Gallery by Raphael Fernandez
After the final Rodeo competitions—including cattle wrangling introduced by UH’s own Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Eddie Nuñez—the lights went out in NRG Stadium, and the AJR logo appeared on the main screen as the star stage was rolled out onto the dirt.
The logo multiplied and morphed into a face welcoming the audience to the show.
“OK Overture” played as the band rolled up past the pyrotechnics in a black SUV.
The brotherly band hopped on stage and immediately began their set with “3 O’Clock Things” and “Sober Up.”
On the stage, Jack Met bounced around while he sang. Ryan Met glided across his piano keys. The crowd cheered on as the opening numbers continued with “Way Less Sad.” Adam Met, however, the band’s bass guitarist, was not present as he had decided to devote his time to climate advocacy as posted on AJR’s X account on March 4.
After “Yes I’m A Mess” ended, Jack took a moment to engage with the Houston crowd. He noted this was the group’s first show in six months since their 2024 The Maybe Man Tour.
Ryan played a few sad notes as Jack told the tale of the band’s beginnings in New York City. He shared how they would play “the best song in the world” on the street, transitioning into an acoustic cover of “All Star” by Smash Mouth.
The band followed up with “100 Bad Days” as elliptic spotlights flashed. The semicircle video board behind them strobed with geometric visuals.
After, they began their hit, “World’s Smallest Violin,” with an elongated beginning that rose into a crash of instruments.
The Rodeogoers were singing along and roaring as AJR began playing another notable track, “Steve’s Going to London.”
The brothers paused to introduce their current drummer and trumpet player. Then, they continued the show with “Burn the House Down,” “The Good Part” and “Karma.”
Ryan Met shared with Houston how the band has written, produced and recorded their music from their living room.
As Ryan continued, Jack brought out a drum pad. In front of the audience, they built up a song piece by piece. Finally, their track “Bang!” began to play. The stadium filled with cheers in response.
The whole stadium sang along as the East Coast group closed out their show with “Weak,” exploding into drums and tambourines as Jack donned a cowboy hat.
The Rodeo announcer thanked AJR for their time as they left in the bed of a pick-up truck.
AJR Houston Rodeo Gallery
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