The Cab's Return to Minneapolis Celebrates the Past While Looking Toward the Future

Photojournalist: Sophia Bronwyn

More than a decade after their last Twin Cities appearance, The Cab finally returned to Minneapolis, bringing their Back From the Dead Tour to the historic Varsity Theater. Joined by Paradise Fears and CARR, the night felt less like a reunion tour and more like a celebration of a generation of pop-rock fans who never stopped blasting these songs in their cars.

CARR wasted no time winning over the crowd. Opening with her signature track, "Spiral City," she immediately brought energy into the room and had fans engaged from the first note. Her blend of infectious pop melodies and charismatic stage presence set the tone for the rest of the night, making it clear why she's continued to build a dedicated following. She made sure to shout out The Cab for having her and said more tours should make room for women on the lineup. The comment was met with cheers from the crowd and served as a reminder of the importance of creating space for diverse voices within the scene.

Next up was Paradise Fears, whose return to the stage felt like a reunion many fans never expected to see. After stepping away for nearly 15 years, the South Dakota-based band performed as though they had never left. Their chemistry remained intact, their energy was undeniable, and the crowd responded enthusiastically to every song. What could have felt like a nostalgic comeback instead felt natural and effortless, proving that the connection between the band and their fans had never truly disappeared. I'd never listened to Paradise Fears before walking into the Varsity Theater, but by the end of their set, I found myself eager to dive into their catalog and hopeful that this return to the stage continues well beyond this tour.

The Cab wasted little time diving into the songs that made them favorites during the late-2000s pop-rock boom. Every chorus felt louder than the last as fans sang along to classics like "Take My Hand," "Bad," and the encore, fan-favorite anthem "Angel With a Shotgun." Their catalog has clearly stood the test of time, with many attendees knowing every word despite the years between releases and tours.

Frontman Alexander DeLeon commanded the stage with the same charisma that helped launch the band's rise, balancing polished vocals with genuine interactions that made the packed Varsity Theater feel surprisingly intimate. The venue's close quarters only amplified the energy, creating the kind of atmosphere where every singalong felt personal and every chorus seemed to shake the room.

What made the night special wasn't just the nostalgia. The Cab sounded refreshed and energized, performing with the confidence of a band rediscovering why people connected with their music in the first place. Rather than feeling like a trip back in time, the show felt like proof that these songs still resonate with audiences years later.

By the final notes, it was clear why fans had been waiting so long for this return. The Cab delivered a set packed with emotion, infectious hooks, and enough nostalgia to satisfy longtime listeners while still feeling relevant in 2026. For one night at Varsity Theater, it felt like the golden era of pop-rock never left. With only a handful of dates remaining before the tour ends on June 30, there's still a chance to experience this memorable lineup before The Cab heads to Warped Tour.

THE CAB

PARADISE FEARS

CARR