THE COUNTING CROWS BROUGHT THEIR “THE COMPLETE SWEETS!“ – TOUR TO HUXLEY’S IN BERLIN FOR A MELODIC AND CAPTIVATING EVENING
Written and Captured By | Chantal Burau
The iconic American rock band Counting Crows made a much-anticipated stop in Berlin as part of their four-date German leg of the “The Complete Sweets!” tour. This tour supports the release of their most recent album, “Butter Miracle, The Complete Sweets,” a project that serves as a continuation of the critically acclaimed 2021 release, “Butter Miracle: Suite One.” After nearly five years without a full-length release, this album marks a significant return for the band, blending their signature storytelling style with a renewed musical energy.
Opening the night was British singer-songwriter James Maddock, who delivered an intimate and heartfelt acoustic set. Known for his rich, raspy voice and earnest songwriting, Maddock captivated the audience with simplicity and charm. He was joined by David Immerglück (affectionately known as Immy), a long-time member of the Counting Crows, for several songs. With just two musicians on stage and their instruments, they created an inviting atmosphere, encouraging the crowd to sing along and engage with the music in a relaxed and joyful way. The stripped-back performance set the tone for the night, drawing the audience into a space where music and emotion could flow freely.
After Maddock’s performance concluded to warm applause, the anticipation in the venue began to build as the stage was prepped for the main act. Counting Crows took to the stage with confidence and passion, immediately launching into “Spaceman in Tulsa,” a standout track from their latest release. The song perfectly showcased the band’s evolution—retaining their classic emotional depth and storytelling lyricism, while infusing it with a fresh, modern energy that resonated deeply with both long-time fans and newer listeners alike.
As the set progressed, the band moved effortlessly through a mix of older favorites and newer material, demonstrating their impressive ability to weave together a cohesive narrative through sound. The crowd responded enthusiastically, singing along to nearly every song, fully immersed in the band’s distinctive blend of rock, folk, and alternative influences.
One particularly moving moment in the evening came with the performance of their beloved song “Colorblind.” As the opening notes began, the stage lighting dimmed dramatically, leaving only a soft white spotlight on lead singer Adam Duritz. The atmosphere shifted palpably—what had been a room filled with energy and vibrant colors became still and contemplative. The performance was emotionally stirring and marked the transition into a more acoustic segment of the set.
During a short technical delay, Duritz filled the silence with a light-hearted anecdote, describing a strange sound in his in-ear monitors as “fireworks in his ears.” The moment turned personal when he acknowledged a fan in the audience holding a sign, referencing a decades-old memory of Duritz signing tickets. “I can’t believe you still remember that,” he said with genuine surprise and appreciation, highlighting the lasting connection the band has with its fans.
The night’s setlist also included two surprising and well-executed cover songs: “Friend of the Devil” by the Grateful Dead, and “the 1” by Taylor Swift, offering a unique glimpse into the band’s range and musical influences. These covers were met with excitement and showed the band’s ability to honor other artists while making the songs their own.
As the evening drew to a close, the band finished their nearly two-hour performance with a powerful one-two punch: fan favorites “Hanginaround” and “Holiday in Spain.” These energetic closers left the crowd buzzing. Before saying goodbye, the band took a moment to introduce each member, showing their camaraderie and appreciation for the team behind the music.
In the end, the Berlin concert wasn’t just a promotional stop on a European tour—it was a celebration of longevity, artistry, and the deep bond between a band and its fans. Counting Crows proved once again that, even after decades in the industry, they remain as compelling and emotionally resonant as ever.