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Biography
Prior to forming Third Eye Blind, musician Stephen Jenkins had become popular around the San Francisco area following a series of solo shows. After deciding to expand his sound with a band, by 1995 the singer was joined by former-Fungo Mungo bassist Arion Salazar, former student of Joe Satriani Kevin Cadogan, and former-Counting Crows drummer Brad Hargreaves. In the wake of burgeoning late ’90’s post-grunge scene, Third Eye Blind's music drew greater influence from the classic rock/pop of the 1980s, with Jenkins gaining significant attention for producing The Braids’ cover of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”.
By this point the band had developed a devoted following across San Francisco for a series of well-received shows and a 14-track demo tape. Following a pined-over slot opening for Oasis in 1996, and a band showcase in Los Angeles, California, Third Eye Blind signed with Sylvia Rhone of Elektra Records.
The group’s debut full-length “Third Eye Blind” was issued in 1997 peaking at No. 25 on the Billboard 200. Aided by three Top 10 Singles, “Semi-Charmed Life”, “Jumper”, and “How’s It Going to Be”, the album earned strong reviews and has been certified 6x Platinum. As a result, Third Eye Blind became one of the most popular U.S. rock bands of the tail-end of the millennium, and opened a number of shows on U2’s PopMart Tour.
Third Blind Eye released their sophomore album “Blue” two years later in 1999. Despite failing to reach the success of its predecessor, “Blue” was deemed the band’s strongest release by fans and eventually sold over 1.25 million. The album spawned the singles “Anything”, “Never Let You Go”, and “10 Days Late”, however shortly after the album’s release, writer and guitarist Kevin Cadogan left the group. Following a worldwide tour, the band took a hiatus from recording and performing, and built a recording studio in anticipation of subsequent releases.
The full-length “Out of the Vein” arrived in 2003, however due to Elektra Records’ merger with Atlantic Records, the album received no promotion. Third Eye Blind were later dropped from Atlantic Records, and a serious case of writer’s block for Jenkins made any new material look unlikely. A compilation album entitled “A Collection” appeared in 2006, supported by extensive touring of past releases, along with the EP “Red Star” in 2008. The group’s long-awaited fourth full-length album “Ursa Major” finally arrived in 2009, topping the Billboard Rock, Alternative, and Digital Albums charts.
Live reviews
One of my all time favorite bands is Third Eye Blind. They were my absolute favorite in high school, as I own every album and could pretty much sing each word from every song. Their debut is an instant classic; Blue has some of the best fan favorites from 3eb's discography; Out of Vein is my favorite breakup album of all time; and I even loved the mixed reviewed Ursa Major. It was the soundtrack to my fall of 2009 and is still a constant go-to in my usual listening.
Through the years I've seen Stephan Jenkins and company 10 times. They've played venues as large as 20,000 for Bamboozle Fest back in 2010, to as tiny as a smalltown live music weeknight fair in 2011. I've seen them everywhere from professional venues, casinos, an outdoor hockey rink to even Sea World. Every time has been amazing.
I'm clearly biased.
So when Third Eye announced plans for a new album, as well as a summer tour with Dashboard Confessional to accompany the new tunes, I obviously jumped on it. I bought tix to both House of Blues Orlando, and a pit seat for their St. Augustine gig at the Ampitheater two nights later.
Night 1 Review:
The Orlando show was the smallest venue Third Eye will play all summer long. They came on stage late (10:40) following an hour long set by Dashboard. Jenkins is no stranger to unusual stage antics, and this was the case in Orlando. He remained clocked in darkness for the first few songs. He sang using a hanging microphone from the back of the stage, only outlined by the flashing lights.
It seemed like is wasn't until the first few songs passed that you got a good look at the frontman. Stephan is beloved by 3EB fans for the effort and energy he provides at each show. Tonight was no different. The singer will turn 51 this year, but you would never know it. He bounces around stage and even proclaimed that he's never felt more alive in his entire life before this summer.
The setlist was very friendly for casual Third Eye fans. All the greatest hits were played, including radio hits 'Jumper,' 'Semi-Charmed Life,' 'How's it Gonna Be?' and 'Never Let You Go.' They also played setlist constants in 'Losing a Whole Year' and 'Graduate.'
For me though, the best part of a Third Eye show is the connection with the audience. That comes out best with fan favorites 'Motorcycle Drive By' and 'Slow Motion.' These songs get the most loyal fans singing along, uniting the room. The band seems to love it and it's always the lasting memory I have from 3eb shows. Most of these fans have been with Third a Eye for many years, and they show it here.
Overall, the Orlando crowd did it's job and it was a great show. I wouldn't expect anything less from Third Eye. Keep it up Steve!
Night 1 Concert Rating: 3.5 Stars
Round 2 Review:
I was back at it 2 nights later in St Augustine for a much larger venue show. The Ampitheater was close to capacity and the pit was bumping as Third Eye opened with the same tunes as the sun set. It was great to get back to St Augustine by the way. (first time since Mumford's Gentlemen of the Road stopover in Sep 2013)
It may have been due to the venue and acoustics, but right away I thought Steve sounded better on night 2. His voice was clear and he was rocking, stating early that he was in a mood to play all night long.
