A double dose of 90’s rock blasted through downtown Buffalo this past Wednesday night. Alternative rockers Candlebox along with Sponge were here to reminisce about days gone by and to look towards days in the future as well. Both bands have contemplated the word “retiring” in one shape or another. Vocalist Kevin Martin of Candlebox thought about retiring a few years ago but but those thoughts were put the wayside for now. Sponge frontman Vinnie Dombroksi announced that the bands final album ‘Recuerda Tu Muerte’ (which was just released on October 2nd) would be their last. The band still does plan to continue to tour though. They also have a long history together too. They first toured in 1995 on Candelbox’ ‘Lucy” tour. That tour did come through this area by playing the Buffalo State Sports Arena in November of 1995. So, these bands you can say have very similar parallel lines.
First up was Sponge. The band was going through some trouble of its own. The night before, their van was broken into after a gig in Silver Springs, Maryland. They ensured a date wouldn’t be missed. Candlebox stepped up to the plate along with Reverend Guitars to ensure that the show indeed would go on. Sponge played a solid 45 minute set. They opened up the set with what really got me interested in the band in the first place. That song was “Wax Ecstatic.” Another fan favorite of the band was served up next in Molly (Sixteen Candles Down the Drain). Considering the band had to use some unfamiliar equipment, they sounded very tight. “Have You Seen Mary” and “Self Inflicted Loss” were other highlights. Sponge closed their set with a song that I really define the 90’s with in “Plowed.” Dombrowski and his band really delivered the goods in less than ideal circumstances!
Candlebox is out celebrating 33 years and calling the current run the “Can’t Quit You Tour.’ They are in the midst of their 32 city run so you would figure that the band would be a run oiled machine by now. They totally were. Besides the aforementioned Martin on vocals, original guitarist Peter Klett is also back in the fold. They are rounded out Adam Kury on bass, Island Styles on rhythm guitar and BJ Kerwin on drums. They went all the way back to the very beginning by opening the show with “Arrow,” That song is off their debut self titled album ‘Candlebox.’ Martin immediately professed his love of the area and the Buffalo Bills. He wished the team luck on their journey through the 2026 season. He shared a lot of stories throughout the show including coming from the city of Seattle, Washington. He also made a few jokes including thanking the ladies for bringing their men to see the show. Martin brought out an acoustic guitar for the song “Cover Me.” Martin’s voice was strong all night. That was no more evident than on the song that put the band on the map in “Far Behind.” He showed his scream capability and truly has lost nothing on his fastball. They also went back to their self titled album not only open the show but close the show as well. “Rain” was the song chosen to close the show.
Again, it was treat for me to see both bands. After seeing Candelbox a few years ago open for Bush, I didn’t want to miss another chance to see them live again. It’s been over 30 years since I seen Sponge live. Both were on point and delivered a quality show for all those were lucky enough to be in attendance.
Candlebox Setlist:
Arrow
Stand
Change
Blossom
Don’t You
My Weakness
Turn Your Heart Around
A Stone’s Throw Away
Bitches Brewin’
Breathe Me In
I Remember Everything
Cover Me
Elegante
Far Behind
You
Rain
We would like to thank Jessica Adler from the Milestone Collective for the credentials to review the show.