Gods of Summer Persevere in Charlotte

Third Eye Blind and Yellowcard Rock PNC Music Pavilion

This week the Gods of Summer Tour was dealt a blow by the God of Thunder here in Charlotte. The tour was supposed to play the Queen City last week but unfortunately, the show had to be postponed after the opener ARIZONA due to severe storms and dangerous lightning. Luckily, the bands were able to reschedule for last night giving fans another chance to catch the show. The weather was looking sketchy all day after morning downpours and thunderstorms were once again in the forecast. It is summer in the Carolinas after all. Fortunately, after a delay due to lightning and storms, the show was able to go on.

This time ARIZONA was unable to make it as was most of Third Eye Blind’s crew and gear. (More on that later.) So it was up to pop-punk favorites Yellowcard to get the party started. Fans were eager for some action after being delayed and waiting in their cars for the venue doors to open so emotions were running high right from the start.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been over 20 years since the band dropped their eponymous Ocean Avenue album on the world because honestly it seems like yesterday. Yellowcard hit the stage hard quickly getting into a solid groove. Lead vocalist William Ryan Key was on point vocally as he took his spot center stage. Violinist Sean Mackin was like the Energizer bunny running from side to side, jumping off the stage riser, and jamming with guitarist Ryan Mendez and bassist Josh Portman. Musically, they sounded phenomenal and it was like a trip back in time to the heyday of pop-punk as they ran through their setlist.

The stage was simple with a Yellowcard banner at the rear and a host of colored lights shining down upon the musicians. There’s one thing I can honestly say about Yellowcard. I have never seen them put on a bad performance, ever. From the early days of Warped Tour to recent headlining tours, the band is always giving fans everything they’ve got. Their set was the perfect start to a fantastic evening of music.

Headlining the Gods of Summer Tour is the alternative rock band Third Eye Blind led by lead vocalist Stephan Jenkins. The band rerouted back to Charlotte in order to play this rescheduled date and were doing so without the majority of their crew and none of their equipment and stage gear. Thanks to their tourmates Yellowcard, they had enough gear to get by and perform for the thousands of fans who came out despite the earlier storms to hear the Gods of Summer.

Third Eye Blind took the stage with a minimal setup, just the band members and the instruments with a few risers as they kicked things off with fan favorite “Motorcycle Drive By.” Jenkins sounded amazing as they ran through all the hits and a few surprises. The band consists of Jenkins on lead vocals and guitar, Brad Hargreaves on drums, Kryz Reid on guitar, Alex LeCavalier on bass, and Colin Creev on keyboards and guitar.

Without an elaborate stage setup or the usual rock show bells and whistles, the attention was focused on the music as it should be and the audience’s connection with the songs making for a special event for all in attendance. The set featured a nice acoustic section with “Slow Motion” and allowed for some fan requests with “Anything” and “Crystal Baller.” During this part of the show, Yellowcard’s William Ryan Key came out to sing “The Background” which was another special moment of the show.

“I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend

You could, cut ties with all the lies that you’ve been living in

And if you do not want to see me again

I would understand

I would understand…”

Of course, this wouldn’t be a Third Eye Blind concert without hearing two of their biggest hits “Jumper” which featured a cool drum solo by Hargreaves, and radio favorite “Semi-Charmed Life.” Jenkins and the band returned for a one-song encore which was also by fan request closing out this performance with “God of Wine.”

There are a few dates left on the Summer Gods Tour 2024. If you’re heading out to a show, may the weather be in your favor and if not, you just might catch a unique and special event like we had here in Charlotte.

See the Full Gallery of the Night Here!

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