Jimmy Eat World Sells Out The Rave In Milwaukee

Excitement was palpable in Milwaukee as fans flocked to The Rave for a night of unforgettable music. The anticipation had been building for weeks, and the atmosphere buzzed with eagerness. As concertgoers streamed into the venue, you could feel the shared sense of community among the attendees. Strangers exchanged knowing smiles and chatted about their favorite Jimmy Eat World memories, while others shared their hopes for which songs would make the setlist.

For many, this concert was more than just a night out; it was a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Whether reminiscing about the first time they heard "The Middle" on the radio or recounting past shows at The Rave, the crowd was united by a collective admiration for the band. The venue itself, with its rich history and unique character, added an extra layer of significance to the evening.

All Photos By Aaron R. Shriver Photography

The Rave is an essential part of Milwaukee's vibrant music scene, known for its rich history and eclectic range of performances. Originally opened in 1927 as a home for the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the building has been repurposed into a multi-venue space that caters to diverse musical tastes. Its grand architecture and storied past add a unique charm to every event held within its walls.

For the Jimmy Eat World concert, the legendary Rave ballroom was transformed into a more intimate setting, holding around 2,500 concertgoers. This setup allowed fans to feel a closer connection to the band, enhancing the sense of community among attendees. The ballroom's historic ambiance, with its high ceilings and intricate details, created a backdrop that elevated the evening's performances. For both artists and fans, performing or witnessing a concert at The Rave is an experience that resonates long after the final encore.

Local Milwaukee band Diet Lite set the stage for the evening with an electrifying performance that quickly captivated the crowd. Their unique blend of garage rock, post-punk, and alt-country created an energetic atmosphere that got everyone on their feet. The trio, consisting of Max Niemann, Kelson Kuzdas, and Evan Marsalli, opened with "Glammin' The Hill," immediately drawing the audience in with their infectious energy. Throughout their set, the band showcased tracks from their 2023 album "Into The Pudding," including standout songs like "Harbour A Hand" and "Bad Larry." Each track highlighted their knack for catchy riffs and inventive songwriting, keeping the crowd engaged and enthusiastic. The band’s chemistry was evident, with Max and Kelson trading off on vocals and guitar, while Evan kept the rhythm tight on drums.

A moment came when Max shared a personal story about his connection to The Rave. He recounted how his mom first brought him to the venue in 2009 for an All-American Rejects concert, making this performance a full-circle moment for him. Seeing his mom in the crowd added an emotional layer to the night, further endearing the band to the audience.

Click The Image Above For The Full Diet Lite Gallery

The band’s high-energy set continued with tracks like "Stuck Again," "Man Ray," and "Metal Mouth," each song building on the last, creating a momentum that had the audience fully immersed. Their performance was raw and unfiltered, embodying the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll while still feeling fresh and original. Diet Lite closed their set with "Jump To It/Jump Thru It," leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement and anticipation for the main act. Their vibrant performance set the perfect tone for the night, showcasing the local talent that Milwaukee has to offer while warming up the crowd for what was to come.

As the lights dimmed and cheers filled the room, Jimmy Eat World stepped onto the stage, igniting a wave of anticipation. The band's history with Milwaukee and The Rave made this performance feel like a homecoming, and the crowd's energy reflected that deep connection. Kicking off with "Pain," the band immediately set a high-octane pace that had fans singing along with fervor. The connection between Jimmy Eat World and Milwaukee runs deep, with the band first gracing The Rave's stage in 1997. Over the years, this venue has become a significant place for both the band and their fans. Their return to Milwaukee for the seventh time highlighted the special relationship they have with the city. The band reminisced about their previous performances, sharing how they've played on every stage within The Rave. This ongoing relationship was felt throughout the night, as the band took time to express their heartfelt gratitude to the crowd, acknowledging the unwavering support they've received.

As the lights dimmed and cheers filled the room, Jimmy Eat World stepped onto the stage, igniting a wave of anticipation. The band's history with Milwaukee and The Rave made this performance feel like a homecoming, and the crowd's energy reflected that deep connection. Kicking off with "Pain," the band immediately set a high-octane pace that had fans singing along with fervor. The setlist was a well-crafted journey through their extensive career. Songs like "Just Tonight" and "Sweetness" had the audience belting out every word, their voices merging with Jim Adkins' impassioned vocals. Jim, along with Tom Linton on rhythm guitar, Rick Burch on bass, and Zach Lind on drums, created a seamless, powerful sound that resonated throughout the venue.

The setlist spanned their 32-year career, featuring tracks like “Something Loud”, “Your House”, If You Don’t, Don’t”, "Lucky Denver Mint," "Criminal Energy, “Let It Happen”, "23", “Work”, & “Nothing Wrong”. Each song was a testament to why Jimmy Eat World remains beloved by their fans. Midway through the set, Tom Linton took over vocals for "Blister," a fan favorite that ramped up the crowd's enthusiasm even further. The intensity in the room surged, with mosh pits forming and fans jumping in unison. Yet, the band also knew how to balance the energy, slowing things down with "For Me This Is Heaven," allowing a moment of reflection before diving back into their more upbeat tracks.

One of the night's highlights was "Hear You Me," during which the audience lit up the room with their cell phone lights, creating a sea of twinkling stars that added a magical touch to the evening. This moment of unity showcased the profound impact their music has had on their fans. The band maintained their momentum with high-energy tracks like "A Praise Chorus” and "Bleed American," each song building upon the last and keeping the crowd fully engaged. When they played their iconic hit "The Middle," the entire venue erupted in collective joy, voices blending in perfect harmony.

As the evening drew to a close, the band returned for an encore that included 'Call It In The Air' and 'The World You Love,' leaving the audience on a high note and solidifying the night as a memorable chapter in the band's storied history. The energy in The Rave was electric, with the crowd's cheers and applause echoing long after the final notes had been played. The performance was a reminder of the power of live music to unite and uplift, offering fans an experience that would linger in their memories. The night at The Rave was a heartfelt celebration of music, community, and shared memories. From the moment Jimmy Eat World took the stage, the energy in the room was electric, and the connection between the band and their fans was palpable. Each song seemed to weave a tapestry of past and present, uniting everyone in a collective experience that transcended the usual concert atmosphere. The local touch added by Diet Lite was the perfect opener, setting the stage for an evening that was as much about Milwaukee’s vibrant music scene as it was about the headliners. Their spirited performance reminded everyone of the incredible local talent that adds to the city's rich musical heritage.

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For those who couldn’t attend, catching Jimmy Eat World on their summer tour with The Offspring and New Found Glory is a must. This concert was more than just a series of songs; it was a shared journey that reminded us of the power of music to connect, heal, and inspire. It was a night that would resonate long after the final notes had faded.

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Jimmy Eat World Set-List:

Pain

Just Tonight

Sweetness

Something Loud

Your House

If You Don't, Don't

Lucky Denver Mint

Criminal Energy

Let It Happen

23

Work

Nothingwrong

Blister

For Me This Is Heaven

Big Casino

Hear You Me

All the Way (Stay)

A Praise Chorus

Bleed American

The Middle

Encore:

Call It in the Air

The World You Love