Oh What A Show!
Perfection + Talent + Awesome = Matchbox Twenty!
By: Michele Mannis
More then seventeen years after the release of their first album, Matchbox Twenty can still make music.
It was a full house and Rob Thomas owned the stage at the Matchbox Twenty show at the Route 66 Casino, Legends Theater. The band played music off of all of their albums, including several new songs off their latest album - North, so the set pleased everyone from long time fans like myself to those who just wanted to hear the singles.
Early on Rob asked the audience to give him 2 hours so we can all have a good time together. The band brought passion, soul, artistry, talent, and sheer fun and gave it to their fans and it made for a fun-filled night! You can see the dedication and hard work in their stage show. They hit it bursting with energy and blazed through song after song after song. It was a nonstop music fest!
All the band members were awesome and each brought an amazing amount of energy to the set. Working together they performed a tight, well-paced show that kept the audience fully engaged and entertained. Their enthusiasm on stage translated very well to the crowd.
Each member shined as bright as the spotlight. Kyle Cook - lead guitar, banjo and vocals did an outstanding job. Everyone rocked out with him and the crowd cheered his solos on. Paul Doucette- rhythm guitar, piano, percussion, backing vocals was OMG incredible. His stint with the piano was awesome. Brian Yale - Bass guitar and backing vocals held it tight along with Matt Beck - rhythm guitar, keyboards, mandolin, percussion, backing vocals, while touring percussionist, drummer and unofficial MB20 member - Stacey Jones, rounded out the band. And let’s not forget Rob Thomas: The man has charisma on stage, that’s for certain. He's handsome, sexy, talented with instant appeal. Rob has high-energy showmanship with down to earth charm. Very interactive with the fans, he encouraged audience participation and for two solid hours had us all on our feet.
The band proceeded to tear it up, offering a fantastic hit-filled two-hour set. It was classic and classy all the way around. You can't help but think what a bunch of dedicated musicians they are to their craft. They did what true pros do - they connected the dots between their youthful beginnings with their more seasoned days of the present.
With an unstoppable groove, highlights abound. From the light show to the performances everything was great. The most surprising moment was their cover of Jumpin' Jack Flash. Man that was so good.
For those wanting to see a live show you won't be disappointed. It's two hours of sheer fun. Just check out the set list!
The Set List:
Parade
Bent
Disease
She's So Mean
How Far We've Come
3AM
Real World
Girl Like That
If You're Gone
Overjoyed
Long Day
I Will
Unwell
Radio/Stay With Me
So Sad So Lonely
English Town
The Way
Bright Lights
Sleeping at the Wheel
The Encore:
Our Song
Jumpin' Jack Flash (Rolling Stones cover)
Back 2 Good
Push
They closed the night with that energetic encore giving the audience a memory to keep forever. I know I'm a fan so im biased, but honestly Matchbox Twenty puts on one helluva show as evidenced by the fans both before AND AFTER the show! Walking through the Casino afterwards everyone had a smile on their face "Hey did you see the Matchbox Twenty show?" they would ask. "It was awesome" was what everyone was saying as they continued to hum, sing and bop their heads to their favorite song.
I'm telling you between their arsenal of hits, their new music, their energy and Rob's perfect pitch, I'm screaming... "OH What A Show!""
Favorite Moment: When Rob took a fans cell phone and took a video or each member of the band as they played "So Sad So Lonely". I loved when he laid on his back to film Kyle with it. She was one lucky lady!
Favorite Performance: My favorite MB20 song - "Unwell" - Loved the live rendition.