Cage the Elephant Brings Raw Energy and Emotion to Glasgow’s O2 Academy for the Neon Pill Tour Kickoff

★★★★★ (5/5)

CAGE THE ELEPHANT PERFORMING AT GLASGOW’S O2 ACADEMY
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

Cage the Elephant kicked off their highly anticipated Neon Pill tour with an electrifying performance at Glasgow’s O2 Academy on February 13, 2025. As the first stop on their new tour, the night was a thrilling showcase of their latest material, along with the high-energy, emotionally charged performances that have made them one of the most compelling live acts in rock music today.

From the moment they stepped on stage, the band set the tone with Broken Boy, an explosive opener that immediately sent the crowd into a frenzy. The energy remained high through Cry Baby and Spiderhead, both delivered with the raw, unfiltered passion that has become Cage the Elephant’s signature. Too Late to Say Goodbye and Good Time provided a dynamic shift, showcasing the band’s ability to balance their heavier rock moments with more melodic, groove-infused tracks.

Shultz, known for his unpredictable and electric stage presence, was a force of nature, moving frenetically across the stage and engaging with the crowd. His brother, guitarist Brad Shultz, was equally animated, diving into the audience and keeping the energy levels high. The chemistry between the band members was undeniable, and their passion for the music was evident in every note played.

As the show progressed, the band transitioned into Cold Cold Cold, followed by Ready to Let Go, both met with thunderous applause. Then came Neon Pill, the title track of their latest album. Written during Matt Shultz’s personal struggles with mental health, the song took on a deeply emotional tone, his voice carrying the weight of his journey.

Social Cues and Halo kept the momentum going, followed by the infectious Mess Around, which had the entire venue moving. The singalong energy peaked with Trouble and Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked, two of the band’s biggest hits, before slowing down briefly for Skin and Bones and Rainbow, which shimmered with introspective beauty.

A standout moment of the night came with Telescope, a song that felt especially poignant in the intimate setting. The crowd swayed along, lost in its hypnotic melodies before the intensity ramped up again with House of Glass and Sabertooth Tiger, two of the heaviest and most chaotic moments of the night.

After a brief exit, the band returned for a powerful encore. Back Against the Wall reignited the crowd before Shake Me Down delivered one of the most emotional highlights of the set, Matt Shultz’s voice breaking with intensity. They closed the night with Cigarette Daydreams and Come a Little Closer, two of their most beloved songs, leaving the crowd in awe as the final notes echoed through the venue.

Cage the Elephant proved once again why they are one of the most captivating live bands in modern rock. Their Neon Pill tour is shaping up to be an unforgettable journey—one filled with heart, soul, and an unrelenting passion for music.