Brian Setzer has been a force in rockabilly and swing for decades, and his performance at MGM Northfield Park in October 2023 proved that age has done nothing to dull his fire. From the first chord to the final encore, Setzer and his band delivered a high-energy, guitar-driven spectacle that reminded everyone why he remains one of rock’s most dynamic performers. The crowd that night was a mix of longtime fans, newcomers, and anyone who appreciates virtuoso guitar work and unapologetic fun, and the energy in the venue was palpable from start to finish.
Setlist and Flow
Setlist:
Rock Boys Rock
Double Talkin’ Baby (Gene Vincent & His Blue Caps cover)
Stack My Money
The Cat With 9 Lives
Stray Cat Strut (Stray Cats song)
Twenty Flight Rock (Eddie Cochran cover)
Smash Up On Highway One
Too Hip, Gotta Go (Stray Cats song)
Checkered Flag
Georgia (on My Mind) (Hoagy Carmichael and His Orchestra cover)
Lonesome Road
Black Mountain Rag (Curly Fox cover)
Sleep Walk (Santo & Johnny cover)
The Train Kept A-Rollin’ (Tiny Bradshaw cover)
What’ll It Be Baby Doll?
Girl on the Billboard (Del Reeves cover)
Runaway Boys (Stray Cats song)
Fishnet Stockings (Stray Cats song)
Rock This Town (Stray Cats song)
Encore:
Gene and Eddie (Stray Cats song)
Kicking Off With Energy
The night opened with “Rock Boys Rock,” a perfect choice to set the tone. The song’s driving rhythm and rockabilly flair instantly captured the audience’s attention, with Setzer strutting across the stage, guitar in hand, radiating charisma. His guitar tone—sharp, bright, and full of bite—cut through the venue’s acoustics, immediately establishing the excitement that would carry through the night.
“Double Talkin’ Baby,” a Gene Vincent & His Blue Caps cover, followed, and Setzer’s band locked into a tight groove. The interplay between guitar, upright bass, and drums was seamless, and Setzer’s solos were fiery yet precise, showing off his decades of mastery without ever feeling indulgent. By the time “Stack My Money” and “The Cat With 9 Lives” hit, the audience was fully engaged, clapping, tapping, and dancing along.
Rockabilly Classics and Signature Moves
Of course, the classics had to make an appearance, and “Stray Cat Strut” delivered exactly what fans came for. The audience cheered loudly, and Setzer’s guitar lines were crisp and articulate, bringing the song to life in a way that only a performer of his caliber can. Following it, “Twenty Flight Rock” paid homage to Eddie Cochran, showcasing Setzer’s ability to honor rockabilly history while making it feel vibrant and contemporary.
“Smash Up On Highway One” and “Too Hip, Gotta Go” continued the high-energy streak, with Setzer’s fingerpicking and hybrid picking techniques on full display. Every riff and solo was executed with precision, and the band’s chemistry made each song feel tight, cohesive, and effortless. “Checkered Flag” added a playful, adrenaline-charged vibe, pushing the audience even further into the performance.
One standout moment came with “Georgia (on My Mind),” a cover of the Hoagy Carmichael classic. Setzer slowed things down for a few minutes, letting his guitar sing with soulful phrasing while his band provided subtle, elegant backing. The crowd appreciated the change of pace, creating a moment of intimacy amidst the high-octane rockabilly frenzy.
Technical Brilliance and Musical Versatility
Setzer didn’t just stick to his own catalog; he celebrated rockabilly, swing, and early rock ‘n’ roll through a variety of covers. “Black Mountain Rag” (Curly Fox), “Sleep Walk” (Santo & Johnny), and “The Train Kept A-Rollin’” (Tiny Bradshaw) displayed his versatility. Each song was distinct, showing Setzer’s deep understanding of different styles and his ability to adapt his guitar work to fit them seamlessly. These moments were met with enthusiastic applause, demonstrating that the audience appreciated both his technical skill and his musical breadth.
“What’ll It Be Baby Doll?” and “Girl on the Billboard” added a layer of storytelling and humor, with Setzer engaging directly with the crowd and creating a sense of fun that was infectious. By the time “Runaway Boys” and “Fishnet Stockings” came on, the energy had reached a fever pitch. Fans were dancing in place, singing along, and completely caught up in the momentum of the evening.
