Dinosaur Jr. Bring the Noise to Revolution Hall 10.22.26

With Dinosaur Jr.’s Thursday show sold out, I got lucky and found parking just a few cars behind the band’s tour bus outside Revolution Hall.

As I got out, bassist Lou Barlow walked through the side door right next to me and headed toward the bus. His back was turned, but the hair was a dead giveaway. Perfect parking, even better timing.

Just as the bus door opened, I called, “Lou!” He whipped his head around like an owl. Apparently, my enthusiastic “Lou!” made him think he’d spotted someone he knew. As I approached, he realized otherwise, but still shook my hand. As a big fan, I asked him for a bass pick. He handed me one, we exchanged a fist bump, and he headed onto the bus. My night was already made, and I hadn’t even gone inside yet.

When I walked in, J Mascis stood in front of a towering wall of Marshall cabinets, delivering enough sound to fill every corner of Revolution Hall. It was signature Dinosaur Jr.—exactly what you’d hope for, and still impressive coming from three guys in their 60s. These guys still know how to rock a show.

The former high-school auditorium felt large, but surprisingly intimate when things quieted down. There was something special about seeing a band capable of making that much noise in a room where the moments between songs could feel so personal.

They played for roughly 90 minutes, mixing old favorites with five songs from their new album. For a longtime fan, hearing those familiar songs alongside the new material gave the night a little of everything. I’d arrived hoping for a great show and somehow got a souvenir and a handshake before it even started.

I had a great time. It was worth the price of admission, and I’d definitely go see them again.

Words and photos by Andrew Noice
Instagram: @andrewnoice

Revolution Hall · Portland, Oregon · October 22, 2026