Eagle-Tribune Blogs: Pop

The three bands rocked Lowell, Mass., last night. Our intern Greg West attended with his little brother (in a G-Unit shirt).

Here’s what Greg had to say about the show — check back later, we’ll have photos:

 Last night, the show at the Lowell Memorial Theater was “Back to the Future” all over again. I relived the ’90s, and how sweet that experience was. Collective Soul, Blues Traveler, and Live gave an awesome performance.
Collective Soul started the show, and played, among others, some of their more well known songs, such as “Shine,” “Hollywood” and “December.”
    Collective Soul’s singer/songwriter Ed Roland forms a unique stage presence.  For a 45-year-old guy, Roland sure could throw that microphone stand around; he gave a very energetic performance. The band’s guitarist Joel Kosche also tore it up, hitting some very tasty riffs and playing some screeching solos. Roland joked about being a little under the weather and apologized if anyone thought he was slurring his words. I know I wasn’t complaining.
I’m not that familiar with Collective Soul, and I don’t know too many of their songs by name, but that didn’t stop me from having a good time; I was dancing by the time they started playing “Shine.” After they had finished their performance, the band said their thank-yous and, very casually, walked back stage. Roland continued strumming the last chords of the ending song on his guitar long after disappearing back stage with the rest of the band.
After a short intermission, Blues Traveler exploded onto the stage. Before last night, I had only heard a couple of their songs on CDs; I was not prepared for what I was about to experience. Blues Traveler is best live, they’re a must see. John Popper, the band’s singer and harmonica player, gave an unbelievable show.
Aside from his electrifying performance, Popper was also very generous. He continually tossed his harmonicas into the crowed during and after preforming a song. The other band members also threw some of their things into the crowd.
Guitarist Chandler Kinchla, who moved all over the stage during each song, threw his remaining Guitar picks out into the crowd, and drummer Brendan Hill tossed three of his drumsticks to the audience. Many of the songs lasted over 10 minutes, with each of the performers contributing a solo in the process. In fact, as Popper casually mentioned, “This is the first time we’ve played these songs in the great state of Massachusetts.” That made everyone go wild, including myself.
Although the band played many new songs, they also played classics and crowd favorites such as “Hook,” and “Run-Around.” In my opinion, Blues Traveler stole the show. Their spontaneity and energy literally took over the room.  When they left the stage, the crowd gave them a standing ovation and tried their very best to deafen the performers with their cheers.
After another short intermission, Live packed their equipment onto the stage. I would say Live got the best response to their opening song, everyone was dancing by the time Singer/Guitarist Ed Kowalczyk started singing. The band came out dressed in black and sporting some very cool sun-glasses.
However, as cool as they looked and as great as they sounded, John Popper continued to steal the show. In the middle of one of their songs, Live invited Popper to come out and jam on harmonica, and Popper delivered one of the best harmonica solos that I have ever heard. After he finished, he tossed his last two harmonicas into the crowd and continued backstage among deafening cheers from the audience.
From that point on Live continued to jam out on stage. Some of their songs which received the best responses were, “I Alone” and “All Over You.”
I know I’m not going to miss the next performance by any of these bands.

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