On a perfect New York summer evening at The Rooftop at Pier 17, Violet Grohl opened the night with a confident and engaging set. She kicked things off with “Bug in the Cake,” the lead single from her upcoming album, Be Sweet to Me. The song blended elements of punk, alternative rock, and ’90s indie influences, recalling bands like X while establishing a modern rock identity of its own. Grohl’s vocals carried the song with ease, immediately drawing the audience into her world.
She followed with “THUM,” a more energetic number that quickly got the crowd moving. While much of the audience consisted of longtime fans of The Breeders, there was also a noticeable presence of younger alternative rock fans who seemed equally enthusiastic about Grohl’s performance. One of the standout moments of her set came with a cover of “Sun God” by Squirrel Bait, a fitting nod to underground rock history. Between songs, she encouraged concertgoers to check out her band’s music, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Overall, her set struck a satisfying balance between mellow, melodic rock and the grunge-inspired energy that complemented the evening’s headliner.
At around 8:30 p.m., The Breeders took the stage to an enthusiastic reception from the crowd. They opened with “Doe,” a standout track from their 1990 debut album, Pod. It was a fitting choice, immediately energizing longtime fans while setting the tone for the rest of the evening. Frontwoman Kim Deal appeared wearing a bright blue Jaws sweater, a small detail that quickly caught the audience’s attention. As the last traces of daylight lingered behind the stage, the setting created an unexpectedly intimate backdrop despite the venue’s large capacity.
The band moved seamlessly through a setlist that celebrated both their legacy and more recent material. Songs such as “Saints,” “Invisible Man,” and “Bite” showcased the group’s ability to bridge different eras of their career without losing momentum. The contrast between older fan favorites and newer songs felt natural rather than nostalgic, highlighting the enduring strength of their songwriting.
Partway through the set, Deal took a moment to introduce the band and proudly mention their Ohio roots. The announcement was met with enthusiastic cheers from audience members, suggesting plenty of fellow Ohioans were in attendance. Moments like these reinforced the communal atmosphere of the evening, making the performance feel less like a large outdoor concert and more like a gathering of fans connected through decades of alternative rock.
As the evening progressed, The Breeders continued to pull from across their extensive catalog. “Cannonball” drew one of the loudest reactions of the night, with nearly everyone in attendance singing along to its instantly recognizable bass line and chorus. The energy continued to build as the band leaned into fan favorites, while deeper cuts were met with equal enthusiasm from longtime listeners.
The transition from heavier tracks to more melodic moments highlighted the band’s versatility. “Divine Hammer” brought a bright, infectious energy to the set, while songs from Last Splash reminded the audience why The Breeders remain one of alternative rock’s most influential acts. The chemistry between the band members felt effortless, and Deal’s stage presence remained both charming and understated throughout the performance.
As darkness settled over the Manhattan skyline, the atmosphere at Pier 17 became even more immersive. The city lights reflected off the East River behind the stage, creating a backdrop that perfectly complemented the band’s blend of rawness and melody. Whether performing early classics from Pod or newer material, The Breeders sounded remarkably tight, proving their music has lost none of its impact over the decades.
By the time they reached the final stretch of the set, the audience was fully locked in. Every song was met with cheers, and the band’s appreciation for the crowd was evident. The performance felt less like a nostalgia act and more like a celebration of a catalog that continues to resonate with generations of listeners. On a beautiful New York summer night, The Breeders delivered a set that was intimate, energetic, and thoroughly rewarding.
Set List:
Doe
Saints
Invisible Man
Bite
Divine Hammer
No Aloha
Walking with a Killer (Kim Deal song)
Fortunately Gone
Hag
Ghost
Off You
Drivin’ on 9 (Ed’s Redeeming Qualities cover)
When I was a Painter
MetaGoth
Safari
Iris
I Just Wanna Get Along
Happiness Is a Warm Gun (The Beatles cover)
Hellbound
Do You Love Me Now?
Alien Eyes
New Year
Cannonball
Photo Credit: Owen Ela
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