This Tornado Loves Tucson
November 9, 2025
Bennett Greenfield
Show Lineup: Neko Case, John Grant
Genres: Folk Rock, Alternative Country, Americana
Venue: The Rialto Theater
Date: November 7, 2025
Neko Case, pictured above during her performance of ‘Louise’, has been writing and producing music for over 25 years, since her debut album Virginian came out in 1997. Over the years she has built up an incredible and loyal fanbase, the Tucson branch of which was in full show on Friday night. The show opened with a short set from singer-songwriter John Grant (formerly the lead singer of the Czars, who performed on the same stage many years ago). Grant’s emotional and personal storytelling in his songs, combined with his honed piano skills, give the audience a glimpse into his mind and how he views the world. It was a fun and explorative way to start the night.
After Grant finished his set, it was time for the main attraction: Neko Case and the phenomenal band backing her up. She started off with her 2013 hit ‘Bracing For a Sunday’, and followed it with ‘People Got A Lotta’ from Middle Cyclone to get the vibes up high. The sheer energy that Case brings to the stage is unmatched by almost anyone I have ever seen perform. When they played the all-time great song ‘This Tornado Loves You’, I think I was lifted into a higher plane of existence by the music, it was that good. Pictured below (in slightly blurry resolution) is the band playing ‘People Got a Lotta’.
Neko Case is herself immensely talented, as a musician, a songwriter, and as a vocalist, but let us not forget the other talented musicians present with her on stage. Her lead acoustic guitar player (right) was also an amazingly good singer, with a range and fullness to her voice to rival that of Case’s. The drummer (left) was bringing all kinds of interesting and unexpected rhythms to the music, and kept everything held tightly together. Her keyboardist (rear) was not only quite skillful on the piano, but also as a saxophone player. I was taken by surprise when he went into a soulful saxophone solo and brought everyone in the theater along for the ride with him. Her electric guitarist (pictured below) may look a bit older than most of the crew, but he could shred like nobody’s business, and any band would be lucky to have him.
The show was a raging success, and I feel lucky to have been able to attend as a member of press/photography crew. Anyone would be lucky to see Neko Case live, and I highly recommend pursuing that course of action if you haven’t already. She is talented, sings beautiful music, and brings the fun and humor to the show as well. She waxed on and on about her love for Tucson (her former home) and her days living here, and made it feel like a special place to be. She also made sure everyone in the audience knew just how excited she was to eat the enchilada waiting for her backstage after the show, and it became a running joke over the night. Be on the lookout for more new music from Neko Case, and try listening to her old stuff too if you haven’t! I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.