On the evening of May 1, 2025, the iconic rock band Incubus took the stage at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany, performing in front of a vibrant crowd of approximately 12,000 fans. The concert was part of their ongoing tour celebrating the 24th anniversary of their landmark album, Morning View, which has maintained its magical allure since its release in 2001.
Incubus, hailing from Calabasas, California, is known for their unique blend of rock, metal, funk, and hip-hop influences, a style that has captivated audiences for decades. Their album Morning View was a significant milestone in their career, achieving legendary status with over two million copies sold. It marked a turning point for the band, solidifying their place in the alternative rock scene.
As the concert kicked off, fans were treated to an electrifying performance that showcased the full album in its original sequence. The evening began with the atmospheric track “Nice To Know You,” setting the tone for a night filled with nostalgia and excitement. Following closely were the energetic “Circles” and the melodic “Wish You Were Here,” which had the crowd singing along with enthusiasm.
Incubus's frontman, Brandon Boyd, whose charismatic stage presence has always been a highlight of their performances, led the band through the set with remarkable energy. The group also featured guitarist Mike Einziger, drummer Jose Pasillas, and DJ/keyboardist Chris Kilmore, with the newest member, bassist Nicole Row, adding her flair to the mix. Row joined the band in 2023 and was just a child when Morning View was first released.
In a delightful twist, the band presented acoustic renditions of “Blood On The Ground” and “Mexico,” showcasing their versatility and depth. The audience was particularly thrilled when Boyd seamlessly integrated a portion of Phil Collins’ “In The Air Tonight” into their performance of “Are You In?” This clever addition drew cheers and applause from the audience, further enhancing the concert's atmosphere.
Throughout the night, the band’s impressive light show and video projections created a captivating visual experience, complementing the live music beautifully. The setlist not only featured all 13 tracks from Morning View but also included a few fan-favorite hits from their extensive catalog, such as “Anna Molly” from the 2006 album Light Grenades and “Pardon Me” from Make Yourself.
Despite the nostalgic focus on Morning View, the show was not without its surprises. The band performed “Under My Umbrella,” which opened with a snippet of Rihanna's “Umbrella,” before diving into the hauntingly beautiful “Aqueous Transmission,” which concluded the album set. The use of a Chinese pipa by Einziger during this track added a unique cultural dimension to the performance.
The concert lasted nearly 100 minutes, and while the setlist was mostly predictable, the execution was anything but. Fans expressed their satisfaction, noting that the band’s ability to blend different musical styles while maintaining their signature sound is what keeps them coming back for more.
As the night drew to a close, the audience was left buzzing with excitement and anticipation for Incubus's upcoming album, Something In The Water, set to be released in October 2025. This new project is highly anticipated, especially as it follows their last studio album, 8, which came out in 2017.
Incubus's performance in Cologne was a testament to their enduring appeal and the timeless nature of their music. The band has shown that even after 24 years, their songs resonate deeply with fans, proving that Morning View is not just an album of the past but a living piece of art that continues to inspire.
For those who attended, the concert was not just a trip down memory lane; it was a celebration of music that has shaped the lives of many over the years. With their unique sound and engaging live performances, Incubus remains a force in the music industry, and their fans eagerly await what comes next.
