By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa
Venue: Mid-Florida Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa, Florida-August 16, 2019
+LIVE+ and BUSH’s ALTimate Tour rolled into the Mid-Florida Credit Union Amphitheatre on Friday night to a rain-soaked day—and a touch and go evening, which amounted to mostly sprinkles and a couple of downpours. Nevertheless, the show went on! The amphitheatre, which is mostly covered, appeared to be at full capacity. Parking was a problem, as the lawn areas were soaked and I noticed a tow truck pulling out a small vehicle from the mud.
Coming out on stage dressed in black and wearing aviator shades, lead singer Ed Kowalczyk’s voice was top notch, hitting all the notes, switching between holding the mic and strumming an acoustic guitar. With purple and fuchsia lights, and plenty of smoke, the crowd traveled back to the mid-nineties grunge era, and relived their youth, as +LIVE+ played songs from their landmark album “Throwing Copper”, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The crowd sang along to “I Alone”, “White, Discussion” and “Lightning Crashes” as well as covers as Live paid homage to REM singing “Losing My Religion” and The Rolling Stones by performing their own version of “Paint It Black”. +LIVE+ moved through their catalog of hits like “Lakini’s Juice” from Secret Samadhi and more recent work like “Heaven” from their 200d album Birds of Prey. Overall, I’m sure the audience was satisfied with the selection of songs and the performance of this band, which was pivotal player in the whole alt-rock/90s era.
Next up was UK grunge alt-rock band BUSH, which totally the ALTimate Tour even more special. Bush never disappoints—as was the performance on Friday night—as Gavin Rossdale gave 110% to the crowd. Rossdale hit the ground running, showing off his trademark toned arms in a black sleeveless—and sideless—shirt, much to the ladies’ pleasure. Now in his 50s and looking very fit, he moved from side to side of the stage, leaping in the air, and swinging an electric guitar with ease.
THIS is why I enjoy an alt-rock concert! Rossdale and the band not only look “rock ‘n’ roll” but played a damn good set, belting out songs like “Glycerine” and “Everything Is Zen” from their landmark debut album Sixteen Stone, and working through their extensive catalog to more recent hits like “This Is War” from 2017 album Black and White Rainbows. The crowd was even treated to the band’s latest hard rock single “Bullet Holes”, which is featured in the latest John Wick saga, John Wick-Chapter 3 Parabellum.
It was one roller coaster ride to the grungy 90s—and many at the amphitheatre were happy to be back on that train—as BUSH put on a superb show, lighting up what would have been another rainy, dreary night in Tampa Bay. THIS is why people continue to follow with loyalty the band, which seems to be touring tirelessly, and still giving their all!
PHOTO GALLERY
Bush
+LIVE+
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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