Sometimes your past catches up to you and it’s not always a bad thing! Tonight was one of those nights. A sold-out Red Hat Amphitheatre gave the perfect atmosphere for those who grew up, or have grown to love, 3 Doors Down and their special guest Candlebox.
It’s not often you get treated to a band playing a full album (with other hits thrown into the mix), but that’s what you get with 3 Doors Down on their anniversary tour; a look back at their second album, “Away from the Sun,” a multi-platinum album that spawned four incredible singles 20 years ago.
It was another hot one in downtown Raleigh when Candlebox raised their drink cups to the audience as they gradually walked out to the stage one by one. They didn’t quite get the big welcome they deserved tonight for having over 30 years of producing great music, but lead singer Kevin Martin did get a laugh when he commented on how old that made them all now. Old or not, his voice sounded like he was still in his 20s.
Candlebox played “Don’t You” as their first song of the night then “Change.” They dedicated “Blossom” to all the “foxy mommas and beautiful souls” in the house. Martin announced that the band had just released their final studio album, “The Long Goodbye,” and played their single from it, “What Do You Need.” The crowd enjoyed the new song, which has some strong riffs that show off their hard rock style and incorporate a slight bluesy feel into it.
At one point, Martin told us all the put our phones away and just be right here in the moment. A teenager sitting behind me – who was attending his first concert ever – piped up, “Uhh, that’s you” to his father. I felt a little called out in that moment too, but it reminded me that sometimes you don’t need pictures to look back on; you need to focus on what’s in front of you. You really need to take in the sights and sounds and feelings they give you to truly appreciate what is happening; like watching Martin, Adam Kury (bass), Brian Quinn (lead guitar), Island Styles (rhythm guitar), and BJ Kerwin (drums) performing live.
The US flag was flying in the corner of the stage, a symbol for what was to come – a tribute to those who have served this country. Martin recognized all the veterans in the venue and thanked everyone who served. He talked about his father, who served in World War II. After this, the band played, “He Calls Home,” which was written for a homeless veteran that stayed behind Martin’s house in Seattle. They closed with set with “You.”
While we waited for the set change to 3 Doors Down, the people around me talked; getting to know a little bit about one another and sharing concert stories. I watched as the stage crew installed the tall risers where drummer Greg Upchurch would spend his night with us. It was impressive looking, and it is where front-man Brad Arnold would climb up while he sang during the night.
The welcoming of 3 Doors Down onstage was what you would expect; lots of screaming and clapping from the audience while the band broke into “Pop Song.” It is one that didn’t quite make the album, even though the band wanted it put in and Arnold said it’s extremely fun to play. Once the song ended, Arnold said, “Thank you, thank you so much my friends” – a saying that we would hear after each and every song that essentially became the mantra for the night. It was here that Arnold told us what to expect – a celebration of the years since their second album, with a few other treats sprinkled in. Then he asked us if we were ready to “go for a ride” before playing, “Away from the Sun.”
They played “Ticket to Heaven,” “Let Me Go,” and “Running Out of Days.” Arnold is not a man of many words – he prefers to sing – but his Southern Mississippi accent comes out more when he’s speaking. When he finally addressed the crowd though, he thanked everyone for giving them a sold-out show saying it always makes them feel good. He has a ritual this summer, one he promised to himself; a truth from his heart, if you will.
He told a story about how their first album was wildly successful, and it was written as a dream, for fun (I’m paraphrasing), but their second album was written because it was their job at the time as a real band. Through all this – singing, success – they smiled, had money, and seemed like they had it all, but they all had sadness in their hearts, being thrown into a new world; one with people they didn’t know if they could trust, with people who didn’t truly love them. He said we all sometimes walk through our days with smiles on our faces, but an emptiness in our hearts and his message to us is, “You are never alone and you will always be loved because Jesus Christ loves you .”
“Here Without You” was next. The crowd erupted in screams and was happily singing along and swaying to the music. This is such a beautiful song and full of emotion. The other two that sparked high remarks from the crowd were “Duck and Run” and “Loser.” As the night went on, the lights and overall vibe onstage intensified and became more and more energetic. After “Sarah Yellin’” it was time for 3 Doors Down the end the night.
No one wanted to leave; they hadn’t heard “Kryptonite.” Even though it’s not part of “Away from the Sun,” it’s a must hear at their concert. Chantings of “Kryptonite” took place, and fans were begging them to come back out and sing this one song; pleading for that not to be the end.
Eventually, Arnold and Chris Henderson took the stage and started signing “Landing in London.” The other band members, Upchurch, Chet Roberts (rhythm guitar), and Justin Biltonen (bass) eventually came back out to help finish the song up. Arnold once again thanked everyone for coming, for giving them another sold-out show, and for giving them 25 years of their career. When he promised one more song, the screaming was unreal. He said if they were gonna play one, it might as well be that one!
If you live in the Midwest or South, you can still catch the tour through September 23rd. Plus check out the new album from Candlebox as it has great reviews.
