Dinosaur Jr. | Texas Review | Ralph Arvesen
Dinosaur Jr. performing during the Voyage to the Blue Planet Tour at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas on September 27, 2024, with J Mascis, Murph, and Lou Barlow. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)

Dinosaur Jr. is now regarded as one of the most influential American rock bands of all time, with the sound they pioneered in the late '80s echoing through the past two decades. Preceding Nirvana by several years, they played a key role in reintroducing the powerful lead guitar to indie rock.

It wasn’t just their signature heavy, effects-driven guitar sound that left a mark, the band also delivered some of the finest songwriting of the era. Their first three albums, Dinosaur, You’re Living All Over Me, and Bug, became cult classics. When the original lineup of J Mascis, Lou Barlow, and drummer Murph reunited for a series of live shows, it became clear that time apart hadn’t diminished their energy. In fact, many critics argued their performances were better than ever, leading naturally to the creation of new material.

Dinosaur Jr. released Beyond, a Marshall amp-powered comeback that silenced any doubts about their reunion. The album revived the sound of their early records, reaffirming the band’s place in rock history and delighting both longtime fans and a new generation of listeners alike.
Fan reviews:

Dinosaur Jr superb as ever. If you’re a fan of guitar based rock-n-roll you need to see this band on this tour. They were loud and tight and played a killer show, there is not a band that can come close to the style and delivery of Mascis, Lou and Murph. They are an American rock and roll treasure that has not lost a step.

Joyous! I have never been disappointed by a Dinosaur Jr show. This trio is packed with so much talent. Lou is amazing to watch, his style is so expressive, and his joy is infectious.

Electricity everywhere! Form the opening band to the final song great energy and great venue friendly and informative classy place.

Loud but good, I forgot my earplugs so my mistake. Fantastic show by musicians at the top of their field. So mesmerizing.

Dinosaur Jr. Rocks! Excellent concert venue and excellent concert by Dinosaur Jr. Last time I saw Dinosaur Jr was nearly ten years ago in NYC and ten years later they still bring a great energy and sound just as good as ever!

Dinosaur show rocks! The show was great. Lots of energy. Nice and loud. The band sounded great. Played the favorites and some deep cuts. What more is there it say. They put on a hell of a show.
Setlist for the show at the Moody Center
  • Little Fury Things
  • Feel the Pain
  • Start Choppin
  • Freak Scene
  • Just Like Heaven
  • Gargoyle

Dinosaur Jr. shared the stage with Weezer and The Flaming Lips at the Moody Center. They continue across the United States and Canada with the last stop at the Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California on October 12, 2024.

Dinosaur Jr.
web | facebook | x | instagram

Photos by Ralph Arvesen
web | facebook | x | instagram

Dinosaur Jr Dinosaur Jr Dinosaur Jr Dinosaur Jr Dinosaur Jr Dinosaur Jr Dinosaur Jr Dinosaur Jr Dinosaur Jr Dinosaur Jr