Photojournalist: Antonina Schubert

After years of anticipation, Sheppard made their triumphant return to the stage in the United States, lighting up The Basement in Columbus, Ohio. The Say Geronimo tour has been traveling across the U.S. for the past month and is a heartfelt celebration of their journey, their fans, and the release of their latest album, ZORA, while also celebrating the music they've made over the last decade. For the fans who filled the intimate venue, it was clear from the start that this performance was well worth the wait.

The night kicked off with opener Honey & Blue, a local powerhouse who brought incredible energy to the stage. Their powerhouse vocals blew the crowd away, and they had everyone hyped from the very first song. Their chemistry was magnetic as they effortlessly moved between keys, guitars, and drums, keeping the energy high with their soulful sound. Their song "Coming Close" struck a chord with the crowd—a sweet, summery track about finding your way back to someone, which had everyone captivated.

As Sheppard took the stage, the excitement in the room was palpable as the crowd cheered and started singing along. The connection between the band and the audience was immediate. From the first note, the energy soared and stayed high, with the entire crowd belting out every hit. It was heartwarming to see young fans proudly donning the band’s merch, looking up at the band with love and excitement. It was clear how much Sheppard means to their fans in Columbus, who had been eagerly awaiting their return.

This tour has truly been a family affair, with the band taking on every aspect themselves. Amy’s husband was behind the scenes snapping photos, while George’s wife ran the merch booth. This DIY, hands-on approach gave the night an extra layer of charm, as the band cruises from city to city in a small van, showing their determination and how much they appreciate the unwavering support of their fans.

Between the music and the crowd's enthusiasm, the night was filled with memorable moments. One fan’s heartfelt shout of “Thank you for coming back!” echoed the collective sentiment of the audience. The band reciprocated the love, engaging with fans throughout the night and making everyone feel like part of the Sheppard family.

A standout moment came when the band performed "Let Me Down Easy," their first song to hit the radio, thanks to a station in Portland, Oregon. This track, cherished by fans for over a decade, sparked an electric response from the crowd, who sang along to every word. But the magic didn’t end there—the audience continued the chorus after the song finished, echoing it back to the band. Visibly moved, Sheppard shared, “12 years we’ve been singing this song, and that’s never happened before,” with smiles all around. It was a truly special moment, highlighting the deep connection between the band and their fans.

George also opened up about a more vulnerable time in the band’s journey. He had to undergo vocal surgery and was warned that there was a small chance it could change his voice forever. But with resilience and a little luck, Sheppard came back stronger than ever, and their gratitude was clear as they promised, “We will be back!”

The night ended on a high note, with the band finishing with their hit “Geronimo,” dedicated to a young fan named Jackson, who had traveled from Detroit, MI with his parents just to see them perform. As they belted out their biggest hit, the love between the band and the audience was undeniable.

Sheppard’s return to the U.S. after six years was long overdue and a massive success. If this show is any indication, fans across the country are in for an unforgettable experience. After wrapping up their U.S. tour in Tennessee, they’ll be heading back home to tour Australia in October and November. You can grab tickets to those shows at https://www.wearesheppard.com/tour.

And if you couldn’t make it to the show in Columbus or elsewhere, don’t worry—Sheppard has made it clear: they’ll be back!

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