Concert Review: Everclear 30th Anniversary Tour of “Sparkle and Fade” with Local H and Sponge in New York City

October 22: My day started early, with a strong cup of coffee and a quick check of the schedule for the night's concerts. I was excited to be photographing Sponge, Local H, and Everclear at Irving Plaza, and I wanted to make sure I was prepared for the energy and action on stage. As I headed out the door, I grabbed my camera gear and did a quick mental run-through of the shots I wanted to get, from the opening chords to the final encore. The anticipation was building, and I couldn't wait to capture the performances and relive some of my favorite high school memories. While the Collective Soul music still resonating in my mind wasn't part of this day, I was ready to focus on these bands. With my gear in my backpack, I headed to the venue, ready to freeze the moments that would make the concerts unforgettable.

First off, Sponge put on an incredible show, delivering a high-energy performance that had the crowd completely enthralled. The band played all their hits, including "Plowed" and "Molly," and the audience sang along to every word. Lead singer Vinnie Dombrowski's voice sounded amazing, and the band's musicianship was top-notch. The setlist was expertly curated, balancing old favorites with newer tracks. Overall, Sponge's set was a huge success, and it was clear that the band was having the time of their lives playing for their enthusiastic fans.

Fifteen minutes later, Local H tore through their set, opening with a blistering performance that left me breathless. The duo's signature heavy riffs and catchy hooks had the audience singing along to every song. Scott Lucas's raw energy and charisma were on full display, and the duo's tight instrumentation made for a thrilling show. With hits like "Bound for the Floor" and "Everyone Alive," Local H proved why they're one of the most beloved alternative rock bands of the past few decades. The intimate setting of Irving Plaza only added to the excitement, making for a truly unforgettable night of music.

Everclear, the performance everyone had been waiting for, was a high-energy blast from the past. The band played a mix of their classic hits, showcasing their signature blend of alt-rock and power pop. Art Alexakis's distinctive vocals and witty banter with the crowd added to the show's infectious energy. The setlist was a great mix of old and new, with fan favorites like "Santa Monica" and "Everything to Everyone" getting the crowd singing along. The band's musicianship was top-notch, with tight guitar riffs and driving rhythms that kept the audience moving. Everclear's music has a way of transcending generations, and it was clear that their songs still resonate with fans of all ages.

Overall, Everclear's “Sparkle and Fade” 30th Anniversary Tour was a huge success, a sold-out night, with the band delivering a performance that was both nostalgic and fresh. Truly, I was completely blown away by the band's performance. Their music takes me back to a time when life was a little simpler, and their songs still resonate with me today. Listening to Art Alexakis, Scott, and Vinnie's voices and their band's energetic performance felt like a breath of fresh air. I sang along to every word, feeling like I was transported back to a time when I first discovered their music on my brother’s cassette tapes.