Walking into Fête Music Hall at the Bend, I was reminded of music I often hear playing on my dad’s radio when he works in the garage: rock with a country-twang and a whole lot of soul. Outside of my usual music taste, I didn’t know what to expect but as anticipation rose in Fête’s ballroom, electric as any guitar, I knew this would be a show to remember. Deer Tick, composed of singersongwriter John J. McCauley, guitarist Ian O’Neil, drummer Dennis Ryan and bassist Christopher Ryan, a rock-folk band born in Providence, thought it appropriate to celebrate the New Year in their hometown. As a gift to their dedicated fans, Deer Tick reprised side-project Deervana for the night: a tribute to the ever-popular American rock band Nirvana.
Heavy bass drummed through Providence as music lovers swarmed to Fête Music Hall to commemorate 2024 with Deer Tick. Whoops and hollers sounded from the pit and poured down from Fête’s ballroom balcony as the stage lights rose, shining on Little Rhody’s own rock & roll legends. Throughout the night, the audience swayed to bluesy melodies, bopped along to bass and jammed out to a rejuvenated kind of ’90s rock music. Couples danced and friends sang along. A woman near me brought her son to Fête that night for his first concert, giving him the chance to fall in love with music alongside an impassioned and devoted crowd. As McCauley asked for cheers from those who traveled from out of state to see the band perform, half of the ballroom rallied, many being recurring faces in Deer Tick’s crowd.
I loved that each member of Deer Tick was given their own chance to be heard. O’Neil and Christopher Ryan strummed away, McCauley sang and in my favorite song of the night, “Running From Love,” drummer Dennis Ryan surprised audience members by hitting high notes as he took over the melody with his own solo. Near the end of the night, Deer Tick returned to the stage, revived as Deervana. Even newcomers began to sing along, familiar with Nirvana’s iconic titles such as “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” and “About a Girl.” Deer Tick captured Nirvana’s energy, providing new and old fans alike with a unique experience in the heart of Rhode Island.
Almost anyone can recognize Nirvana singer Kurt Cobain’s iconic flare which seemed to come alive in Fête that night accompanied by Deer Tick’s own personalized twist. Deer Tick welcomed 2025 by reviving what many consider to be a pillar of American rock n’ roll, providing Fête’s audience that night with a chance to reconnect with their roots and remember what it means to let loose. Keep up with Deer Tick by tuning into their newest album “Contractual Obligations” and stay up-to-date with upcoming Deer Tick x Deervana performances in the new year by visiting their website at deertickmusic.com. •
See Motif’s interview with Deer Tick’s own Ian O’Neil before the show at motifri.com/deervana
