Collective Soul and Live combined forces at Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre in West Valley City on Sunday (7/13/2025) and it was the kind of stuff 90s rock dreams are made of. Both bands rolled out their extensive catalogs, leaning on equal parts nostalgia, familiarity, and staying power. Considering it’s been at least two decades since either experienced peak popularity, it’s hard to believe songs like ”Lightning Crashes” or “All Over You” or “Where The River Flows” have been around as long as they have. No matter. All still count as ear candy.
It bears mentioning that it’s hard to pin down either headliner’s influences. It’s a good thing. They don’t feel like shadows of anything that’s preceded them, and each lays claim to a defiantly original sound and voice. Perhaps that’s why we’re still filling up seats to see them continue to do what they do well, for as long as they continue to share. Both bands shared new music, too, so there’s no immediate danger of either going away anytime soon.
Opening the night was Canada’s Our Lady Peace, who proved in 30 minutes or so that they could have easily served as a third headliner. Still, time constraints and what-not. Maybe they’ll come back for a longer visit? “Superman’s Dead” sounds as good as it ever did.
All in all, no notes. I would 100% sign up to ride that ride again. When you wake up the next day and discover you have Live’s “I Alone” or Collective Soul’s “Shine” lodged in your brain, you just know it’s going to be a good day. It somehow bodes well for future greatness.
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