On March 14, 2024, Machine Gun Kelly, known as mgk, captivated an intimate audience of 250 fans during a surprise performance at the Electric Fetus, a renowned record store in Minneapolis. The event, part of his Lost XX Road Trip Tour, drew an additional 200 fans who braved the rain outside for a glimpse of the rock star.
Standing on a wooden stool with his five-member band, mgk opened the show with “Miss Sunshine.” He encouraged the audience, many donned in T-shirts featuring Guns N’ Roses and Linkin Park, to sing along. “That’s a 10 outta 10, my new friends,” he exclaimed, radiating enthusiasm throughout the hour-long, 13-song set.
A New Approach to Touring
The performance marked the final stop on mgk’s four-city Midwest tour, which has seen him favoring smaller venues over traditional arenas. This shift allows for a more personal connection with fans. The free concert was announced just a week prior, with details unveiled only hours before the show.
Before taking the stage, mgk signed 300 copies of his new album, “Lost Americana,” for the Electric Fetus to sell following the performance. In a twist of spontaneity, he stepped outside after the show to film a social media video atop his merchandise truck, thrilling those who had watched from the windows.
The Electric Fetus, established over 56 years ago, has a history of hosting in-store performances. This event was one of their largest, necessitating mgk’s own security, management, and sound equipment to accommodate the crowd.
Fan Reactions
Fans expressed their excitement as they lined up to purchase signed LPs for $37.99. “I’ve been a fan since 2012, and he never ceases to amaze me,” said Nicole Freedman from Bloomington, wearing a Billie Eilish T-shirt. “I don’t have words,” added Lori Lobdell, also from Bloomington, in her Guns N’ Roses attire. “It was intimate, personal.”
Garett Greeman of Chaska described the experience as “awesome,” noting that the proximity to mgk exceeded his expectations. Brianna Gibson, who had a front-row spot, called the performance “epic,” stating, “You feel it in your soul. You couldn’t have a better experience.”
After mgk’s departure, staff at the Electric Fetus remained for nearly 90 minutes, continuing to sell the signed albums. “We expect the unexpected, and he delivered,” said Dawn Novak, the store’s marketing manager. “My favorite thing in this job is watching artists connect with fans. There was no shortage of that today.”
This intimate concert not only showcased mgk’s musical talents but also highlighted his commitment to engaging with fans in unique settings. As the evening concluded, it left an indelible mark on both the artists and the audience alike, reinforcing the power of live music in creating lasting memories.
