The Shins Fill Fiserv Forum With Nostalgia and Singalongs on Oct 7
There is something special about hearing the songs that first introduced you to a band years ago, only to find yourself singing every word alongside thousands of other fans. Last Wednesday, October 7, The Shins brought that feeling to Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum as part of The Gathering Tour, sharing the bill with Silversun Pickups and Weezer for a night celebrating the lasting power of indie rock.
Formed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1996, The Shins have spent nearly three decades building a catalog that feels both timeless and deeply personal. Led by singer and songwriter James Mercer, the band has soundtracked coming-of-age moments, late-night drives, and memories that stick around long after the music stops.
Mercer kicked off the set with “Simple Song,” immediately drawing the audience into the band’s world. What followed was a career-spanning performance pulling from all five of The Shins’ studio albums. The setlist felt like a greatest-hits collection, with a few surprises mixed in for good measure.
Mercer acknowledged that playing a venue the size of Fiserv Forum, home of the Milwaukee Bucks, was a new experience for the band before joining The Gathering tour. Despite the arena-sized setting, The Shins maintained a graceful, unassuming stage presence. Their performance never felt oversized or distant. Instead the band let the songs do the talking, filling the massive room with the melodic charm that has defined their sound for decades.
The crowd responded in kind, dancing, swaying, and singing along as the set unfolded. The energy was joyful without feeling forced. When the band performed “Saint Simon,” Mercer told the audience afterward that it might have been one of the top five best performances of the song they have ever played. It was a charming moment of appreciation that captured the relaxed spirit of the evening.
Then came “Australia,” and something clicked. As the crowd erupted into the familiar “la-la-la-la” refrain, the reality of the moment began to sink in. The Shins have been part of my musical life for years, ever since I discovered the band through the soundtrack to the 2004 film Garden State. The movie introduced an entire generation to music that felt tailor-made for those uncertain, hopeful years of figuring things out. As a longtime fan of Sub Pop Records and its deep catalog of independent music, seeing The Shins command an arena was a genuine thrill.
Mercer’s musical history stretches beyond The Shins, including his earlier work with Flake Music and his later project Broken Bells. A fellow photographer brought up some of that history during the evening, giving me another reason to dig deeper into Mercer’s creative journey. Even after years of listening, there’s always another record to revisit and another chapter to discover.
One of the night’s most entertaining moments arrived when the band asked for the house lights to come up. With the entire audience visible, the musicians encouraged the crowd to join in a stadium-wide wave while covering Hot Chocolate’s “Every 1’s a Winner.” Thousands of people participated, transforming the arena into one giant celebration. It was a playful, unexpected moment that showed the band’s sense of humor and willingness to embrace the scale of the room without taking themselves too seriously.
Mercer and the band kept things light between songs, with easy conversation and friendly banter that offered a glimpse of the personalities behind the music. Even in a venue built for professional basketball and massive touring productions, The Shins retained the warmth and understated charm that have long set them apart.
As the set approached its conclusion, the band launched into “Sleeping Lessons.” Just as the song was reaching its finish, they kicked into R.E.M.’s “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine),” sending the crowd into one final round of singing and dancing before saying goodbye. It was a fitting send-off, bringing together the spirit of indie rock’s past and present in a room full of fans who knew every word.
Before heading out, I made one last stop at the merch table and came away with a particularly special souvenir: a limited-edition, signed 30th-anniversary seven-inch vinyl celebrating The Shins’ three decades as a band. Released in July 2026, the record features previously unreleased music from 1996 alongside artwork Mercer created during that early period. Pressed on lime-green vinyl, the release was limited to just 1,000 copies and available exclusively on the tour. For a longtime fan, it was the perfect keepsake from a memorable night.
The Shins’ Milwaukee performance proved that great songs only grow richer with time. From the first notes of “Simple Song” to the arena-wide singalong during “Australia” and the unexpected R.E.M. finale, the band delivered a set that balanced nostalgia with the excitement of seeing a favorite act live.
Nearly three decades after their formation in Albuquerque, The Shins continue to make indie rock feel fresh. On this night in Milwaukee, 18,000 fans had every reason to sing along.
Check out tour dates and more here on their website: https://www.theshins.com
Words & Photography by Robert Freeman @robbie_freeman robertfreemanphotos.com