Watch Goose Switch Instruments & Personas On April Fools’ Day At The Ryman

Goose closed out a three-night stand at Nashville’s historic The Ryman Auditorium on Saturday. The band celebrated April Fools’ Day by pulling off an instrument switch, complete with wardrobe and personality changes, to start the show.

Saturday’s “Jive Lee” opener saw guitarist Rick Mitarotonda dress as drummer Ben Atkind and get behind the kit, while multi-instrumentalist Peter Anspach filled bassist Trevor Weekz‘s role with percussionist Jeff Arevalo serving as Peter and playing keys. Additionally, Weekz took Mitarotonda’s spot and Atkind imitated Arevalo on percussion.

The band members got into the bit and made fun of each other. Arevalo said hello to the crowd and took pictures of fans in true Anspach fashion. Ben hit Jeff’s gong and Rick shouted out Atkind’s second cousin Dennis. Goose did a fine job musically on different instruments with Peter especially impressive on the bass.

Watch pro-shot video of Saturday’s “Jive Lee” opener below:

Goose returned to their usual positions and sporting typical fashion after a quick break. The penultimate concert of the first leg of spring tour resumed with staple “Flodown.” Next came the third version of recently debuted original “Lead Up,” a cover of The National’s “Bloodbuzz Ohio” and a “vibey” take on “Tumble,” aka “TUMBLÉ,” that saw the band transition into the regular speed of the song. The well-jammed “Tumble” spanned over 21 minutes and led into a set-closing “Thatch.”

“Madhuvan” finally saw action for the first time this tour to start Saturday’s second set. Once again, Goose showed off their propensity to jam as the beloved tune closed in on the 30-minute mark. The improv featured plenty of bliss before the band built to multiple peaks. From there the quintet linked “Silver Rising” and “Red Bird,” two songs debuted early last year. The gorgeous “This Old Sea” bled into The Band’s version of “Don’t Do It” to end the frame. Goose said farewell with a “Hot Tea” encore.

The second leg of spring tour begins on April 13 in Madison, Wisconsin. Livestreams of each show are available free for nugs.net subscribers.

Official Audio (nugs.net + Bandcamp)

Setlist (via El Goose)

Set One: Jive Lee [1], Flodown, Lead Up, Bloodbuzz Ohio [2], Tumble [3], Thatch

Set Two: Madhuvan, Silver Rising > Red Bird [4], This Old Sea > Don’t Do It [5]

Encore: Hot Tea

Coach’s Notes:

• [1] With Peter on bass, Rick on drums, Trevor on guitar, Spuds on percussion, and Jeff on keys.
• [2] The National.
• [3] Vibey Tumble. Played with regular Tumble composed section and jam.
• [4] With You Haven’t Done Nothin’ and Loose Ends teases.
• [5] The Band.

Coach’s Corner: The band came out for the first set dressed as each other and played each other’s instruments.