2008 Woodie Awards
Third Eye Blind Rocks Live
Fredric Tan
Issue date: 5/7/08 Section: Entertainment
When you think of the 90s, what music groups come to mind? Bands like Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots, and Red Hot Chili Peppers are the most common. We definitely had some awesome bands growing up. But do you remember that quartet from San Francisco who "wished you would step back from the ledge, my friend?"
On April 19, Third Eye Blind rocked the house at The College of New Jersey's jam-packed student center. There were no seats; everyone stood the entire three hours. It was the college's biggest crowd in 10 years, according to a faculty member's announcement. And boy, were we in for a treat!
The opening act was a mediocre band, which didn't even bother giving us their name. I knew it wasn't Third Eye Blind though, because they definitely didn't sound like them.
After the 20 minute intermission, the lights disappeared. Cheering ensued. Flashing lights and what sounded like Daft Punk filled the building. After a minute or two of this elaborate intro, Third Eye Blind came into view as they kicked into "Losing A Whole Year."
The band played all their hits, including "Jumper," "Graduate," and "Motorcycle Drive By," with some new tunes sporadically thrown in. Much crowd surfing ensued throughout the evening, with some painful wipeouts and close calls. Huddled in a sea of people was an experience in itself, one that I never felt before.
About halfway through their set, "3eb" (as they're called by their fans) wandered to the back of the room, where a second stage awaited. Lead singer and guitarist Stephan Jenkins said the move was "for the fans always stuck in the back…we feel your pain."
From there, the band performed some hits acoustically, namely "Never Let You Go" and "How's It Going to Be," with the crowd singing along to every word. A disco ball lit up a nice orange hue, truly creating the ambience. And in a dramatic return to the main stage, 3eb rocked "Deep Inside of You," migrating to the front at the heavy part of the song. Well done.
Finally, the one piece they left until the end brought the room to life. "Semi-Charmed Life" got everyone bouncing to the beat, and singing along, of course. An interesting touch came towards the end of the song, when Jenkins broke into the chorus of Nelly's "Ride Wit Me," a rap hit from a few years ago. That went over well with the crowd, who echoed "Hey! Must be the money!"
Third Eye Blind walked off the stage with much fanfare, and soon "one more song!" chants became deafening. So the guys emerged once more, playing "God of Wine" and concluding with "Slow Motion." What a show!
The band, composed of Stephan Jenkins (lead vocals, guitar), Brad Hargreaves (drums, percussion), Tony Fredianelli (guitar, vocals), and Leo Kremer (bass guitar, vocals) will begin recording a new album once their current tour is over.
If you have the chance to catch them live sometime, go for it. You'll be singing "Do do do, do do do do" long after the show is over.
On April 19, Third Eye Blind rocked the house at The College of New Jersey's jam-packed student center. There were no seats; everyone stood the entire three hours. It was the college's biggest crowd in 10 years, according to a faculty member's announcement. And boy, were we in for a treat!
The opening act was a mediocre band, which didn't even bother giving us their name. I knew it wasn't Third Eye Blind though, because they definitely didn't sound like them.
After the 20 minute intermission, the lights disappeared. Cheering ensued. Flashing lights and what sounded like Daft Punk filled the building. After a minute or two of this elaborate intro, Third Eye Blind came into view as they kicked into "Losing A Whole Year."
The band played all their hits, including "Jumper," "Graduate," and "Motorcycle Drive By," with some new tunes sporadically thrown in. Much crowd surfing ensued throughout the evening, with some painful wipeouts and close calls. Huddled in a sea of people was an experience in itself, one that I never felt before.
About halfway through their set, "3eb" (as they're called by their fans) wandered to the back of the room, where a second stage awaited. Lead singer and guitarist Stephan Jenkins said the move was "for the fans always stuck in the back…we feel your pain."
From there, the band performed some hits acoustically, namely "Never Let You Go" and "How's It Going to Be," with the crowd singing along to every word. A disco ball lit up a nice orange hue, truly creating the ambience. And in a dramatic return to the main stage, 3eb rocked "Deep Inside of You," migrating to the front at the heavy part of the song. Well done.
Finally, the one piece they left until the end brought the room to life. "Semi-Charmed Life" got everyone bouncing to the beat, and singing along, of course. An interesting touch came towards the end of the song, when Jenkins broke into the chorus of Nelly's "Ride Wit Me," a rap hit from a few years ago. That went over well with the crowd, who echoed "Hey! Must be the money!"
Third Eye Blind walked off the stage with much fanfare, and soon "one more song!" chants became deafening. So the guys emerged once more, playing "God of Wine" and concluding with "Slow Motion." What a show!
The band, composed of Stephan Jenkins (lead vocals, guitar), Brad Hargreaves (drums, percussion), Tony Fredianelli (guitar, vocals), and Leo Kremer (bass guitar, vocals) will begin recording a new album once their current tour is over.
If you have the chance to catch them live sometime, go for it. You'll be singing "Do do do, do do do do" long after the show is over.
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