Date: July 19, 2018

Venue: Madison Square Garden

City: New York

State: New York

Country: United States

Notes:
Across social media, before and after the show, Beck and his band seemed to really consider this gig, at the famous Madison Square Garden in NYC, a landmark event in Beck's career.

And so they delivered a memorable gig, with lots of special guests, cool covers, and just generally being incredibly spirited.

Setlist verified, as almost all of the show is on Youtube.

Tonight's is probably the best version of "Up All Night" I've heard yet. It's meant for large crowds.

After a few really energetic bursts ("Guero," "I'm So Free"), Beck brings out Spoon's front man Britt Daniel. He plays rhythm guitar and harmonizes on a terrific version of "Dear Life," a song the band has not done very often (but should). Next, Britt leads the band through a quick take of Spoon's hit "I Turn My Camera On."

Next the acoustic set begins as Beck brings out Jenny Lewis (who opened the show) and his previous guitarist Smokey Hormel (who lives in NYC). Along with Jake Sinclair, the four of them do an old-timey version of "Girl Dreams." (First time Beck has done it since 2003.) Reportedly, Beck was hesitant to do the song but Jenny told him that Bill Murray likes it (he's heard One Foot?!). Too bad they don't follow it up with "Girl" and then "Dreams"!

After the acoustic set, the main set closes with a normal-for-this-tour ending monster run of "Dreams," "Girl," "Colors," "Loser," "E-Pro." During "E-Pro," Smokey Hormel returns with his electric guitar, and brings along old friend Justin Meldal-Johnsen, who plays bass (Dwayne moves to his synth thing). Everyone is having a blast. Jason, Smokey, and Justin end up in a pile on the floor.

Lastly, they end with an epic NYC-centric "Where It's At," which throws in covers by NYC groups like A Tribe Called Quest, Velvet Underground, Talking Heads, and Television. After all the cover songs, Beck calls Jenny, Britt, Justin, and Smokey back to the stage and everyone closes this epic show epicly.

Bass: Dwayne Moore, Justin Meldal-Johnsen
Bongo: Cecilia Della Peruti
Drums: Chris Coleman
Guitar (Acoustic): Beck Hansen, Cecilia Della Peruti, Jake Sinclair, Jason Falkner
Guitar (Electric): Beck Hansen, Britt Daniel, Cecilia Della Peruti, Jason Falkner, Smokey Hormel
Harmonica: Beck Hansen
keyboards: Alex Lilly, Roger Joseph Manning Jr.
Keytar: Alex Lilly
Mandolin: Jake Sinclair
Opening Act: Jenny Lewis
Percussion: Alex Lilly, Cecilia Della Peruti, Jake Sinclair, Roger Joseph Manning Jr.
Synthesizer: Dwayne Moore, Jason Falkner, Roger Joseph Manning Jr.
Tambourine: Alex Lilly, Beck Hansen, Cecilia Della Peruti, Jake Sinclair, Justin Meldal-Johnsen, Smokey Hormel
Ukulele: Smokey Hormel
Vocals: Beck Hansen, Britt Daniel, Jenny Lewis
Vocals (Background): Alex Lilly, Beck Hansen, Britt Daniel, Cecilia Della Peruti, Dwayne Moore, Jake Sinclair, Jason Falkner, Jenny Lewis, Justin Meldal-Johnsen, Roger Joseph Manning Jr., Smokey Hormel

Recorded: No