The Breeders, one of the defining alternative rock bands of the 1990s, are back on tour and recently stopped at Baltimore’s Nevermore Hall, the venue formerly known as Rams Head Live. Though the building has a new name, it once again proved to be an outstanding place to catch a legendary band in an intimate setting.
The evening offered everything fans could hope for: the classic Breeders sound, an impressive opening performance from Violet Grohl, a sold-out crowd, and a birthday celebration for longtime drummer Jim Macpherson.
For longtime fans, one of the night’s biggest highlights was seeing the band’s classic lineup together again. While The Breeders have featured several talented musicians over the years, there’s something special about watching Kim Deal, Kelley Deal, Josephine Wiggs, and Jim Macpherson share the stage.
The Breeders first gained widespread attention after opening for Nirvana on the band’s 1992 tour before releasing their landmark 1993 album Last Splash, featuring the timeless alternative rock anthem “Cannonball.” With only a handful of dates remaining on the current tour, Baltimore fans were fortunate to catch one of these increasingly rare performances.
Watching The Breeders perform in 2026 also makes you wonder why a band of this caliber spent nearly two decades largely inactive. Fortunately for music lovers, they returned years ago and continue to deliver mesmerizing live performances. Whether you’re a fan of ’90s alternative rock, indie music, or grunge, The Breeders remain a must-see act. They are true masters of their distinctive sound.
For me, it was especially rewarding to see the band again at Nevermore Hall on June 23. The last time I caught them live was during Joe Walsh’s VetsAid concert in Columbus, where they shared the bill with Joe Walsh, Dave Grohl, The James Gang, The Black Keys, and Nine Inch Nails. It was an incredible lineup, and The Breeders more than deserved their place among those legendary artists.
The current lineup features Kim Deal on vocals and guitar, Kelley Deal on guitar, Josephine Wiggs on bass, and Jim Macpherson on drums.
Opening the evening was Violet Grohl, daughter of Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl. Her approximately 45-minute set was an impressive showcase for an emerging artist. She displayed excellent stage presence, a confident voice, and a collection of songs that suggest a bright future. Opening with “Bug in the Cake,” she quickly won over the audience, while “The Sun Is Blind” stood out as an energetic rocker that highlighted both her vocal ability and the strength of her backing band.
Watch the official music video for “Bug in the Cake” by Violet Grohl on YouTube:
The Breeders casually walked onstage and immediately launched into “Doe,” “Saints,” and “Invisible Man,” setting the tone for the evening. The band’s sound was as powerful and distinctive as ever, and the enthusiastic audience responded throughout the performance.
Midway through “Hag,” the show briefly paused when someone in the audience required medical assistance. The band patiently waited while the individual was safely escorted from the venue before resuming the set.
Later, the band surprised drummer Jim Macpherson with a birthday cake as the audience joined together in singing “Happy Birthday.” It was a warm, lighthearted moment that perfectly captured the band’s relaxed chemistry before they launched into the final stretch of the evening.
Highlights included excellent performances of “Safari” and “Iris,” along with one of the evening’s most memorable moments: the band’s haunting cover of The Beatles’ “Happiness Is a Warm Gun.”
Watch the official music video for “Safari” by The Breeders on YouTube:
The Breeders closed the main set with a fantastic performance of “Do You Love Me Now?” before returning for a three-song encore that culminated, as everyone hoped it would, with an explosive rendition of “Cannonball.”
More than three decades after Last Splash, The Breeders continue to prove why they remain one of alternative rock’s most influential bands. Their songs have lost none of their power, and their live performances still captivate longtime fans while winning over new ones. Whenever they come through town, they’re a band well worth seeing.
Setlist
1. Doe
2. Saints
3. Invisible Man
4. Bite
5. Divine Hammer
6. No Aloha
7. Walking with a Killer (Kim Deal song)
8. Fortunately Gone
9. Hag (Restarted due to crowd emergency)
10. Ghost
11. Off You
12. Happy Birthday to You (Mildred J. Hill & Patty Hill cover) (Sung to Jim)
13. Drivin’ on 9 (Ed’s Redeeming Qualities cover)
14.When I Was a Painter
15. MetaGoth
16. Safari
17. Iris
18. I Just Wanna Get Along
19. Happiness is a Warm Gun (The Beatles cover)
20. Hellbound
21. Do You Love Me Now?
22. Alien Eyes
23. New Year
24. Cannonball
Here are some photos of The Breeders performing live at Nevermore Hall on June 23, 2026. All pictures copyright and courtesy of James Todd Miller.
Here are some photos of Violet Grohl performing live at Nevermore Hall on June 23, 2026. All pictures copyright and courtesy of James Todd Miller.
