By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa
Live Review: Bush’s Nowhere to Go But Everywhere Tour w/Bad Wolves and Eva Under Fire at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, FL – November 15, 2023
On November 15, concertgoers at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, were treated to a long evening of metal and grunge music. The evening began at 7 p.m. with Detroit band Eva Under Fire. Lead by powerhouse Amanda Lyberg, AKA Eva Marie, her voice shone as the band performed their 30-minute set. Metal band Bad Wolves continued with the heavy metal theme for another hour.
At 9 p.m., it was time for Grammy-nominated, multi-Platinum band Bush. This band never disappoints—as was true of their performance on Wednesday night—as Gavin Rossdale gave 110% to the crowd. Rossdale hit the ground running with Bush’s hits “Everything Is Zen” and “Machinehead,” from the band’s landmark debut album Sixteen Stone. There was a roar of cheers as everyone stood at attention. Most of the time at the venue, the audience is relatively tame, but this evening, it was filled with rabid, loyal fans who were very vocal. Unlike most metal or grunge concerts, the crowd was 50/50 in gender, as the band has many female fans.
He began the show wearing a black t-shirt and pants— not the trademark sleeveless shirts that show off his toned arms. 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. Later in the evening, he did strip down to a side-open t-shirt.
Bush’s Loaded: The Greatest Hits (1994-2023) was released on November 10—and the evening was precisely this—three decades of the best 90s grunge music. My favorite song of the evening was the band’s latest release, “Nowhere to Go But Everywhere.” Although penned in 2023, it sounds like it was written during the peak of grunge in 1995. The song is retrospective and thought-provoking, yet still has energy as Rossdale sings, “I wish I knew myself better.”
Be sure to check out the video for “Nowhere to Go But Everywhere.” The ending will remind you of Rossdale’s appearance in the film Constantine
A possible highlight of the evening was when Rossdale jumped off the stage and headed up the left-hand stairs of the theatre, hugging fans as he sang “Quicksand.” He made his way up to the soundboard and came down the venue’s right-hand side. Fans clamored to take cell videos and possible selfies.
The crowd really dug the song “Heavy is the Ocean,” with its sludgy rhythm. Blue and green lights rotated, giving an air of stoner psychedelia. I observed the lady in front of me, dancing with arms in the air, as her husband sat stone-faced. She was very animated during “Flowers on the Grave,” but then, that is what the concert is about—letting go, having fun, and reliving your high school or college days.
Before you know it, the set was over. But only when the crowd begged for more. After all, the evening could not end without the fans hearing “Glycerine.” Gavin Rossdale and Bush put on a superb show, so people continue to loyally follow the band, which seems to be touring tirelessly and still giving their all!
Members: Gavin Rossdale (vocals/guitar), Chris Traynor (guitar), Corey Britz (bass), and Nik Hughes (drums).
PHOTO GALLERY
VIDEO SNIPPETS
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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