Alt-rock trailblazer Matthew Sweet has announced his return to live touring following a nearly four-year hiatus, beginning with the pandemic and extending until now. Sweet will return to the 30A Songwriters Festival over MLK weekend in January, followed by a six-date, full-band Midwest run. The tour kicks off on February 9 at the Madrid Theatre in Kansas City, MO and including stops in St. Paul, Milwaukee, and his hometown of Omaha, NE (all dates listed below).
The power pop pioneer is hard at work writing and recording his next studio record due out in 2024. In addition to new material, Sweet is planning to release an archival live record of one of his most fabled performances — a July 4, 1993 show at Chicago’s Grant Park. Originally recorded by Metro Mobile Recording for Chicago radio station WXRT, the blistering set includes hits and fan-favorites including “Girlfriend,” “I’ve Been Waiting,” “The Ugly Truth,” and a spirited cover of John Lennon’s “Crippled Inside.” Matthew is backed by Richard Lloyd (Television) on lead guitar, Will Rigby(the dB’s) on drums, and Tony Marsico (Cruzados, Bob Dylan) on bass and background vocals.
Remixed and remastered from the original DAT source by engineer Brian Kehew, known for his work with The Who, The Pretenders, The Stooges, Crazy Horse, and The Replacements, the live album captures Sweet live at the peak of the alternative rock takeover when he first achieved commercial success with a series of gold and platinum records that still hold up today.
Sweet’s loyal fans will be delighted to know he recently launched a Patreon page. Sweet regularly shares writing demos, visual art and sculpture, livestreams, and more.
Matthew Sweet Tour Dates:
January 12-15 – South Walton, FL – 30A Songwriters Festival
February 9 – Kansas City, MO – Madrid Theatre
February 10 – St. Louis, MO – Blueberry Hill
February 13 – Milwaukee, WI – Shank Hall
February 14 – Iowa City, IA – Wildwood Smokehouse and Saloon
February 16 – St. Paul, MN – Turf Club
February 17 – Omaha, NE – Waiting Room