Gavin DeGraw - Photo credit: Mosie Hillis

Gavin DeGraw

If you grew up in the aughts, chances are that at some point, “I Don’t Want to Be” by Gavin DeGraw has played through your radio. At the height of its fame, the song from DeGraw’s Chariot album reached number nineteen on the US Billboard Hot 100 and charted internationally. It also became the theme song of WB drama, One Tree Hill, and remained so for all nine seasons.

Face the River Tour Summer 2022

On his latest tour, however, he set off to celebrate songs from another album entirely: Face the River. Released on May 20, 2022 via RCA Records, Face the River is DeGraw’s seventh studio album and most personal studio album. All of the songs on the album are inspired by the lives of his late parents, Lynne and John, who passed away in 2017 and 2020 respectively.

The Last Show of Face the River Tour Summer 2022

Waiting for Gavin DeGraw to start his last show of the Face the River Tour at the Barrymore Theatre in Madison, Wisconsin on September 13th, UWM students could be heard chanting, “Gavin! Gavin! Gavin!” In contrast, older, lifelong fans were excitedly talking about the suspected setlist for the evening.

At 8:15 pm, DeGraw took the stage and started the show off with a bang, playing “Chariot”, the title track from his debut album. The crowd went wild. Each and every person in the venue was immediately on their feet, singing along at the top of their lungs. The concert continued with both DeGraw’s largest hits and songs from Face the River woven throughout the night. The size and setup of the Barrymore Theatre provided DeGraw with the perfect venue for one of the most lively and intimate concerts I have ever attended. DeGraw delivered memorable moments all evening: sitting on the edge of the stage, bantering and taking selfies, and having a conversation with his youngest fan in the crowd that night, a nine year old girl.

Conclusion

All in all, the last show of Gavin DeGraw’s Face the River Tour felt like a celebration of the return of live music, of a new album, and of his parents’ stories. To catch him on tour again and for the latest news on his music, check out www.gavindegraw.com.

Gavin DeGraw Setlist

The Barrymore, Madison, WI
September 13, 2022

1. Chariot
2. Best I Ever Had
3. Summertime
4. Ford
5. Follow Through
6. Freedom (Johnny’s Song)
7. Soldier
8. Greatest Of All Time
9. Sweeter
10. Lighthouse
11. In Love With a Girl
12. Not Over You
13. She Sets the City on Fire
14. I Don’t Want to Be

Photo Gallery – Mosie Hillis