There was a lot of buzz for Sugar’s first concert since the 1990s. The trio had returned from the dead earlier this year, 3 new songs and a few concerts and they rock like the last 30 years never happened. 3 sold out shows at First Avenue are proof to that.

DJ Jake Rudh curated this playlist to match the vibe. He took the crowd back to their younger days bringing back songs many (including me) had forgotten.

J. Robbins opened in fitting fashion. Armed with just his guitar he still brought rocking vibes to the stage. Many in the crowd were more familiar with him than I was and enjoyed his set. “Soldier On” came with a shoutout to Minneapolis and their stand against ICE. Artists like J. Robbins are why I never miss the opener. Several of his songs got added to my playlist.

One thing that stood out last night was the line to the merch booth. It was 20-30 folks deep through the opener. Much like sugar the merch was simple 3 t-shirts and a poster. And yes they had sizes that fit their fans (one of my pet peeves - when bands get to Minneapolis they are often out of merch in XXL).

When Sugar took to the stage the first work in my notebook was “LOUD!!”. At first I thought it was just me, but after a few songs Mould asked the crowd: ”Is it as loud as it was in 94?” - Guess it wasn’t just me. The pace they set during their set was impressive.

I feel there are way too many bands out there touring on nostalgia only, a shadow of their former self. Heck some even only have one (or in a few cases none) of their original members. That’s not the case with sugar. They are having fun, feel fresh and alive. And that reflected in the crowd. Yeah, we may not be in our 20’s or 30’s anymore, but who needs Botox when you got Sugar!

The Act We Act /A Good Idea / Changes / Company Book / After All the Roads Have Led to Nowhere / In the Eyes of My Friends / Hoover Dam / Where Diamonds Are Halos / Running Out of Time / Gift / Your Favorite Thing / Clownmaster / Frustration / House of Dead Memories / Long Live Love / Explode and Make Up / Anyone / Come Around / Tilted / JC Auto / Helpless / Gee Angel / If I Can't Change Your Mind