After years of anticipation, Sheppard made their triumphant return to the stage in the United States, lighting up Columbus, Ohio, at the Basement. The Say Geronimo Tour has been traveling across the US for the last month, and it is a heartfelt celebration of their journey, their fans, and the release of their latest album, ZORA. And for the fans who filled the intimate venue, it was clear from the start that this performance was well worth the wait.

The night kicked off with opener Honey & Blue, a local powerhouse duo who brought incredible energy to the stage. With vocals that blew the crowd away, they had everyone hyped from the very first song. The chemistry as they moved effortlessly between keys, guitars, and drums, all while keeping the energy high with their soulful sound, was magnetic. Their song "Coming Close" struck a chord with the crowd. A sweet, summery track about finding your way back to someone, which had everyone captivated.

As Sheppard took the stage, fans clearly expressed their excitement, as they cheered loudly and instantly started singing along. The connection between the band and the crowd was immediate. From the first note, the energy in the room soared, and it stayed there, with the entire audience singing along at the top of their lungs to every hit. It was so heartwarming to see young fans proudly donning the band’s merch and looking up at the band with love and excitement in their eyes. It was clear just how much Sheppard means to their fans in Columbus, who had been eagerly awaiting their return. 

This tour has truly been a family affair, with the band taking on every aspect themselves. Amy’s husband was behind the scenes, capturing photos, while George’s wife ran the merch booth. The DIY, hands-on approach gave the night an extra layer of charm, as the band cruises from city to city in a small van, staying determined and showing just how much they appreciate the unwavering support of their fans.

Between the music and the crowd's enthusiasm, the night was filled with memorable moments. One fan’s heartfelt shout of “Thank you for coming back!” echoed the collective sentiment of the audience. The band reciprocated the love, engaging with fans throughout the night and making everyone feel like a part of the Sheppard family.

A standout moment came when the band performed "Let Me Down Easy," their first song to hit the radio, thanks to a station in Portland, Oregon. This track, cherished by fans for over a decade, sparked an electric response from the crowd, who sang along to every word. But the magic didn’t end there—the audience continued the chorus after the song finished, echoing it back to the band. Visibly moved, Sheppard shared, “12 years we’ve been singing this song, and that’s never happened before,” with smiles all around. It was a truly special moment, highlighting the deep connection between the band and their fans.

George also opened up about a more vulnerable time in the band’s journey; he had to undergo vocal surgery and was warned that there was a small chance it could change his voice forever. But with resilience and a little luck, Sheppard came back stronger than ever, and their gratitude was palpable as they promised, “We will be back!”

The night ended on a high note, with the band finishing with their hit “Geronimo” and dedicating it to a young fan named Jackson, who had traveled from Detroit, MI, with his parents just to see them perform. As they belted out their biggest hit, the love between the band and the audience was undeniable.

The band's powerful performance and the support of the crowd showed that Sheppard’s return to the U.S. after six years was not only long overdue but also a massive success. If this show is any indication, fans across the country are in for an unforgettable experience. After they finish up their US tour in Tennessee, they will be gearing up to head back home to tour Australia over October and November. You can grab tickets to those shows at https://www.wearesheppard.com/tour 

And if you weren’t able to make it to the show in Columbus or another city in the US, don’t worry, Sheppard has made it clear: they’ll be back!

photo by Antonina Schubert