When Dave Matthews Band announced their summer 2025 tour, Toronto fans knew they were in for something special. This group has been packing amphitheaters for decades, but each show still feels like a one-night-only event, full of unexpected setlist choices, daring jams, and that unmistakable sense of communal energy. On this warm July night at the Budweiser Stage, DMB delivered a performance that reminded everyone why they remain one of the most consistently thrilling live acts in rock history.
Opening with Fire
The band wasted no time setting the tone. “Ants Marching” opened the show—a bold move considering it’s usually reserved for later in the night. From the first burst of Carter Beauford’s snare, the crowd was on its feet, clapping and singing along as if they’d been waiting all summer for this exact moment. It’s a song that’s been played thousands of times, yet the energy felt fresh, with Dave grinning widely as he leaned into every syllable. The horn section, anchored by trumpeter Rashawn Ross, cut through the humid evening air like a joyful alarm clock, waking the audience up to the night ahead.
Without a pause, they slipped into “The Best of What’s Around,” another early-career anthem that kept spirits high. The interplay between Stefan Lessard’s fluid bass lines and Tim Reynolds’ sharp guitar work gave the song a buoyancy that had the entire amphitheater swaying. Two beloved classics to start the night—it was clear DMB came to reward both longtime devotees and newcomers.
A Journey Through Eras
After the opening one-two punch of hits, the band began to explore deeper territory with “Walk Around the Moon,” the title track from their 2023 album. Live, the song took on an expansive, almost dreamlike quality, with Jeff Coffin’s saxophone weaving in cosmic textures. It was a reminder that while DMB honors their past, they’re never content to simply play the nostalgia card.
That forward-thinking vibe continued with “You Never Know,” a fan-favorite rarity from the Busted Stuff era. The crowd roared in appreciation for a song that hasn’t always made the setlists in recent years. Dave’s voice, weathered yet strong, delivered the lyrics with a lived-in wisdom, while Beauford’s intricate drumming turned the tune into a rolling thunderstorm of rhythm.
Then came the first extended jam of the night: “Lie in Our Graves.” This is where DMB truly thrives. What started as a gentle, lilting groove exploded into a nearly fifteen-minute odyssey. Tim Reynolds unleashed a guitar solo that danced between bluesy licks and spacey textures, while Ross and Coffin traded horn lines like old friends challenging each other to push just a little further. When Dave finally brought the song back around to its closing chorus, the audience erupted, aware they’d just witnessed one of those signature DMB moments where time seems to stretch and bend.
Deep Cuts and Delights
The surprises kept coming. “Spoon,” one of the most haunting tracks from Before These Crowded Streets, emerged next. It’s a song that carries a certain mystique, rarely played but deeply loved. Violinist Buddy Strong filled in for the late LeRoi Moore’s original melodic touches, creating a rich, almost cinematic atmosphere that left the crowd in awed silence before breaking into applause.
The mood shifted with the upbeat “Joyride,” its funky rhythm and playful lyrics pulling everyone back to their feet. Then came a massive “Jimi Thing,” a song that has evolved into an open canvas for the band’s improvisational instincts. Tonight’s version stretched past the 12-minute mark, with each member taking a turn in the spotlight. Beauford and Lessard locked into a pocket so deep it could have gone on forever without anyone complaining. At one point, Dave threw in a quick scat solo, his percussive vocal bursts eliciting cheers from the crowd.
Keeping the dynamic flow alive, the band slid into “Lover Lay Down,” a tender ballad that offered a welcome breather. The delicate interplay between guitar, keys, and horns created a serene backdrop, and couples in the audience held each other close as Dave delivered the song’s sweet, yearning melody.
But just when things felt soft and introspective, DMB turned up the heat again with “Shake Me Like a Monkey.” The song’s funky horn lines and infectious chorus had the entire amphitheater bouncing. It’s a testament to the band’s range that they can move from quiet intimacy to explosive celebration without ever losing the thread.
Emotional Peaks
The night’s emotional centerpiece arrived with “#41.” One of the most beloved songs in the DMB catalog, it unfolded like a slow sunrise, each verse building toward a breathtaking instrumental section. Reynolds’ guitar solo was particularly inspired, a mix of delicate runs and fiery bends that drew cheers mid-phrase. The crowd sang along to every word, creating a powerful back-and-forth between stage and audience that felt almost spiritual.
