Candlebox brings ’90s rock energy to The Edge Pavilion in Laughlin for a one-off date of their Can’t Quit You Tour.
There are some bands that define their genre and sound, and Candlebox is one of them. On this night, the Seattle rock veterans bring that unmistakable ’90s alternative sound to The Edge Pavilion in Laughlin, Nevada, delivering a performance that resonates with the packed crowd. This band is celebrating 33 years together, and the fans are out in force to celebrate it. While this is somewhat of an anniversary show, they are not going to do one of the popular play their first album in its entirety set. They are going to showcase their long, impressive history. This is something that is exciting to the crowd.
They open with “Change,” and then move on, making it clear this isn’t going to be a show built solely around their debut album. Candlebox came out with energy, and frontman Kevin Martin established a connection with the crowd, spending time telling stories and reminiscing. Despite later describing himself as the weakest link on this stage during the band introductions, his distinctive voice is one of the most recognizable things about this band. Bathed in the spotlight, his energy is matched by members Peter Klett, Adam Kury, and Island Styles moving around the stage while drummer BJ Kerwin is lit up in his own spotlight for the set.
The setlist contains a mix of familiar favorites like “Don’t You,” “10,000 Horses,” “Simple Lessons,” “Breakaway,” and “Blossom,” but also includes a new track, “I Remember Everything.” While this is a new song, many in the crowd, who have been on their feet all night, are singing along and know all the words. That, along with the energy of the crowd, shows how dedicated they are to the band. It is exciting to see them putting out new music. There is also a surprise late in the set with the band’s rendition of Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine.” The crowd loves it. Shortly after this, the band takes the time to pay tribute to those from this genre we have lost, including Kurt Cobain, Chris Cornell, and Layne Staley. It is touching, and the crowd cheers each of the names of their favorites from the Seattle music and alternative rock scene.
The set wraps up with arguably the two biggest hits – “Far Behind” and “You.” The whole set is a perfect mix of their catalog, and the crowd sings along to all of it. The band interacts with the crowd the whole night, and for those in the front rows, this is an extremely up close and personal venue. It is one of the things the fans appreciate most about this location in Laughlin.
For longtime fans, it was a chance to hear the soundtrack of a favorite musical genre, played by the people who created it. For new listeners, it was a great introduction to this band with this long history. The merchandise line is long, and everyone is leaving happy and excited for the next show.
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