Rolling Stone’s ‘Gather No Moss’ tour has officially kicked off, promising an exploration of what’s next in rock music. With only four stops, the tour shines a spotlight on emerging talent alongside selected headliners.
On July 26th, the event began with a unique twist: 28-year-old Michael Gordon, widely known as Mk.gee, took the stage as the opener. Known for his ability to defy conventional genre boundaries, Mk.gee promised a night that would not be defined by norms.
Before Mk.gee’s performance, the mood was set by producers SEES00000 and Black Noi$e, whose sets blurred the lines between genres. Their immersive music focused on mood and texture, preparing the audience for the unexpected.
As Mk.gee emerged, he immediately transformed the atmosphere. Delivering what fans anticipated yet in an unpredictable manner, his performance captivated the sold-out Fillmore Auditorium.
His set primarily featured tracks from his debut album, ‘Two Star and the Dream Police.’ Released to widespread acclaim, this record raised his profile significantly, landing on numerous ‘best album of 2024’ lists and gaining him recognition in mainstream media.
During the show, Mk.gee showcased a range of extremes. Joined by guitarist Andrew Aged and multi-instrumentalist Zack Sekoff, he performed a dynamic 13-track set, increasing to 15 with the encore. Each song created a constantly shifting atmosphere filled with heavy fog and flashes of light, transitioning from reflective ballads to electrifying, guitar-heavy segments.
What set Mk.gee apart was not only his genre-defying sound but also the unique structure of his set. Starting with ‘ROCKMAN,’ the second single from ‘Two Star,’ he engaged the audience with a series of varying tempos and styles, transitioning seamlessly through upbeat tracks like ‘Candy’ and introspective pieces like ‘Are You Looking Up?’
As the performance evolved, Mk.gee humorously looped the hype track ‘DNM’ three times in a row, assuring the audience, ‘It’s not happening. It’s not gonna happen again,’ an obviously playful nod to his previous loop of the song in a past performance.
His relatable presence on stage added a significant layer to the evening. Even while partially obscured by his hair and dramatic lighting, Mk.gee connected with the crowd, checking in on their feelings between poignant guitar riffs. He effortlessly toggled between expressing deep sentiment and showcasing a youthful, playful attitude.
This down-to-earth demeanor helped reinforce his impressive talent, blending the charisma of rock icons with the authenticity characteristic of true musicians.
With ‘Gather No Moss’ promising to unveil the upcoming narrative of rock music, Mk.gee appeared as the ideal artist to lead this venture. His mix of technical prowess and genuine, ‘don’t care’ attitude may well symbolize the future of rock.
The tour will continue through October, featuring performances from bands like The Beaches, Wet Leg, and MJ Lenderman. Grounded in the spirit of Mk.gee’s powerful opening show, it aims to challenge conventions and usher in a new era of rock music.
If the essence of Mk.gee’s performance is any indication, rock and roll is poised for an exciting future, one filled with talent and authenticity.
image source from：303magazine
