Maine Savings Amphitheatre
Friday, June 14, 2024
I had the pleasure of attending the Hootie and the Blowfish concert at the Maine Savings Amphitheatre, with special guest Collective Soul and opener Edwin McCain. The evening was nothing short of spectacular, filled with incredible performances, high energy, and unforgettable moments.
Edwin McCain
Edwin McCain opened the night with an intimate and heartfelt set. He kicked things off with “I Could Not Ask for More,” immediately capturing the audience’s attention. His performance of “Walk With You” and “I’ve Seen a Love” showcased his vocal range and emotional depth. The crowd sang along enthusiastically to “I’ll Be,” which remains a timeless favorite. He closed his set with “One Thing Left to Do,” leaving the audience warmed up and ready for more.
Collective Soul
Next up was Collective Soul, consisting of brothers Ed and Dean Roland, Will Turpin, Johnny Rabb, and Jesse Triplett. They started their set with “Mother’s Love,” quickly setting the tone with their signature rock sound. “Bluer Than So Blue” and “Heavy” kept the momentum going, and the crowd erupted when they played their hit “Shine.” A standout moment was their cover of AC/DC’s “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,” where Edwin McCain joined them on stage, adding a unique twist to the classic rock anthem. They wrapped up their performance with “Run,” leaving the audience buzzing with energy.
Hootie and the Blowfish
Finally, Hootie and the Blowfish took the stage, and the excitement in the air was palpable. They opened with “I Go Blind,” a 54-40 cover, setting a nostalgic and upbeat tone. The setlist was a well-curated mix of their hits and covers, each song delivered with the band’s characteristic energy and passion.
Some highlights included “Time” and “Running From an Angel,” both of which had the audience singing along at the top of their lungs. Their acoustic renditions of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” and “Desert Mountain Showdown” provided a nice change of pace, showcasing their versatility.
One of the night’s most memorable moments was when Edwin McCain joined them on stage to perform his song “Solitude.” The chemistry between the artists was evident, and the crowd loved every minute of it.
The covers of “Hey, Hey, What Can I Do” by Led Zeppelin and “Losing My Religion” by R.E.M. were unexpected delights, while “Let Her Cry” and “Hold My Hand” brought a wave of nostalgia, reminding everyone why they fell in love with Hootie and the Blowfish in the first place.
Encore
The encore was the perfect ending to an incredible night. They returned to the stage with “Go and Tell Him (Soup Song),” followed by a powerful cover of Stone Temple Pilots’ “Interstate Love Song.” They closed the night with “Only Wanna Be With You,” sending the crowd home with smiles and great memories.
Overall Experience
The sound quality at the Maine Savings Amphitheatre was top-notch, as it always is, enhancing the experience of each performance. The venue, the energy of the crowd, and the exceptional talent of all the performers made this a night to remember.
Hootie and the Blowfish, along with Collective Soul and Edwin McCain, delivered a concert that was both nostalgic and refreshingly energetic, leaving fans eagerly awaiting their next show.
