Concert Review
Rob Thomas
Seneca Niagara Events Center
Niagara Falls, NY
Saturday May 10, 2014
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto
The heavily female dominant, sold out crowd gathered for Rob Thomas as the Matchbox Twenty singer appeared at the Seneca Niagara Events Center Saturday evening. The second to last night of his Intimate tour that featured only himself, flanked by two other musicians at times seemed like an episode of VH1 Storytellers as Thomas told stories about the songs while mixing up solo material and Matchbox Twenty favorites.
Thomas told the audience how he writes mostly about relationships and not always the good part. As he introduced “Ever The Same” he announced this song is the exception to his formula. He called “You Won’t Be Mine” his favorite Matchbox Twenty song that the band doesn’t get to play anymore.
Thomas has written with many artists. He collaborated with Mick Jagger and explained how Mick once left him a voicemail and how he kept the voicemail to playback to his friends and showoff. He also collaborated with Santana on “Smooth” a monster hit that climbed to number one in 1999.
One of the highlights was “3 A.M.” the song that Thomas described as the one which made him decide to take up songwriting and become a musician. Thomas also tested the waters by playing two new tunes “I Think” and “Heaven Help Me” respectively. He also has been playing one cover song each show and mixes up what he plays. This time around he did his interpretation of Jane’s Addiction “Jane Says” to a modest ovation.
Thomas made it a point to say how the moments we spend with family, friends and pets should be cherished for the short time we are here on earth. He went on to say it is those special moments which matter in the end. After having seen Thomas live for the first time I must say he left quite an impression on the audience and this reviewer. Thomas is a dynamic performer and even better human being. We need more people like him. Oh if you like music, his concert wasn’t too bad either.
Set List
Mockingbird
Fallin’ to Pieces
Sunday Morning, New York Blue
Her Diamonds
Getting Late / That’s All Right
Disease (Matchbox Twenty song)
Ever the Same
Streetcorner Symphony
You Won’t Be Mine (Matchbox Twenty song)
Lonely No More
3 A.M. (Matchbox Twenty song)
Someday
Bent (Matchbox Twenty song)
I Think We Feel Good Together
Heaven Help Me
Jane Says (Jane’s Addiction cover)
Unwell (Matchbox Twenty song)
Little Wonders
This Is How a Heart Breaks / Jenny (867-5309)
Smooth (Santana song)
Bright Lights (Matchbox Twenty song)
