Dave Matthews Band Kicks Off Madison Square Garden Run with Special Guests

The Dave Matthews Band commenced a three-show extravaganza at New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden on Saturday night, launching what promises to be a notable conclusion to their brief autumn tour. The tour, reminiscent of past grand performances, recently saw the band at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

As part of an emotional encore, band leader Dave Matthews introduced his rendition of The Magnetic Fields’ «The Book of Love» from their 1999 album, 69 Love Songs. This touching tribute was dedicated to Matthews’ beloved dog who recently passed away.

The first night at The Garden also featured a surprise appearance by veteran musician Warren Haynes. A long-time collaborator, Haynes joined the band half-way through, marking a nostalgic return with a cover of Neil Young‘s «Down by the River«, a song not tackled by the band since 2015. The collaboration continued with «Cortez the Killer», a Neil Young classic that Haynes famously performed with the Dave Matthews Band during their 2003 concert in Central Park.

In addition to the band’s performances, the weekend will host the SOULSHINE benefit event, an all-star concert aiming to support hurricane relief efforts in the Southeastern United States. Haynes played a pivotal role in orchestrating this event which will feature acts including Goose, the Warren Haynes Band, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, and many others. On Sunday, the event will culminate with special appearances from renowned artists like Trey Anastasio and Mavis Staples.

According to Haynes, who has strong ties to Asheville, North Carolina, the relief concert is «a remarkable opportunity to give back», especially in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The SOULSHINE event is being positioned as a vital fundraising effort for local charities such as the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity and the WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN, among others.

The concert, held at Madison Square Garden, will also be accessible via a free livestream on the Dave Matthews Band’s YouTube channel. Internet audiences will have the ability to contribute donations and purchase exclusive merchandise, with all proceeds sent to the SOULSHINE Concert Fund at the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation.