If you’d have asked me even four years ago if I’d ever consider seeing Third Eye Blind in concert, I would have told you no without even having to think about it. But ever since seeing them at Wonderstruck back during the summer in 2021, I can’t help but think about how impressive their set was!
That’s why it was almost a no-brainer to ask one of my good friends, also a big Third Eye Blind fan, if she wanted to join me this summer when they came around on tour. A pretty fast “yes” on both of our parts. Of course, buying tickets to an outdoor show in the middle of summer months before it actually is going to happen means that you kind of forget that weather is a thing. Thankfully, the storms, and even the rain, cleared out before we made our way to the venue. Pavilion seats means my friend and I would have also stayed pretty dry no matter what. But no rain when it really wants to rain just means this is one of the most humid and muggy shows I’ve ever attended. Oh well, you learn to live with it pretty quickly.
And all of that certainly didn’t stop the crowd from dancing, screaming, cheering, and singing along the whole evening. The show opened with a band I’d only ever heard of by name, Arizona. The vocals were stunning and the drummer was killing it, but the lead singer’s Super Troopers look was a bit distracting and most of the songs didn’t have that much variety. Still, I’m sure there is some strong work that’s worth checking out outside of a live venue. Next to the stage was Yellowcard who, admittedly, I’ve never been a huge fan of. They are just a band that never broke through for me when the likes of Simple Plan or other similar bands were at their peak popularity. And that shows given that I only recognized “Only One” and “Ocean Avenue” from their entire setlist. Still, they sounded quite good.
We didn’t have to wait around too long for Third Eye Blind to take the stage and the crowd’s reaction was a roar. My friend knew from the first chord that they were opening with “Motorcycle Drive By,” one of her favorite songs by them, and the whole crowd erupted into gleeful cheers. That’s a pretty strong start. While I’m less familiar with their catalog, Third Eye Blind has had so many hits in their career that I found the whole setlist to be quite enjoyable. Obviously I’m going to be happy and singing along to the likes of “Never Let You Go” and “Graduate.” They did a really neat little section where it almost looked like they were sitting around a bonfire and sang a lot more of their subdued tunes, even retooling “Blinded (When I See You).”
They played all of the major hits, though I was bummed to miss out on “God of Wine.” Instead I was treated to a “Wolf Like Me” cover which sounded amazing and was completely unexpected. Overall, the show was fantastic, and I’m reminded that sometimes it is actually fun to go to them with someone else. I think there is still half the tour left, so there’s still a chance to catch them if I managed to convince you.