Signature Hits and Crowd Favorites
Of course, the big hits were the highlight for many. “Rock This Town” served as a climactic moment late in the set. It’s the song that often defines Setzer’s career for casual fans, and live, it didn’t disappoint. Setzer’s guitar solo was fiery, precise, and full of flair, while the band locked into the infectious rhythm that has made this track a rockabilly anthem. The crowd erupted, and it was impossible not to be swept up in the excitement.
Throughout the night, Setzer’s stage presence was a revelation. He moves with a playful swagger, engaging the audience with winks, smiles, and occasional storytelling, but always letting the music remain at the forefront. His charisma is magnetic, and his energy infectious, drawing everyone in whether they’ve been a fan for decades or are just discovering the magic of rockabilly.
Encore and Grand Finale
The encore opened with “Gene and Eddie,” a Stray Cats track that paid homage to the legends who inspired Setzer. It was a fitting end, full of energy, skillful guitar work, and crowd interaction. The audience cheered wildly, and it was clear that everyone left the theater satisfied, exhilarated, and with a renewed appreciation for the artistry and history of rockabilly.
Setzer’s encore was the perfect punctuation to a night that balanced nostalgia, technical brilliance, and high-energy entertainment. It highlighted the best elements of his career while reminding fans that he remains an innovator and master of his craft.
Musicianship and Band Chemistry
One of the most impressive aspects of this show was the band’s tightness. Every member contributed to the dynamic sound, seamlessly blending rockabilly, swing, and early rock influences. The rhythm section laid a solid foundation while Setzer’s guitar soared, precise yet fluid, full of both technical skill and emotional resonance.
Setzer himself is a masterful guitarist, balancing lightning-fast solos with tasteful phrasing. Every note feels intentional, every riff alive. His understanding of dynamics—knowing when to push and when to pull back—keeps the audience hooked from the first chord to the last. Beyond technical skill, his charisma and sense of humor make the performance approachable and fun, creating a connection with the audience that feels personal.
Highlights of the Night
Several moments stood out as especially memorable:
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“Stray Cat Strut” for its iconic riff and crowd singalong.
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“Georgia (on My Mind)” for the soulful guitar performance and intimate moment.
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“The Train Kept A-Rollin’” for sheer technical brilliance and high-energy delivery.
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“Rock This Town” for the climactic audience engagement and perfect execution.
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“Gene and Eddie” for the playful homage to Setzer’s influences and perfect closing energy.
Each song, whether a deep cut or a classic, felt purposeful and engaging, maintaining momentum throughout the night and highlighting Setzer’s versatility as both a musician and performer.
Audience Experience
The atmosphere at MGM Northfield Park contributed significantly to the experience. The venue’s design allowed for clear sightlines and excellent acoustics, making it easy to hear every detail of Setzer’s guitar work. Fans of all ages were fully engaged, creating a communal energy that elevated the performance. Moments of audience participation, particularly during classics like “Runaway Boys” and “Rock This Town,” turned the concert into a shared celebration rather than a passive listening experience.
Closing Thoughts
Brian Setzer at MGM Northfield Park in October 2023 was a masterclass in rockabilly and early rock ‘n’ roll performance. The setlist struck a perfect balance between Stray Cats hits, solo work, and covers that showcased Setzer’s deep understanding of music history. Every song was performed with precision, energy, and charisma, and the audience responded with enthusiasm that only a performer of Setzer’s caliber can inspire.
From the opening notes of “Rock Boys Rock” to the final strum of “Gene and Eddie,” the concert was a high-energy, skillful, and thoroughly entertaining experience. Setzer’s guitar work, the band’s tightness, and the playful, engaging stage presence combined to create a night that fans will remember long after the final notes faded.
In October 2023, at MGM Northfield Park, Brian Setzer reminded everyone why he remains a living legend. His music, his performance, and his sheer joy in playing rockabilly and swing created a concert experience that was both nostalgic and electrifying. The show was more than just a performance—it was a celebration of a lifetime of music, skill, and unshakable rock and roll spirit.
Brian Setzer proved that he hasn’t just survived decades of changing musical trends; he’s thrived, keeping the fire of rockabilly alive and showing why his influence will continue for generations to come. This concert wasn’t merely an evening of music—it was a full-throttle ride through the heart of rock and roll, guided by one of its greatest and most charismatic performers.