SUGAR @ Webster Hall, NYC, May 2, 2026/ Review

 

All Greg Polard photos

By Greg Polard

This past weekend, Bob Mould's legendary post-Hüsker Dü band SUGAR played their first show in 31 years to a sold-out crowd at Webster Hall in NYC. Being a massive fan of Bob's entire catalog but never having seen SUGAR proper, I knew I had to be there. 

Despite having seen the Bob Mould Band play a half a dozen times over the last decade or so and including SUGAR songs in the setlist (even going as far as playing the entire "Copper Blue" LP in 2012 for the 20th anniversary), the proposition of a full set of just SUGAR songs was too exciting to pass up. 

There was no opener for the night, but rather a DJ set from Michael Azerrad, who helped Mould with his 2011 memoir "See A Little Light: The Trail of Rage and Melody." The playlist really set the mood for the evening, taking us all back to the '90s with songs from Meat Puppets, My Bloody Valentine, Screaming Trees & more. 

Finally, the lights dimmed and "She Said She Said" by the Beatles echoed on the speakers. It was time for the return of the almighty SUGAR! 

Stepping on to the stage with Bob for the first time since the Clinton administration were bassist David Barbe and drummer Malcolm Travis. Prior to the show, I had properly predicted that they would open with "The Act We Act" and then go right into the next two songs from "Copper Blue" ("A Good Idea" and "Changes"). 

After that, Barbe took on vocal duties for "Company Book" from the second (or third, depending on how one views "Beaster") and final SUGAR LP "File Under : Easy Listening." Before going back into more album cuts, a detour into some fan favorite B-sides occurred as the lead up to "Hoover Dam." Several more B-sides (or "Besides"...see what I did there?) tracks were played, along with 6 of the 10 songs from "FU:EL," which was a welcome surprise. 

The band also debuted both songs from their brand new 7" single that was physically released the day prior. However, the highlight for me was seeing two songs from the previously mentioned "Beaster" played live that I'd never seen: "Tilted" (oftentimes my #1 SUGAR song) and "JC Auto." That absolutely monstrous tune closed out the main set, but then our heroes returned with three more absolute bangers: "Helpless," "Gee Angel" and, of course, "If I Can't Change Your Mind." 

Two dozen songs performed in all, and PRETTY much everything I wanted to hear was played. I am excited to see if there are any setlist switch-ups come October when I see them again on my home turf of Philadelphia. 

Long live SUGAR!