Alternative rock band CAKE visited The Lawn at White Oak Music Hall in Houston on their 2024 tour.
Formed in Sacramento, California in 1991, CAKE have become famous for their “irony-drenched” lyrics, monotone vocals, and overall tongue-in-cheek vibe. The band has released seven studio albums, with their debut record Fashion Nugget being issued in 1996. The record contains two of their most streamed tracks “The Distance” and “I Will Survive”, a cover of the iconic 1970’s hit by Gloria Gaynor. CAKE was nominated for the MTV VMAs Breakthrough Video in 2002 for their “Short Skirt/Long Jacket” music video, along with four California Music Awards nominations in 2001. The band has remained popular and successful for over three decades, and played to a nearly sold out venue during their show in Houston on September 11.
Despite the rainy conditions, CAKE took the stage and began their set with the track “Frank Sinatra”, followed by “Sheep Go To Heaven”, which seemed to be a fan favorite as the crowd was excited to sing along to the ironic lyrics. The stage design included a massive disco ball which was illuminated periodically, making the stage look super funky. The band’s frontman John McCrea radiated good vibes and amusement while performing his songs, making for an even better experience for the audience. CAKE’s trumpet player Vince DiFiore was also very entertaining to watch, especially since it’s uncommon to see brass instruments played on stage during rock concerts.
Since CAKE were the only performers, the show contained an intermission partway through. During this, a “tree giveaway” was conducted in which a lucky fan was able to take home a plum tree gifted to them by John McCrea himself. Although strange, something like this is perfectly on brand for CAKE. Not long after this, CAKE got the party started back up by performing one of their most popular tracks “Love You Madly”, off the album Comfort Eagle. Following this was several more noteworthy songs such as “Never There” and their cover of “Sad Songs and Waltzes” by Texas legend Willie Nelson.
After the second half of the set concluded, CAKE wrapped up with and encore containing their most well known songs “Short Skirt/Long Jacket”, “War Pigs” (Black Sabbath cover from b-sides and rarities) and “The Distance”. CAKE will play four more shows in 2024, concluding their tour on November 23 in Chicago, Illinois.
I’m a Houston based photographer who loves being around live music and all the creative people involved in the local music scene. I enjoy capturing performers and artists doing what they love and the essence of how live music makes people feel. When Im not behind the lens, I love trying new things and visiting new places.
