Relisten

View NotesSeeing Hum live was something I wasn't sure I was ever going to get a chance to see. I was too young during the heyday back in the mid 90's, though I certainly listened to "Stars" on the radio and while in high school. Then, in 1998, they sort of disappeared off the face of the earth, with some sporadic live shows here and there. Then, right in the middle of Covid, in 2020, they dropped a 4th album, "Inlet," out of the blue and it just about blew my socks, hell my face, off. It was unreal. I can remember the first time listening to that album and just cranking it up in my apartment. I was completely floored.

I HAD to see these guys live finally after Covid came to an end, but then I learned/saw their drummer died, and I knew they were close, so I just closed the door on that thought and figured it was finally over for Hum.

Then comes the 2026 Slide Away festival announcement and I see Hum listed as the headliner. Immediately, I knew, no matter what, I had to be there to see this.

I got to the venue pretty early to beat the merch lines, though I still had to wait around 20 minutes in the merch line, for a couple of shirts, and then headed for the floor. Before I did that though, I stopped by the soundboard booth to see my friend Zach who was running the visuals for the night. He spoiled Hum's setlist for me, which showed "Cloud City" as being listed—the ONE song I was dying/hoping to hear (as they hadn't played it yet during this Slide Away fest reunion). I was flabbergasted (trying to think of more exciting adjectives to use) when I saw it, alongside "Step Into You", "The Summoning", "In the Den" and "The Pod". All my favorite tracks were going to be played, holy shit!

I knew the crowd was going to be super rowdy (considering last year's Slide Away fest, and recent videos I've seen on Hum's social pages), so I stayed near the back dead center. The sound was still great. It was fucking loud, I can attest to that. Actually, it sounded better with earplugs in if I'm being honest.

Anyway, it was a great and powerful performance. Not sure if we'll ever get to see them again. My friend Zach said singer Matt said "This is the last ever Hum soundcheck" during their soundcheck earlier that day.  So who knows? We'll see. Never say never I suppose.

Crank it up, and lose your mind (and shoes).

Peace <3