Concert Review: Dalapalooza Fest Featuring Collective Soul and Cheap Trick

Chad Smith
24 hours ago
3 min read

On June 27, 2025, the esteemed rock bands Collective Soul and Cheap Trick co-headlined the Dalapalooza Fest in Rome City, IN, delivering a captivating performance to a packed audience. Following a brief rain shower, the skies cleared, allowing for a scorching hot set list featuring hit singles in the sweltering 93-degree heat. Collective Soul, the legendary alternative rock outfit from Stockbridge, GA, kicked off the evening with their signature blend of high-energy rock as Ed taunted and swung his mic stand back and forth.

In classic form, Collective Soul started with a bang as Ed taunted and swung his mic stand back and forth. Mid-way through their set, guitarist Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick made a special appearance on stage, hugging and shaking hands as he proclaimed into the mic, “These guys are incredibly talented!” The crowd was in unanimous agreement, as chants and roars escalated even higher as Rick pointed to Ed and the rest of Collective Soul. The show continued as the band performed their chart-topping hits, including 'Shine,' 'December,' and 'The World I Know,' as well as a fan favorite 'Heavy' from their album Dosage.

Lead vocalist Ed Roland and the band were in exceptional form throughout the high heat, regaling the audience with tales of Ed’s encounter with rock royalty, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, and his unforgettable experience recording at Elvis' former residence.

Spending a warm summer evening under a soft orange glowing sunset with Collective Soul was merely the beginning. The American rock band from Rockford, Illinois, Cheap Trick, would take the stage, delivering a 19-song set list that electrified the crowd. Rick Nielsen, donning his signature flipped-up style ball cap and custom designer suit, demanded the stage with his classic black and white checkered Gibson Hammer guitar.

Lead vocalist Robin Zander, exuding confidence, grasped the mic and declared, 'Hello there ladies and gentlemen, Hello there ladies and gents, Are you ready to rock? Are you ready or not?' The high-energy performance commenced with 'Hello There.' Throughout the night, Nielsen seamlessly transitioned between iconic guitars; including his 'Gonna Raise Hell' Gibson Hammer guitar all the while his Gibson isolation cab provided a mesmerizing lighting spectacle.

The show concluded with the band's most iconic hits, including 'I Want You to Want Me,' 'Dream Police,' 'Surrender,' and 'Goodnight.' In a touching moment, Robin Zander invited his son Ian onto the stage, joined by Collective Soul members, creating a memorable finale to an extraordinary evening.

Dalapalooza showcased a pair of the genre’s biggest names of rock on their first night of two, capturing the raw, rebellious energy throughout the entire night. Fans of all ages, from teenagers discovering alternative music for the first time to 30-somethings re-experiencing shared anthems, were in attendance. Dalapalooza 2025 at 2725 E Northport Rd, Rome City, IN was a triumphant celebration of alternative music's enduring legacy, blending nostalgia with the raw energy of a new generation. I’m already looking forward to “Dalapalooza 2026,” but I’ll be sure to remember to bring the sunscreen next time.