Dr. Dog’s Final Debut

Dr. Dog’s final tour has fans saying “Where’d All the Time Go?” and not just when they are singing along to the band’s viral song. The Philadelphia-based band performed for the final time at Boulder Theater on Sunday, November 7th as a part of the group’s final tour. The meeting was bittersweet, the last time that both fans and the band members will share that venue together. 

The indie-rock pioneers took the stage in front of a mosaic-like backdrop, fitting as it was much like the mosaic of people below in the crowd. The group has a specialty in making music that moves across fans of all ages and identities, and I was lucky enough to speak to a few of those fans before the show. 

Chad Herrmann explained his long history with the band to me before Dr. Dog took the stage. “I’ve loved them since grad school and I remember hearing them for the first time on the Michigan College radio station,” said Herman. “I’m still a fan after around 12 years and I convinced some buddies of mine to extend our trip here in Boulder to see them one last time.”

The band started their show strong, playing well-known hits like “Where’d All the Time Go?” and “Abandoned Mansion” and getting the crowd to dance around out of their seats. Harmonies from the lead singers Scott McMicken, who plays electric guitar, and Toby Leaman, who plays bass, drove the band’s unique alternative rock sound through the art deco walls of the Boulder Theatre.

In the crowd I saw all generations, from elementary school-aged children to senior citizens, everyone there resonated with a piece of the band, and shared a special moment with them that night. The crowd felt friendly and was roaring with excitement after each song, eager to hear what the group would play next.

The band has an extensive discography and an impressively broad range, playing more upbeat guitar-infused rock songs to start, and then switching over to more folky and alternative songs later in the show. 

Bryce Jensen, another longtime fan from Nebraska described to me what drew him to the band’s music, “I’ve always loved their general vibe and their harmonies. 4 or 5 years ago I drove out here from Nebraska but the show was canceled the day of due to snow. I’m so grateful I got to see them one last time here in Boulder.” 

The show felt like a reunion of people who have never met, all connected by the decades of music this band has put out over the years of their existence. The crowd sang their hearts out to “The Breeze” and fell solemn when they played the ballad “Night.” 

It is hard to miss the undeniable chemistry between the members of this band, and I was shocked to hear almost no change in their performance compared to their studio work, once again proving the sheer authenticity and pure talent of Dr. Dog.

Although the band claims they end their touring with this final trip, they will still continue to make music and continue their legacy as one of the foremost indie rock bands and lofi folk groups. I felt entranced by their effortless harmonies and the crowd was in celebration of the band that brought them all together. 

Dr. Dog is ending their touring, but it is only just a chapter closing in the band’s long history of bringing people together through their music. The group is already royalty to their fans and other bands alike, and they aren’t stopping just yet. Their days on tour may be ending, but their music will never stop connecting the generations that gathered at the Boulder Theatre this weekend.