From there, the band dipped into “Stolen Away on 55th & 3rd,” a gentle, underrated gem that showcased Dave’s ability to write love songs that feel both personal and universal. The soft lighting and subtle instrumentation turned the massive amphitheater into something intimate, as if Dave were serenading each listener individually.
The mood shifted again with “So Damn Lucky,” one of Dave’s solo compositions, reimagined here with the full band. The song’s hypnotic groove and reflective lyrics resonated deeply, and the extended outro gave Reynolds and Coffin another chance to shine.
A Bowie Surprise
Just when it seemed the set couldn’t hold any more surprises, Dave stepped to the mic with a sly grin and announced a cover: David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance.” The Budweiser Stage erupted as the band dove into the iconic riff. Rashawn Ross took the lead on the horn section, giving the track a funky twist, while Dave delivered the vocals with playful swagger. It was one of those joyous, unexpected moments that only a band with DMB’s confidence can pull off—a tribute to a legend that felt both reverent and uniquely their own.
Closing the Main Set
As the night began to edge toward its finale, the band eased into “Steady as We Go,” a beautiful ballad that offered a message of resilience and love. Dave’s warm vocals and the band’s delicate accompaniment made it a highlight of the evening, a reminder of the deep emotional core that runs through their music.
But before anyone could get too misty-eyed, DMB launched into “What Would You Say,” the breakout hit that first introduced them to the world in the mid-’90s. The song’s playful groove and rapid-fire lyrics had the crowd dancing like it was 1994 again.
Finally, the main set closed with a thunderous “Two Step.” This song has long been a showcase for the band’s improvisational prowess, and tonight’s version was nothing short of epic. Beauford led the charge with polyrhythmic drum patterns that built tension to almost unbearable levels before releasing into a soaring climax. Reynolds shredded on guitar, Coffin and Ross traded scorching solos, and the entire band seemed to communicate telepathically as they pushed the jam further and further. By the time the last chord rang out, the audience was breathless.
The Encore
After a brief break, the stage lights dimmed again, and Dave returned alone with an acoustic guitar. He began “Singing From the Windows,” a solo piece that gained resonance during the pandemic era. The hushed crowd hung on every word, the quiet strumming and heartfelt lyrics creating a rare moment of stillness amid the evening’s fireworks.
The full band then returned for “Drive In, Drive Out,” a fiery closer that brought the night full circle. The song’s shifting time signatures and explosive energy showcased everything that makes DMB such a singular live act: technical mastery, fearless improvisation, and a deep, almost spiritual connection with their audience. As the final notes crashed into the humid Toronto night, the crowd roared their appreciation, unwilling to let go of the magic they’d just witnessed.
Setlist
For those who want the full picture, here’s the complete setlist from this unforgettable night:
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Ants Marching
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The Best of What’s Around
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Walk Around the Moon
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You Never Know
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Lie in Our Graves
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Spoon
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Joyride
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Jimi Thing
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Lover Lay Down
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Shake Me Like a Monkey
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#41
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Stolen Away on 55th & 3rd
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So Damn Lucky (Dave Matthews song)
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Let’s Dance (David Bowie cover)
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Steady as We Go
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What Would You Say
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Two Step
Encore:
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Singing From the Windows (Dave Solo)
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Drive In, Drive Out
A Night to Remember
Walking out of the Budweiser Stage, it was hard not to marvel at what Dave Matthews Band continues to accomplish night after night. This is a group nearly three decades into their career, yet they play with the urgency and curiosity of musicians still discovering new possibilities. They don’t rely on spectacle or gimmicks; instead, they trust in the power of musicianship, spontaneity, and the bond between band and audience.
The Toronto show captured everything that makes DMB special. The setlist balanced crowd-pleasers with deep cuts, covers, and improvisational detours. The band’s chemistry was electric, with each member given space to shine while always serving the collective groove. And perhaps most importantly, the atmosphere was pure joy—20,000 fans united by the simple thrill of sharing music in real time.
As I left the venue, the final echoes of “Drive In, Drive Out” still ringing in my ears, I felt the familiar post-show mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. Nights like this are why people follow Dave Matthews Band from city to city, year after year. They’re not just playing songs; they’re creating moments, and on this July evening in Toronto, those moments felt endless.