Geese’s 'Taxes' Performance at Kimmel Live! Sparks Controversy: What’s Really Going On?
Imagine a band that’s been making waves in the indie rock scene suddenly dropping a new album called Getting Killed—and then showing up at one of the most unexpected places: Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show. This week, Geese (https://consequence.net/artist/geese/) delivered a jaw-dropping hometown performance of their hit single ‘Taxes’ during Kimmel’s first full week back on the air after a suspension (https://consequence.net/2025/09/jimmy-kimmel-books-trump-favs-brooklyn-episodes/). The timing? Right in the middle of Kimmel’s Brooklyn shows at the Howard Gilman Opera House, where the band’s performance mirrored the visual style of the music video for ‘Taxes’—starting in stark black and white before exploding into vibrant color as the track unfolded.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Critics are debating whether Geese’s performance was a subtle jab at Kimmel’s recent suspension or a genuine celebration of his return. Drummer Max Bassin, the band’s rhythmic anchor, delivered his signature energy, while singer Cameron Winter’s clear, earnest vocals brought the song to life. The clip below captures the magic of the moment.
This week has been a whirlwind for Geese. After releasing Getting Killed on Friday (https://consequence.net/2025/09/geese-getting-killed-album-review/), the band headlined a surprise street performance in Brooklyn on Saturday. Our review hailed the album as ‘the most creative indie rock album of the year’ (https://consequence.net/2025/09/geese-getting-killed-album-review/), and it’s already made the cut for our Staff Picks list of September 2025’s best albums (https://consequence.net/2025/10/best-albums-september-2025-staff-picks/). Now, they’re set to embark on a major North American tour in support of the album. Check out the full schedule below and grab tickets here (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/QLG4Qzq/).
Meanwhile, Kimmel’s Brooklyn festivities continue tonight with appearances from Bruce Springsteen and Jeremy Allen White promoting the new biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere. But let’s get back to Geese—what do you think? Was their performance a clever political comment, or just a fun nod to Kimmel’s return? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Geese 2025 Tour Dates:
10/10 — South Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground Ballroom
10/11 — Toronto, ON @ Opera House
10/13 — Detroit, MI @ El Club
10/15 — Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall
10/17 — Madison, WI @ Majestic Theatre
10/18 — St. Paul, MN @ Amsterdam Bar & Hall
10/20 — Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater
10/24 — Seattle, WA @ Neumos
10/25 — Vancouver, BC @ Hollywood Theatre
10/26 — Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
10/28 — San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
10/30 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda Theatre
10/31 — San Diego, CA @ Quartyard
11/01 — Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom
11/04 — Fort Worth, TX @ Tulips
11/05 — Austin, TX @ Scoot Inn
11/06 — Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall
11/08 — Atlanta, GA @ Terminal West
11/09 — Asheville, NC @ The Grey Eagle Music Hall
11/10 — Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
11/12 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
11/13 — Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
11/14 — Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
11/15 — Woodstock, NY @ Levon Helm Studios
11/21 — Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Paramount
