Third Eye Blind Delivers Nostalgic Alt-Rock Performance at Stir Concert Cove
"Turn to someone you don't know and tell them you hope they have a beautiful night," Stephan Jenkins, lead singer of Third Eye Blind, told the crowd at Stir Concert Cove in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on June 30, 2022. The evening proved to be just that—a beautiful night of music, summer vibes, and alt-rock nostalgia.
Hockey Dad Sets the Stage with Surf-Rock Energy
The night kicked off with Hockey Dad, an Australian indie-rock duo from Windang, New South Wales. Formed in 2013 by drummer Billy Fleming and vocalist/guitarist Zach Stephenson, the band blends surf rock, garage rock, and punk rock. With four studio albums—Boronia (2016), Blend Inn (2018), Brain Candy (2020), and T's To Cross (2022)—Hockey Dad delivered an electrifying set. Songs like "Join the Club" and "Seaweed" captivated the audience, earning them new fans, including myself. Their high-energy performance even caught the attention of hotel guests peeking through blinds behind the stage. Hockey Dad is the ideal opener, perfect for college campuses or setting the tone for a headliner while fans settle in with drinks.
Taking Back Sunday Brings Emo Intensity
Next, Taking Back Sunday, a Long Island, New York, emo band formed in 1999, took the stage as the sun set. Known for their pop-punk and post-hardcore sound, the band—featuring Adam Lazzara, John Nolan, Shaun Cooper, and Mark O'Connell—has released seven commercially successful studio albums. Hits like "Cute Without the 'E' (Cut From the Team)," "MakeDamnSure," and "The Ballad of Sal Villanueva" resonated with the crowd.
While some attendees, like myself, knew only their biggest songs, superfans were out in force. One enthusiastic fan in a tour T-shirt, attending his fourth Taking Back Sunday show, unsuccessfully attempted crowd-surfing but never lost his passion. Lazzara's expressive performance—complete with vivid facial expressions, hand gestures, and a trembling voice—brought songs like "Call Me in the Morning" and "Cute Without the 'E'" to life. The band's cheeky banter and cohesive setlist kept the energy high, building anticipation for the main act.
Third Eye Blind Celebrates 25 Years with a Polished Performance
Headlining their 25th anniversary "Summer Gods" tour, Third Eye Blind proved they still have the magic that made them alt-rock icons. Formed in San Francisco in 1993, the band—Stephan Jenkins (vocals, guitar), Kevin Cadogan (guitar), Arion Salazar (bass), and Brad Hargreaves (drums)—rose to fame with their 1997 debut album, Third Eye Blind, featuring hits like "Semi-Charmed Life," "Jumper," and "How's It Going to Be." With six gold or platinum albums and over 30 million records sold worldwide, their legacy is undeniable.
At 9:30 p.m., the band took the stage with a striking setup: a ramp, wood-branch-bordered walls, a grand piano, and an elevated drum kit. The stage lights illuminated, and Third Eye Blind launched into a high-energy set, seamlessly transitioning between songs with creative instrumentals. While a lesser-known track briefly lost some audience members to bathroom or beer runs, the band quickly regained momentum with their hit "Graduate," which had the crowd raising their hands skyward.
Midway through, Jenkins performed a solo acoustic set under a spotlight, perfectly timed with a cool breeze sweeping through the venue. His raw vocals and heartfelt songwriting shone in two stripped-down songs, captivating the audience. The set focused on the music, with minimal banter, letting Third Eye Blind's rich history and powerful performance—highlighted by Jenkins locking eyes with fans, a guitarist dramatically shedding his shirt, and the band jamming around the drummer—forge a deep connection with the crowd.
A Timeless Appeal and Vibrant Venue
Third Eye Blind's appeal spans generations, from late '90s radio hits to modern college playlists. Their 2021 album and June 2022 acoustic release, Unplugged, blend nostalgic roots with fresh sounds, tackling mature themes with blunt lyrics hidden beneath catchy melodies. Hearing these songs live elevated them to another level.
Stir Concert Cove, located in Council Bluffs, Iowa, offers a unique concert experience for eastern Nebraska and western Iowa residents. With options to relax with a lawn chair, stand close to the stage in the pit, or enjoy food and drinks on the deck outside Harrah's Hotel and Casino, the venue caters to all preferences. The summer concert series continues with artists like Sam Hunt, Leon Bridges, and Foreigner.
Don’t Miss Third Eye Blind’s Summer Gods Tour
Third Eye Blind’s "Summer Gods" tour continues through July and August 2022 across the U.S., delivering a must-see show for fans of alt-rock and live music. Whether you're a longtime listener or new to their catalog, their polished performance and timeless hits make for an unforgettable night.
