In a surprise pop-up performance on November 2, 2023, rock star MGK, formerly known as Machine Gun Kelly, captivated an audience of 250 fans at the Electric Fetus in Minneapolis. The concert, part of his Lost XX Road Trip Tour, saw the artist showcasing tracks from his new album, Lost Americana, while another 200 fans braved the rain outside, hoping for a glimpse of the action.
Standing on a wooden stool and accompanied by his five-man band, MGK kicked off the evening with the song “Miss Sunshine.” Midway through the performance, he encouraged the audience to sing along, and fans clad in Guns N’ Roses and Linkin Park T-shirts joined in enthusiastically. “That’s a 10 outta 10, my new friends,” he exclaimed with a grin, reflecting the personal connection he fostered with the crowd.
This concert marked the final stop of a four-show series in the Midwest, emphasizing MGK’s decision to forgo traditional arena tours in favor of more intimate venues. The free show was announced only hours earlier, with details shared via email at 14:00 local time, adding an element of spontaneity to the event.
Before the performance, MGK autographed 300 copies of his album for the Electric Fetus to sell post-show. After his hour-long set, he surprised attendees by stepping outside to film a social media video for those who had been waiting in the rain. Climbing onto a merchandise truck parked in front of the venue, he entertained fans further, solidifying the night as a memorable experience for many.
The Electric Fetus, a well-known record store that has hosted mini-concerts by artists like Gracie Abrams and Elvis Costello, had been planning this particular event for about a month. This performance stood out as one of the biggest in-store shows in the shop’s 56-year history, with MGK bringing his own security, management, and sound crew to ensure a top-notch experience.
Fans expressed their excitement as they queued to purchase signed LPs priced at $37.99. “I’ve been a fan since 2012, and he never ceases to amaze me,” said Nicole Freedman, a fan from Bloomington, who wore a Billie Eilish T-shirt. Another attendee, Lori Lobdell, described the performance as “intimate” and “personal.” Local fan Garett Greeman described the event as “awesome,” stating it exceeded his expectations due to how close they were to the stage.
Brianna Gibson, who stood front and center for the performance, called it “epic.” “You feel it in your soul,” she remarked, emphasizing the emotional impact of the show. The staff at the Electric Fetus remained busy for nearly 90 minutes after MGK departed, selling numerous copies of his signed album.
Dawn Novak, the marketing manager at Electric Fetus, remarked, “We expect the unexpected, and he delivered. My favorite thing in this job is watching artists connect with fans. There was no shortage of that today.” The evening left a lasting impression on both the fans and the venue, highlighting the enduring appeal of intimate live music experiences.