone Seen the Bridge,” into what appeared to be a “Too Much” intro, faked and swapped for a cover of Cameo’s “Word Up!” 

“Jimi Thing” ran into a concert classic: the Peter Gabriel original and party starter “Sledgehammer,” ahead of a last drop into originals that eventually cooked up the set ending, “Granny,” which effectively ended a seven-year lapse since the last time it was positioned as the set finale. The night’s encore conjured a solo Matthews delivery of “Peace on Earth,” prior to the first full band arrival on “Old Dirt Hill” since Dec. 3, 2005. 

Following last night’s New York state action, DMB will continue their Summer Tour with another appearance, this time at Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Tickets remain on sale and can be purchased at davematthewsband.com/tour. 

Scroll down to view last night’s setlist via dmbalmanac.com.

Dave Matthews Band 

Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview – Syracuse, N.Y.

May 27, 2025 

Set: Warehouse, Pantala Naga Pampa, Lie in Our Graves, Rapunzel, Spaceman, Tripping Billies, Walk Around the Moon, Crash Into Me, So Much to Say, Anyone Seen the Bridge, Word Up!, Jimi Thing, Sledgehammer, Lover Lay Down, Don’t Drink the Water, Looking for a Vein, Why I Am, Dancing Nancies, Granny

Enc.: Peace on Earth, Old Dirt Hill (Bring That Beat Back), Shake Me Like a Monkey