When you hear the words “live tribute band,” the first things that usually come to mind are 80s rock bands like Van Halen or jam bands like the Grateful Dead. Rappers are not usually at the top of the list. So, doing a tribute band for a hip-hop artist is a relatively new and interesting concept. Enter Come Back To Earth: A Mac Miller Tribute Band, the world’s first and only Mac Miller tribute band. This talented collective comes together with a live band to honor his life and reimagine Mac Miller’s Discography in a fresh, creative way.
Get your tickets for Come Back To Earth in Denver
Come Back To Earth: A Mac Miller live Tribute Band
What began as a one-off tribute by NY-based hip-hop artist Noah Fense has since become a sought-after, nationally touring act. We sat down with Noah Fense ahead of the band’s upcoming Colorado shows for an in-depth conversation on where the concept for the project came from and what the future might hold.
“I happened to be in a hip hop fusion rock/jazz band at the time of Mac’s passing in 2018,” said Noah Fense. ”I’ve been a massive Mac fan my whole life, and when he passed, I asked my band if they wanted to do a tribute for him. It was just $5 and a one-time thing. For the next 5 years, we received countless messages and emails trying to book us and asking us to bring it back.”
Combining Mac’s witty and exceptional lyricism with a crew of talented musicians, Come Back to Earth is the quintessential show for any Mac Miller stan. Since its inception, the emotional response has been palpable. Noah Fense wasn’t sure how the fans would respond at first. But ever since the first show, he has been able to fully grasp the healing properties and the nostalgia of this music.
“We see people crying in the crowd. They’re laughing, they’re jumping up and down, and they’re singing every word; it’s a beautiful experience,” said Noah Fense.
Who is in the band?
The band currently consists of Noah Fense as the MC/Creative Director, Ryan Bauer on guitar and vocals, Ben Chilbert on bass, Devonte Oliver on Drums, and Jesse Clayton on keys/synths. All of whom are extremely talented in their own right.
“Most of us met through music and have been creating and growing friendships throughout the last 10+ years, said Noah Fense. “Jesse is our newest member. He joined at the start of 2026. Our previous drummer, Marco Cirigliano, is now venturing into a new reality in LA with his girlfriend, as they tour the world with her band (Mohini Dey). So Devonte is currently our main drummer for the foreseeable future.”
Since those requests first started coming in, Come Back To Earth has continued to improve and hone its craft, performing at festivals and headlining sets all over the country. After curating a couple of events for the 5-year anniversary of Mac’s passing and his birthday in 2023 and 2024, the shows did so well that the band took on a life of its own. Even playing to a sold-out crowd at the Thunderbird Music Hall in Mac Miller’s hometown of Pittsburgh, PA.
The Ballonirism Tour
The band is currently on the Ballonirism Tour, which kicked off on New Year’s Eve of 2025 in Erie, PA. This tour includes a 4-show run in Colorado at the following locations:
- March 5th — The Aggie Theater (Ft. Collins)
- March 6th — Agave (Avon)
- March 7th — Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox (Denver)
- March 8th — 10 Mile Music Hall (Frisco)
While fans can definitely expect some deep cuts from the Ballonrism album, Mac Miller’s whole discography will be at play for this tour. You can expect whole-song covers, creative mashups, and unique arrangements of Mac Miller songs that even Miller never performed with a full band.
“We will be performing songs from the entire discography, while celebrating the one-year anniversary of Balloonerism,” Noah Fense said. “But if I HAD to choose my favorite songs by Mac Miller to perform, off the top of my head are probably 2009 for the emotional vibe, Dang! for the dance and high energy funk, Best Day Ever for the uplifting energy, and Loud for the rage. I love it all though, it’s kind of hard to choose haha.”
What’s next for Come Back To Earth
Things are only growing for this up-and-coming band. Now poised with their own booking agent and management, the reality of this being a long-term project is more apparent than ever. With a solo music career of his own, Fense says he often thinks about the future of this project. With the excitement and appreciation only growing with every live performance, it is clear that this band is filling a needed void for many. Carrying the torch and honoring an amazing musician like Mac Miller is an awesome responsibility that these artists take seriously.
“If we weren’t getting that emotional response, we wouldn’t keep doing it. It’s kind of like the people are asking for it. And it is something I like doing, but not necessarily something I am trying to push on people. I honestly meditate on it. I think, Mac, if you hear me, you’re in charge of this, you’re steering the ship. If this is supposed to end, let’s end it. If you want it to keep going, let’s keep it going.”
If you are currently still missing Mac Miller and his artistry, Come Back To Earth is a great way to relive that feeling. Don’t miss them on their upcoming shows in Colorado and get tickets to the March 7th Denver show at Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox here.
