Twenty five years ago, Pete Yorn released his debut album Musicforthemorningafter, and the songs have quietly woven into my memories. On Sunday, he celebrated the album’s anniversary with a solo acoustic set at the Historic Scoot Inn. After I covered three nights of loud metal and hardcore shows, it felt good to skip the earplugs. There was no opener—just Yorn, a few guitars, and plenty of stories as he played his songs and a few covers.
Scoot Inn is a rustic outdoor stage at a historic downtown venue, surrounded by modern high-rises. It’s a no-frills venue with heart, perfect for an acoustic performance. When Yorn took the stage for the anniversary show, he told the audience he would play the whole Musicforthemorningafter album but would mix up the order and add in some stories and other favorites.
The stage was perfect for an intimate storytelling show, like he was playing on a backyard porch for a big group of friends. This vibe encouraged audience interaction, which started early when a couple in the front row shouted that they danced to “A Girl Like You” at their wedding as he introduced the song. I see a lot of live music and always notice die-hard fans singing along at the barricade. But at this show, celebrating a 25-year-old album, the fans seemed to connect with the songs even more deeply—they’ve lived with them for much of their adult lives.
Throughout the evening, Yorn told stories about the personal and professional relationships that inspired his songs. Now 52, he joked about the lyrics in EZ, “It was easier when you were younger,” which he wrote at just 25. With each song, he talked about what inspired it and shared details about how the album came together, including the collaborators and early supporters who helped start his career.
As the sun set over Austin, the crowd joined in to sing along with their favorites. As promised, he played the whole album with stories, then in the second half, he performed other hits, “Magic “Helpless” from his new album, and covers of Fleetwood Mac, Bruce Springsteen, The Smiths, and Elvis. It was the kind of show you rarely get to see: laid-back, thoughtful, and really special.
Pete Yorn will resume the MFTMA25 Tour in December through early March.
pete yorn SETLIST
Historic Scoot Inn, Austin, Texas (10/25/2026)
Closet
A Girl Like You
Sense
Just Another
Life on a Chain
EZ
Murray
June
On Your Side
Landslide (Fleetwood Mac cover)
Sleep Better
Lose You
Black
Simonize
Strange Condition
For Nancy (‘Cos It Already Is)
Dancing in the Dark (Bruce Springsteen cover)
Encore:
There Is a Light That Never Goes Out (The Smiths cover)
Undercover
Crystal Village
Elizabeth Taylor
Calm Down
Magic (Helpless)
Burrito
The Man
Suspicious Minds (Mark James / Elvis cover)
