August 2, 2024 – The Astro – La Vista, NE
It was a blazing hot summer night on August 2, 2024, but three legendary rock bands from the ’90s made it all worth it!
The Astro amphitheater in La Vista, Nebraska played host to Gin Blossoms, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and Vertical Horizon, for a night of amazing music and memories.
The night kicked off with Vertical Horizon, an alternative rock band that burst onto the scene in the early 90s. Founded by classmates Matt Scannell and Keith Kane in 1991, the band started as an acoustic duo, playing intimate gigs and crafting their unique sound. They released their debut album, “There and Back Again,” in 1992, followed by “Running on Ice” in 1995.
Their big break came with the 1999 album “Everything You Want,” which spawned the chart-topping single of the same name. The song became a defining anthem of the late ’90s and early 2000s, solidifying their place in the alternative rock landscape. The album also featured other hits like “You’re a God” and “Best I Ever Had (Grey Sky Morning).”
Over the years, Vertical Horizon has seen some lineup changes, with Matt Scannell remaining the driving force behind the band. They’ve continued to produce music, releasing albums like “Go” in 2003, “Burning the Days” in 2009, and “Echoes from the Underground” in 2013. Vertical Horizon has maintained a dedicated fanbase and continues to perform and record, keeping their legacy alive in the rock music world.
Their performance kicked off early while the sun was still pounding down, but it was like diving headfirst into a nostalgic, melodic rock haven. Their energy was electric from the moment they stepped on stage. Matt Scannell, the frontman, effortlessly connected with the crowd, sharing anecdotes between songs and making everyone feel like part of the Vertical Horizon family.
The setlist was a perfect blend of old hits and newer tracks. Hearing “Everything You Want” live was an absolute highlight, with the entire audience singing along to every word. “You’re a God” and “Best I Ever Had (Grey Sky Morning)” also had everyone swaying and reminiscing.
The band’s musicianship was top-notch. Scannell’s vocals were as strong and emotive as ever, and the guitar work was impressive. The live arrangements added a fresh twist to familiar songs, keeping things exciting for longtime fans.
The band has over 929 thousand monthly listeners on Spotify and still knows how to rock! It was a great way to kick off the show!
Next to the stage was Toad the Wet Sprocket, a band that formed in Santa Barbara, California, in 1986. The band, comprised of Glen Phillips (vocals, guitar), Todd Nichols (guitar, vocals), Dean Dinning (bass, vocals), and Randy Guss (drums), got its quirky name from a Monty Python sketch. They gained a dedicated following with their melodic and introspective rock sound.
Toad the Wet Sprocket’s big break came with their third album, “fear,” released in 1991, featuring hits like “All I Want” and “Walk on the Ocean.” Their 1994 album, “Dulcinea,” continued their success with singles like “Fall Down” and “Something’s Always Wrong.”
The band took a hiatus in 1998 but reunited in the early 2000s, continuing to tour and release new music.
From the moment they stepped onstage, the vibe was both nostalgic and vibrant. Glen Phillips’ voice, still as rich and emotive as ever, filled the amphitheater with a sense of warmth and familiarity.
The setlist was a fantastic mix of their classic hits and newer tracks. The crowd went wild for “Walk on the Ocean” and “All I Want,” singing along with passion. “Fall Down” and “Something’s Always Wrong” had everyone on their feet, reliving the ’90s alternative rock heyday.
The band’s chemistry was evident, with tight performances and easy banter that made the show feel intimate despite the large crowd in attendance. Todd Nichols’ guitar work and Dean Dinning’s bass lines were spot-on, and Randy Guss’ drumming kept everything grounded and energetic.
Overall, their set was a beautiful blend of old and new, showcasing the timeless appeal of Toad the Wet Sprocket. If you get a chance to see them live, don’t hesitate—they deliver a performance that’s both heartwarming and exhilarating, proving that their music has stood the test of time.
Toad the Wet Sprocket Setlist:
- Something’s Always Wrong
- Come Down
- California Wasted
- The Moment
- Woodburning
- Inside
- Good Intentions
- Windmills
- All I Want
- Rings
- Nightingale Song
- Crazy Life
- Driver 8 (R.E.M. cover)
- Walk on the Ocean
- Fall Down
After a brief intermission, a cool blue hue and smoke filled the stage and it was time for the Grammy-nominated rock group, Gin Blossoms!
The band came together in Tempe, Arizona, in 1987, and the founding members were Robin Wilson (vocals), Doug Hopkins (guitar), Bill Leen (bass), Jesse Valenzuela (guitar), and Phillip Rhodes (drums). They quickly made a name for themselves with their catchy blend of jangle pop and rock.
The band’s breakthrough came with their 1992 album “New Miserable Experience,” which featured hits like “Hey Jealousy,” “Found Out About You,” and “Allison Road.” These tracks became anthems of the ’90s, with “Hey Jealousy” in particular becoming a defining song of the era.
Despite internal struggles and the tragic loss of Doug Hopkins, who was a primary songwriter, Gin Blossoms continued to make music. They released “Congratulations I’m Sorry” in 1996, which included hits like “Follow You Down” and “As Long As It Matters.”
After a brief breakup, the band reunited in the early 2000s and has since continued to tour and release new music, including albums like “Major Lodge Victory” (2006) and “Mixed Reality” (2018).
The crowd went nuts when they made their way onstage and it was clear they still have the magic that made them famous. Robin Wilson’s voice was as vibrant as ever, effortlessly hitting all the high notes and engaging the crowd with his infectious enthusiasm.
The setlist was packed with fan favorites. “Hey Jealousy” and “Found Out About You” had everyone singing along at the top of their lungs. “Allison Road” and “Follow You Down” were also huge hits, evoking a wave of nostalgia and excitement. The band also mixed in some of their newer tracks, which were well-received and showed that they still have plenty of creative juice left.
The musicianship was tight, with Jesse Valenzuela and Scott Johnson delivering stellar guitar riffs and Bill Leen’s bass lines adding depth to every song. The whole band had great chemistry on stage, and their energy was contagious.
Gin Blossoms put on a fantastic show, blending nostalgia with fresh energy. If you get the chance to see them live, don’t miss it—they know how to entertain a crowd!
Gin Blossoms Setlist:
- Follow You Down
- Lost Horizons
- As Long as It Matters
- Face the Dark
- Until I Fall Away
- Hold Me Down
- Break
- Hands Are Tied
- Allison Road
- Found Out About You
- Hey Jealousy
- Til I Hear It From You
Vertical Horizon
Toad the Wet Sprocket
Gin Blossoms