Live Reviews

No Frills, Just Music: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats Deliver at Rogers Arena

Published

5 minutes ago

February 14, 2025

On February 13, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats played Rogers Arena with confidence, proving they can handle a venue of this size. This was their first time headlining an arena tour, but they performed like they’d been doing it for years.

Charley Crockett opened the night with a solid set. Dressed in his usual Western wear, he mixed blues, honky-tonk, and soul effortlessly, and showcased his strong vocals and smooth guitar work. His easygoing presence made for a great start to the night.

Once Rateliff and his band hit the stage, it took a few songs for the energy to build. “I’m On Your Side” got the crowd going, with Rateliff’s raspy vocals cutting through the band’s heavy sound. “I Need Never Get Old” and “Intro” kept things moving, reminding everyone why this band made the shift from folk to a more upbeat, rock-driven style.

Midway through the set, the band slowed things down with “Slow Pace of Time” and “And It’s Still Alright.” These quieter songs let Rateliff’s vocals shine, bringing a different energy to the show. The mood picked up again with “Remember I Was a Dancer” and “South of Here,” both from their latest album, South of Here, which fit well with their older material.

Rateliff and his band kept things simple—no flashy stage production, just solid playing. The seven-piece band, with a full horn section, played tightly but didn’t feel over-rehearsed. They relied on their music and stage presence rather than any big visual effects.

The night ended with “S.O.B.,” the song that first put the band on the map. The crowd sang along, stomping and clapping in time. They closed with “Love Don’t,” bringing the show to a strong finish.

With a setlist covering five albums, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats showed they belong on big stages. The mix of energetic songs and quieter moments kept things balanced, making for a great live show, where the audience did not once raise their phones, and focused on the music.

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats will continue their South of Here Tour in North America until the end of March in Boston, MA. More details here.

Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!