Photos by Sharon Steele – Hailing from Norwalk, Connecticut, indie-groove powerhouse Goose has spent the last decade morphing from a regional jam favorite into a genuine arena-selling force. Founded in 2014, the group—led by guitarist/vocalist Rick Mitarotonda, multi-instrumentalist Peter Anspach, and bassist Trevor Weekz—built its reputation on soaring, melodic songwriting seamlessly woven with elastic, boundary-pushing improvisation. By pairing rich synth textures and indie-pop catchiness with deep-pocket grooves, Goose captured the hearts of a fiercely dedicated, rapidly expanding fanbase.
The lineup took a pivotal leap into a new chapter when drummer Cotter Ellis stepped behind the kit, bringing a refreshed, highly dynamic rhythmic energy to the fold. His arrival breathed fresh life into their expansive jams, sparking a wave of creative momentum that saw the quintet push their live sonic conversations to even higher levels. That renewed synergy set the stage for relentless touring, marquee festival slots, and an ever-growing catalog of live releases that kept fans hooked.
By 2026, Goose has firmly cemented its status as an undeniable juggernaut of the modern live music scene. The band kicked off the year by releasing their studio album, Big Modern!, in June 2026, pairing their tightest songwriting to date with raw, atmospheric grooves. Fresh off that momentum, their live trajectory reached new heights with a return to Madison Square Garden for a multi-night run, proving that their infectious stage presence can effortlessly command the world’s most famous arena.
Looking ahead through the rest of 2026, the band shows zero signs of slowing down as they tear through massive summer and fall amphitheater tours. With high-profile festival appearances, a relentless schedule, and their annual Goosemas celebration anchoring the horizon, Goose enters this era fully hitting their stride—balancing tight studio craftsmanship with the wild, unpredictable magic of their signature live shows.