The setlist ended up being near identical to the Friday show, but I didn't mind. As mentioned prior, they played great tunes! This also gave me a chance to fully appreciate the new songs performed. Third Eye played 3 in total, including lead single for the new album - 'Everything is Easy.' This new tune proves Jenkins is still a capable songwriter and features a great hook.
The new album, entitled Dopamine, was just released a few weeks ago and I'm very excited to listen in detail. Even if 3eb never again reaches the peak they saw in the late 90's, it's clear they still have a great fan base that's satisfied to get some new music. Really proud of the guys for putting this out.
Some other highlights from Round 2 was a chilling version of 'Bonfire' and a crazy drum solo from Brad Hargreaves. Brad is the only other member from the original 3eb lineup when they were formed in 1993.
Overall, both great shows and I'll give the slight advantage to night #2. Stephan Jenkins sounded better for round 2 and you can't beat a full Ampitheater singing along with Third Eye's greatest hits. 3eb and Dashboard will continue touring together throughout the first half of the summer.
Night 2 Concert Rating: 3.5 Stars
mike-leone-1
San Francisco rock group Third Eye Blind have had a varied career when it has come to commerciality yet one thing that has remained consistent is the passion and energy they invest into their live performance. They have been together as a group for over two decades and although there have been several lineup changes, the group stands as one onstage and all the musicians have a great rapport and in turn are very switched on to each other's instruments.
The crowd completely loves this interaction between the musicians and the devoted fans huddled towards the barrier have their hands in the air throughout to try and grab the attention of lead singer Stephan Jenkins. He thrusts the mic in their direction for 'Jumper' which they sing back in force. The angsty pop rock has good pace and never allows the audience's attention to drop off, as the band launches itself around the stage you cannot help but feel equally excited. The whole crowd are awarding the group with deafening applause as they take their final bows looking exhausted yet content.
sean-ward
This was my second time seeing TEB. First in 2017 up in Cleveland for their Summer Gods 2017 tour. This time here in my hometown of Kansas City. For a second time I was blown away by their energy and enthusiasm. They really get the crowd pumped up and give the perfect amount of interaction with their audience. The setlist of course was great, included a blend of older material and new songs that will be on their unreleased upcoming album.
For me, my favorite TEB song is Motorcycle Drive By and they nailed it perfectly even after all these years. Their wasn't a moment of their time onstage though that I was not dancing, singing, and smiling. I highly recommend seeing this band. Very talented and kind hearted individuals, wel worth the money. Can't wait till they come around next time, I'll be there.
martin93
Probably the most fun I have had in years. I wasn't listening to music I was feeling it. In every. Single. Song. I loved the set list starting out with Graduate fits perfectly for a show in San Francisco. Where it all began. Any fan knows why. Although for a lot of the self titled album songs Kevin Cadogan was missed on the guitar similarly Arion Salazar's unique style would've been a nice touch the show did not fail to exceed any expectation of greatness. Every new song rushed through the crowd and every old song felt like a warm heart pounding reunion. I love this band and couldn't have had a better time. Brad Hargreaves is made of lions!!!
Absolutely fantastic show! I've loved Third Eye Blind for awhile now, and this was my first time seeing their show. IT WAS FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC! My love for their music burns brighter than ever before. They played straight for 1.5 hours, hit most of my all-time favorites, and seemed just as pumped to be there as I was. These tickets were a little more expensive than most of the shows I see at this venue, but it was worth every penny. I will definitely be seeing them again!
dirtydanglez19
The VIP Meet-and-greet ticket was all I thought it would be and more. Not only did I get to meet the band for pictures and autographs, I got to sit through their whole sound check!!! It was like going to two concerts.
The whole performance, from all three bands (Augustana, Dashboard Confessional, and TEB), was on point.
The venue PNC Pavillion provided an ideal place for a show; however, the food/drink prices were a bit high.
Overall it was a win in my book!
chaplain11
Truly awesome. Didn't know beforehand they would play most famous album cover-to-cover. This doesn't always work. But had forgotten how good it was and conjured many memories of Germany, where I lived when I relentlessly listened to it 20 years ago.
A treat to also see Silversun Pickups for the first time - had been waiting a long time for the chance.
And Ocean Park Standoff surprised to the positive too.
Am one happy bunny.
Adschatfield
Awesome show! Third Eye Blind is always a great band to see live, they are appreciative of their fans and play the hits. There was a special treat at the concert last night when they played their first CD in full -- every song in order! I knew that CD by heart in high school and college and it was amazing to hear every song live.
HollyMarie8
Third Eye Blind always puts on an AMAZING show! Stephan is great at connecting with the audience, and I love it when he stops for a minute to talk to the crowd. I've seen them 7 times in concert, and they NEVER disappoint! Most underrated rock band of all time!
chyenne-stuart
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