- Cake
- 12/09/2025 - The Sylvee - Madison, WI
- ©Justin Nuoffer
The city of Madison, Wisconsin, was as festive as could be. With the state capitol just up the street, the businesses lining East Washington Avenue were busy and full of life. Just off the avenue stands The Sylvee, one of the Midwest’s crown jewels of music venues. Its glass façade reflected the gray, overcast sky as light snow flurries bounced off each panel. A winter storm was on the way, and the snowfall was beginning to intensify. Below the gleaming exterior, a line of fans quickly formed for the first of two stand-alone performances by Cake.
Once the doors opened, fans filtered inside for security and ticket checks. To the right, tucked into a small alcove, sat the tour merchandise booth. To the left, a long bar stretched across the back wall and was already crowded with patrons grabbing drinks. Straight ahead, stairs descended to the sublevel floor, a wide, open space for general admission. A full-width barricade marked the front as concertgoers quickly filled in to claim the best possible spots.
Above the floor, the second level offered two rows of seating that wrapped around the perimeter, with additional standing-room platforms extending behind them. The third level housed the venue’s suites for those who preferred a private space with catering during the show. The venue filled rapidly, with fans packing into every available space.
The spacious stage was set up simply, with everything spread out. From left to right, Vince DiFiore had his keyboard setup with several additional instruments surrounding it. Bassist Daniel McCallum stood tucked back near Todd Roper’s drum kit, and to the right of the drum riser, Xan McCurdy stood in front of his guitar cabinets. Center stage, John McCrea had a stool with a lone beer and his vibraslap resting on top.
The evening was not about selling a new album or merchandise. It was purely about performing hits spanning multiple albums and decades. Cake made it clear that cellphones were to be put away, relying on the honor system. The immersive, old-school experience was welcomed enthusiastically by the crowd. Opening with “Frank Sinatra” and “Sheep Go to Heaven,” the absence of phones felt refreshing and allowed everyone to fully enjoy the moment.
The beauty of a band like Cake is that nothing feels over the top. The production is clean and effective, with lighting that always fits the mood and an outdoor-themed backdrop. Two playful elements elevated the set even further. A disco ball cast light around the room, and inflatable air dancers filled the back corners of the stage. Both matched the vibe perfectly, especially during “Rock n’ Roll Lifestyle.”
McCrea spoke openly about current events in a tongue-in-cheek manner and joked about the band not having released a new album since 2011, quipping that it would happen eventually. The venue erupted in applause as Cake launched into “Billionaire in Space,” a standalone single released in 2024 and expected to appear on a future album. Judging by the crowd’s reaction, fans are eager for new material.
As the show progressed, Cake performed “Sick of You” from Showroom of Compassion, stretching it into an extended jam. McCrea’s deadpan humor and vocal delivery turned the song’s long list of grievances into something both sharp and entertaining. With the disco ball shimmering above, the groove remained infectious. During a break, McCrea encouraged the crowd to sing along, leading to a full a cappella moment that involved every voice in the building. As the song wound down, the band exited for their first intermission.
Cake are known for their love of covers, and returning from the break with Willie Nelson’s “Sad Songs and Waltzes” set a relaxed, country-tinged tone for the second half. The heart of this section belonged to three tracks from the platinum album Comfort Eagle. “Opera Singer,” driven by funky guitar riffs and trumpet lines, brought the crowd back into full dance mode. The infectious bass lines and shimmering disco ball carried the mood through “Love You, Madly,” while “Meanwhile, Rick James” captured the warmth and spirit of the band. There was a strong sense of awareness, honesty, and togetherness as the crowd belted out the lyrics in unison. As the encore approached, “Never There” sent the Madison crowd into a frenzy. The song remains timeless and unmistakable, continuing to resonate decades later.
Check out the Cake concert photo gallery below:
The encore break was brief, and the energy inside Wisconsin’s premier venue remained high. Fans stayed packed onto the floor and into the standing-room areas. Returning with “Short Skirt/Long Jacket,” the horns immediately grabbed attention. The catchy lyrics kept the crowd singing as smiles spread and bodies moved freely. A cover of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” served as a fun nod to Ozzy Osbourne, but anticipation peaked for the closer, “The Distance.”
The iconic track hit every nostalgia button while still feeling fresh and powerful. Cake delivered a performance that felt both effortless and unforgettable. Ending the night with their biggest hit only added to the lasting memories. Whether through McCrea’s deadpan humor or the band’s ability to execute each song with precision, Cake remain at the top of their game. Selling out venues with no support acts proves their fanbase has never wavered. Sharing a deep catalog with a room full of longtime fans made this night something truly special for everyone involved.
Catch Cake on the Road…
