Blue October performing on the stage at The Astro in La Vista, Nebraska on Saturday, November 1, 2025. [Photo credit: Pam Whisenhunt]

PAM WHISENHUNT | Go Venue Magazine

Blue October returned to Omaha, drawing a significant crowd of nearly 1,700 with their We Didn’t Die Young tour on November 1st, 2025. 

Blue October is known for bringing solid, relatively unknown indie and alternative rock bands on tour with them. James and the Cold Gun out of the United Kingdom is no different. Frontman James Joseph stated this was their biggest crowd to date. The band sounded great and was impressed how each member had significant vocal duties. James and the Cold Gun did their job getting the crowd warmed up, but honestly, it probably wasn’t needed. Fans were ready to welcome home old friends, Blue October.

Sophia John, Program Director for radio station 89.7 the River, walked on stage, warmly introducing Blue October as family. 89.7 the River has been with Blue October, playing and promoting their music since the beginning, building a special connection with the band and Blue October has returned the favor consistently ensuring Nebraska was a stop on any tour. 

Blue October took the stage in traditional style on a blue, dimly lit stage, with violinist Ryan Delahoussaye playing on a platform near the back of the stage. Blue October seamlessly worked through the first part of the set engaging with the crowd, with Justin Furstenfeld (lead vocals) joking about how he just wants to talk and visit all night but that they had a lot of songs to get through. Mid set, Furstenfeld thanked Sophia John for all the support and for “playing the hell outta” one of their newest releases, “Hot Stuff”. Blue October played a wide range of songs old and new, including some of their more popular ones like “This Is What I Live For”, “Sway”, “Into the Ocean”, “Home” “Hate Me”, “Oh My My” and “Moving On (So Long)”.  

There were several emotional moments in the show, but that’s to be expected with how powerful the lyrics and stories are within the songs. Furstenfeld explained how the tour got the title “We Didn’t Die Young”. He talked about the “27 Club” where celebrities like Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and others all died at the early age of 27. He noted when he turned 27, he threw a party. He’d survived, even after all the stupid things he used to do. 

Furstenfeld reflected on his father’s death and how he was the first adult to ever believe in him, and he was his biggest supporter. There’s a whole story about Furstenfeld trying to get his mom to a strip club, but you’ll have to get to a show and hear it for yourself.  It boiled down to the deep love his mother and father had, and how Furstenfeld has been chasing that kind of love all his life. The band played the almost 7-minute-long song “Debris”, in the end leaving Delahoussaye on the stage alone performing a searing violin solo. The crowd responded with enthusiastic cheers and clapping.  His solo was an impressive display of talent.  

Blue October returned to the stage for an encore, ending the night with ”18th Floor Balcony”, “Fear” and “I Hope Your Happy”. The night was a roller coaster of emotions, love and a celebration of resilience. Furstenfeld stated “You know you’re my first love, Nebraska” and thanked the crowd for being in his life. 

Blue October James and the Cold Gun All images © Pam Whisenhunt

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