Hum Returns to Rock Brooklyn with First Show in Seven Years

Hum’s long-awaited live comeback delivers powerful performances and fresh energy at the Brooklyn Paramount.

A Night to Remember: Hum’s Triumphant Return

Last night, May 15, 2026, marked a very special occasion for fans of alternative rock as Illinois legends Hum took the stage at New York’s Brooklyn Paramount for their first concert since 2019. The sold-out show was part of the annual Slide Away festival, and it felt like a celebration of not just the band’s music, but an entire era of rock history coming back to life.

The atmosphere was electric, with a wonderfully diverse crowd spanning multiple generations. Many in the audience were newcomers to Hum’s hypnotic sound, while longtime fans soaked in the nostalgia and the thrilling live experience. The band unveiled three live debuts from their 2020 album Inlet, marking a fresh chapter in their musical journey.

Hum’s Storied Past: Beyond the ’90s Hit “Stars”

If you’re new to Hum, you might only know them for their 1995 alternative rock anthem “Stars.” But this Champaign, Illinois quartet’s story is a lot richer and more complex than that one hit. They released two major-label albums with RCA: 1995’s You’d Prefer An Astronaut and 1998’s Downward Is Heavenward. Despite critical acclaim, mainstream success eluded them, and the band split in 2000.

Early on, Hum often got lumped in unfairly with other ’90s rock acts like Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana, mistaken as just another soft-to-loud grunge-inspired band. But that label never captured their unique blend of heavy, stoner-friendly Midwestern shoegaze vibes. Their music was atmospheric, layered, and ahead of its time—qualities that only gained full appreciation years after they initially disbanded.

A Resurgence Sparked in the Mid-2010s

The mid-2010s sparked a revival for Hum when they reunited for shows alongside the similarly reformed band Failure. This reunion sparked something bigger—a new album, Inlet, released in the summer of 2020 amid the early days of the pandemic.

Inlet was a monumental release, arguably the band’s strongest work yet. It landed like a lightning bolt, striking a chord with a fresh wave of younger fans while rekindling the passion of longtime followers. The album’s rich textures and emotional depth proved timeless, and last night’s show was a testament to its enduring power. The venue was packed with fans moshing and crowd-surfing from the opening notes, proving Hum’s ability to connect across generations.

Debuting Inlet Live: Fresh Tracks and Emotional Moments

Though Hum had played some Inlet tracks live before the pandemic and the tragic 2021 passing of drummer Bryan St. Pere, last night marked the live debut of three key songs: the album’s opener “Waves,” the ’90s alt-rock inspired “Step Into You,” and the epic nearly 12-minute closer “Shapeshifter.”

Filling the very large shoes of St. Pere was Jason Gerken from Shiner, whose drumming perfectly complemented Hum’s sonic intensity. Standout moments included the crushing power of “Desert Rambler,” the shimmering guitar interplay during the atmospheric middle section of “Folding,” and a delightfully human moment when frontman Matt Talbott hit the wrong chord at the start of “Stars” — an error the crowd quickly forgave as they belted the chorus back at deafening volume.

“Matt was very concerned that people didn’t care about Inlet at all,” noted Domenic “Nicky” Palermo, frontman of Nothing and Slide Away organizer. “I had to tell him, no, they absolutely do. People are dying to hear these songs. All I could do is offer the support and reiterate how much Hum’s music means to people.”

Gratitude and Community: The Spirit of Slide Away Festival

During the encore, Talbott quietly thanked everyone involved in bringing the show to life, especially the Slide Away organizers who aim to create a more DIY, heartfelt alternative to corporate music festivals. It’s clear this festival isn’t just about the music—it’s about community.

The band’s Instagram later reshared a heartfelt fan account of the night, reflecting the deep emotional impact of the performance.

“There were SO MANY young kids crowd surfing, singing along to every song and it almost brought a tear to my eye,” the fan wrote. “Music is like a revolving door and last night is a testament to how timeless it is. Seeing the younger generation so pumped to see a band that was around well before some of them were alive was a trip to see. Much respect to Slide Away for giving the old, new, and future generations something to hold onto and look forward to. It was really beautifully put together. Everything you hate about festivals need not apply here. This is just a cool show.”

This observation truly captures the essence of what made last night so magical. The blend of nostalgia and fresh enthusiasm created an atmosphere where generations could unite through the universal language of music.

What’s Next for Hum and Slide Away?

Hum will play a follow-up show in Brooklyn tonight, continuing their live return. Beyond that, the band’s future plans remain a mystery, leaving fans eager for whatever comes next.

Meanwhile, the Slide Away festival continues its journey to Chicago and Los Angeles, featuring other exciting performances. The lineup includes reunited British shoegaze pioneers Chapterhouse, as well as acts like loveliescrushing, Bleary Eyed, and Frankie Rose. Nothing performed their 2016 album Tired of Tomorrow in full, adding yet another layer of nostalgia and exhilaration to the festival.

Hum’s Setlist From The Brooklyn Paramount Show

Here’s the full setlist from last night’s unforgettable show:

• Little Dipper
• Iron Clad Lou
• Desert Rambler
• Green to Me
• Afternoon With the Axolotls
• Waves
• Step Into You
• Stars
• Folding
• Shapeshifter
• I’d Like Your Hair Long
• I Hate It Too

FAQ

• What made Hum’s 2026 Brooklyn show so special?
  It was their first live performance since 2019, featuring live debuts of songs from their acclaimed 2020 album Inlet, performed before a sold-out, diverse crowd.
• Who filled in on drums after Bryan St. Pere’s passing?
  Jason Gerken from the band Shiner stepped in as the drummer, delivering a powerful and fitting performance.
• What is the Slide Away festival?
  Slide Away is a DIY, community-driven alternative music festival focused on fostering genuine connections between artists and fans, avoiding corporate festival trappings.
• What kind of music is Hum known for?
  Hum’s sound blends alternative rock with heavy, shoegaze, and stoner rock influences, creating atmospheric and powerful compositions.
• Will Hum continue touring after these shows?
  As of now, their future plans remain unknown, but fans are hopeful after this successful return.

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