Third Eye Blind, Taking Back Sunday and Hockey Dad @ Red Rocks Morrison, Colorado 6-27-22

The Summer Gods Tour came through the iconic Red Rocks this past Monday night bringing Third Eye Blind and Taking Back Sunday with special guests Hockey Dad. For all 3 bands, it was circled on their calendars as they all mentioned at one point during their respective sets that it was a highlight for them to play Red Rocks.

First up was a duo from Australia called Hockey Dad. Drummer Billy Fleming and vocalist and guitarist Zach Stephenson have been around for 9 years with 4 studio albums under their belt. They are still relatively unknown to the US market, but their presence on a tour like this is are getting them great exposure. They made the most out of their 30 minute set by playing 7 songs including “Itch” and possibly their most well known track in “Seaweed.” They didn’t let the moment get too big for them. A band to keep an eye out for.

Next up was the rock band from Long island, NY in Taking Back Sunday. The band had a heavy presence of their fan base at Red Rocks and really enjoyed their hour and 15 minute set. They delivered in every which way you could. Led by the charismatic Adam Lazzara, they rocked out through 13 tracks. The most appropriate tune chosen to open up their set was “Tidal Wave” as that it seemed like it was throughout their set. It’s been over 5 years since the band has released any new music. After judging the crowd reaction and the solid performance they delivered, I’m assuming it can’t be too much longer that their fans will have to wait for a new release.

The headliners Third Eye Blind closed out the festivities for the night. It’s been 25 years since the release of their self titled album that went platinum 6 times over. Many people may have forgot what a big album this was and how influential the band were to artists that came out around that time. The band are still led by longtime drummer Brad Hargreaves and original vocalist/guitarist Stephan Jenkins. The band was rounded out Kryz Reid on guitar, Colin Creev on guitars and keyboards and Alex LeCavalier on bass. Third Eye Blind never got to finish their 2019 tour so they went into the studio and made new music ‘Our Band Apart’ and released it in 2021. They played 4 tracks off of the album. The setlist was a great retrospect of the entire career. Jenkins was on fire vocally and said very little throughout the set. He primarily let the music do most of the talking. He did state his love of Red Rocks and also talked about how a dollar from each ticket sold went to Seatrees (climate change). The secret weapon for the band now is the addition of Creev. Between his guitar work and keyboards throughout the set, he also sang background vocals throughout too. Some of the highlights were “Faster,” “Box of Bones,” and “one of their biggest hits in “Graduate.”

It was the first time for me seeing them and I hope it isn’t the last. A fantastic set by the band! This sold out show is one must see shows of the summer and runs through August 13th in Irvine, California.

Third Eye Blind setlist:

Intro (Ways)

Thanks a Lot

Dust Storm

Anything

Faster

Crystal Baller

Never Let You Go

The Dying Blood

The Kids Are Coming (To Take You Down)

Disorder (Joy Division cover)

Narcolepsy