"One Rick to Rule Santa Cruz"
On Sept. 20, 2024, singer Ricky Montgomery performed at The Catalyst venue in Santa Cruz. This is the third show on “The Rick Tour: One Rick to Rule Them All.” “The Rick Tour” initially began on Feb. 23, 2023 with the first leg of the tour being titled “The Rick Tour: Another Rick in the Wall.” Montgomery has been touring the U.S. (as well as some international locales) since. While this isn’t Montgomery’s first tour, it is most certainly his largest.
His arrival to Santa Cruz was long anticipated by many fans. Groups of people were sat outside the venue hours before doors were set to open. One group in particular had even brought a picnic blanket and a set of Uno cards. Considering the concert had been set back an hour, to make room for another performance, fans were waiting very patiently. When doors finally opened for general admission, the venue was almost instantly packed with Montgomery’s fans. Both the floor and the left and right balconies were teeming with excitement. After the opener, a band by the name of “Ray Bull,” completed their spectacular set, the crowd was warmed up and ready to scream Montgomery’s lyrics.
Bright white lights flashed throughout the venue when Montgomery took the stage, beginning the performance with one of his most successful songs, “Line Without a Hook.” Fans screamed when Montgomery went to the floor in front of the barricade during the song’s infamous build. With the crowd’s exuberance being high from such an incredible opening song, Montgomery played energetic songs such as “Cabo” and “Talk to You.”
After these danceable and flashy titles, Montgomery took a moment to speak on something near to his heart. Montgomery said that he had once been asked what he wanted his music to be for listeners. Unsatisfied with his previous answer, Montgomery said that he wanted his music to make people feel weird, or rather, okay with being weird.
“Whatever that means for you. Whether you’re non-binary, or you’re too short, or you’re too tall, or you’re gay, or you’re trans, whatever.”
(Right) Ricky Montgomery reaching out to the Santa Cruz audience (Shot by Noah Tidmore)
He then announced he’d be playing a new unreleased song that was meant to communicate that sentiment, a song titled “Ed Sheeran (Superfan).” The song resonated with the audience, leaving the exact impact Montgomery intended. The emotional delivery of the lyrics accompanied by the live musicians gave the song a uniquely passionate feel.
As the night progressed, Montgomery played more of his iconic tunes such as, “Black Fins” and “California.” During the titles “Snow,” “My Heart is Buried in Venice,” and, “Sometimes I Need to be Alone,” a special projection was displayed on the white curtain behind him, giving the audience a narrative and surreal experience.
Montgomery concluded his night in Santa Cruz with an astonishing encore, including his most popular song, “Mr. Loverman.” Tears were shed and applause was given. Hands grabbed desperately and frantically for signed setlists folded into paper airplanes, each one tossed by Montgomery himself. Fans continued to gush over the performance while waiting in line for merchandise. The concert left a powerful impression on the Santa Cruz audience, many fans declaring their need to see the artist live again.
