Concert Cage the Elephant Tickets Toronto
Event Description (Available Tickets Below Video)
Cage the Elephant: Genre-Bending Rock Rebels
Cage the Elephant is an American rock band known for their raw energy, genre-defying sound, and explosive live performances. Since emerging in the mid-2000s, the band has evolved from gritty garage rockers to Grammy-winning alternative icons, consistently pushing the boundaries of rock music while maintaining a distinct, rebellious edge.
Humble Beginnings and Breakout Success
Formed in 2006 in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Cage the Elephant began as a group of childhood friends with a shared love for punk, classic rock, blues, and funk. The original lineup included brothers Matt Shultz (vocals) and Brad Shultz (guitar), along with Jared Champion (drums), Daniel Tichenor (bass), and Lincoln Parish (lead guitar). Their self-titled debut album, Cage the Elephant, dropped in 2008 and quickly gained attention with the breakout single “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked.” The track, blending gritty vocals with bluesy riffs and socially conscious lyrics, became a massive hit and propelled the band onto the global stage.
Evolution and Critical Acclaim
While their debut showcased a raw, southern rock-influenced style, Cage the Elephant continued to reinvent their sound with each album. Their second record, Thank You, Happy Birthday (2011), veered into more punk and experimental territory, featuring hits like “Shake Me Down” and “Aberdeen.” The album debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 and marked a major turning point in the band’s artistic identity.
In 2013, Melophobia saw the band further explore indie and psychedelic rock, resulting in tracks like “Come a Little Closer” and “Cigarette Daydreams.” The album was a critical success and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album, cementing the band as one of the most innovative acts of the 2010s.
Lincoln Parish left the band in 2013, and while not officially replaced, the band continued with touring musicians and collaborators. Nick Bockrath (guitar) and Matthan Minster (keyboard, rhythm guitar, backing vocals) became key live contributors.
Grammy Wins and Continued Success
Their fourth album, Tell Me I’m Pretty (2015), was produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys and brought a grittier, vintage rock sound. It included standout tracks like “Mess Around” and earned the band their first Grammy Award for Best Rock Album in 2017.
In 2019, they followed up with Social Cues, an introspective and polished album born from personal tragedy and transition. The singles “Ready to Let Go” and “Social Cues” reflected a more mature, emotional side of the band. The album won them their second Grammy for Best Rock Album in 2020.
Current Lineup
- Matt Shultz – Vocals
- Brad Shultz – Guitar
- Jared Champion – Drums
- Daniel Tichenor – Bass
- (Touring: Nick Bockrath and Matthan Minster)
Legacy and Impact
Cage the Elephant has built a reputation as one of the most exciting and unpredictable bands in modern rock. With multiple chart-topping hits, two Grammy wins, and a fearless approach to reinvention, they’ve proven that staying true to your roots doesn’t mean staying in one place. Whether you’re moshing to “Teeth” or vibing to “Cigarette Daydreams,” Cage the Elephant always delivers the unexpected.
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