The Goose tour rolled into an electrifying Halloween-themed extravaganza last night, marking the band’s first celebration of this costumed holiday since 2021. As part of their cherished tradition of theme-infused performances, fans were treated to a spectacular Stranger Things-inspired set that featured numerous exciting debuts, transforming the evening into an unforgettable musical experience.
As the haunting theme from Stranger Things filled the air, the band made their dramatic entrance clad in costumes: Peter swapped his usual look for that of Dustin Henderson (sporting a clean-shaven face), Rick channeled Steve Harrington, Trevor embodied Billy Hargrove, Jeff stepped into the shoes of Sheriff Jim Hopper, and Cotter captured the essence of Eleven.
Seizing the opportunity of their first Halloween show since unveiling “Dr. Darkness,” the band kicked off the first proper set with this on-theme track before launching into an exhilarating rendition of “Yeti.” They maintained the momentum with “Silver Rising,” another debut from 2022 that fit the night’s theme; however, fans held onto hopes of a full performance of the Werewolf Saga, but unfortunately, this speculation turned out to be unfounded.
“Wysteria Lane” resurfaced after a lengthy hiatus since early 2023, delivering our first taste of extended jamming for the night. A few minutes of OB-6-infused play led by Anspach transitioned smoothly into “Psycho Killer,” marking just the second known performance for Goose, and the very first since November 23, 2016. Ellis took the lead vocals on this Talking Heads classic, delivering a powerful performance before the band revved up the energy even further with Michael Sembello’s iconic “Maniac.”
The infectious excitement emanating from the band was palpable, evident in the music and their spirited performance. The closing of the first set, featuring a “Madhuvan” sandwich with a blistering rendition of “Wipeout,” felt like a high-speed surf-rock ride leading to a thrilling conclusion. Adding to the fun, they teased Billy Joel’s “You May Be Right” during the second “Madhuvan” – a cheeky nod to fan favorites.
However, it was in the second set where the energy soared into an all-out dance party, highlighted by the Goose debut of “You Spin Me Round (Like A Record).” This lively addition is poised to become a staple in their cover rotation, offering exciting jam potential for the future.
The dynamic “Arrow” introduced a second impressive sandwich of the evening, merging effortlessly with Ellis’ rhythmic flow through a jam-infused section before erupting into “Running Up That Hill.” This cover is notably recognized as the hallmark of the Stranger Things soundtrack, and Mitarotonda delivered a powerful vocal performance, guiding the band into a fierce, primal jam that resonated perfectly with the vibe of a “Dripfield” performance.
Continuing the dance party atmosphere, “Creatures” kept the energy alive leading into a set-closing rendition of “Everybody Wants To Rule The World,” marking an exciting expansion of Goose’s Tears For Fears cover repertoire.
Wrapping up the night with a captivating encore, Goose opened with a reprise of the Stranger Things theme before unleashing an explosive eight-minute version of “The Empress of Organos,” perfectly timed to conclude the evening ahead of the strict 10 PM curfew.
While Halloween shows typically focus less on intricate jamming or lengthy improvisation, last night’s performance was a masterclass in execution. With six cover debuts, on-theme original tracks, and an electrifying energy throughout, the concert truly epitomized Goose’s one-of-a-kind Halloween traditions. Fans are already eagerly awaiting the next show, hoping it won’t take another three years to enjoy such an experience again!
The tour continues tonight in St. Augustine with the first of two shows. With the themed extravaganza now behind them, the band is set to unleash their full creative range in the upcoming nights, promising an incredible experience for attendees. Livestreams are available exclusively for nugs subscribers.
**Interview with Peter Anspach of Goose on the ‘Stranger Things’ Themed Halloween Show**
**Editor:** Peter, thanks for joining us! Last night’s show was incredible! How did you all come up with the idea to theme the entire performance around “Stranger Things”?
**Peter Anspach:** Thanks for having me! We’ve always loved celebrating Halloween, and “Stranger Things” has such a compelling atmosphere and nostalgia that it felt like a perfect fit. Plus, we wanted to bring the excitement back after a few years of not being able to celebrate together with our fans.
**Editor:** The costumes were fantastic! Can you share a bit about the decision behind each band member’s character?
**Peter Anspach:** Absolutely! Each character resonated with us in different ways. I went as Dustin because he’s goofy and relatable. Rick as Steve is just too classic, Trevor nailed Billy’s vibe, Jeff brought that intense Sheriff Hopper energy, and Cotter really embodied Eleven’s spirit. Choosing those characters was a fun process and added to the whole experience.
**Editor:** The setlist featured some thrilling debuts and a couple of surprises! How did the song selection align with the theme?
**Peter Anspach:** We wanted to kick things off with a bang, so starting with ”Dr. Darkness” felt right. From there, we chose tracks that matched the haunting vibe of “Stranger Things” while also keeping the energy high. “You Spin Me Round” was a last-minute addition; it felt like it would get the crowd moving, and it certainly did!
**Editor:** The crowd seemed electric! What was the atmosphere like from your perspective on stage?
**Peter Anspach:** It was phenomenal! The energy from the audience was through the roof. They were all in their costumes, fully immersed in the theme, and it created this amazing synergy between us and them. Especially during the extended jams, you could feel the excitement building—it felt like we were all part of something special.
**Editor:** Were there any moments during the show that particularly stood out to you?
**Peter Anspach:** Definitely! The mashup of our “Madhuvan” with Billy Joel’s “You May Be Right” was a really fun moment. And performing “Running Up That Hill” felt special because of its prominent place in the “Stranger Things” soundtrack. Hearing the crowd sing along to that was a real highlight—there was just this shared joy in the air.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, do you think there will be more themed performances in the future?
**Peter Anspach:** I certainly hope so! They’re a lot of fun for both us and the fans. Each theme brings a new level of creativity and excitement, so who knows what we’ll come up with next? Stay tuned!
**Editor:** Thank you, Peter! We can’t wait to see what you come up with next.
**Peter Anspach:** Thank you! It was great talking with you!
