Concert Review
Matchbox Twenty
Counting Crows
Monday September 11, 2017
Darien Lake PAC
Darien Center, NY
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto
It is hard to fathom summer is over and another season of concerts out at the Darien Lake PAC is in the books. Matchbox Twenty and The Counting Crows closed out the 25th anniversary season at the storied venue Monday night. It appeared to be a very light crowd at first but by the time the Counting Crows were halfway through their set the lawn filled in decently despite the chilly evening temp.
Rob Thomas and Matchbox Twenty reunited after last having toured in 2013. Thomas was out on the road with his solo band last summer with the Counting Crows. “No matter what I will ever do, nothing feels like home as much as playing these songs with these guys and it never will, “said Matchbox Twenty lead singer-songwriter Thomas. “And I can’t wait to spend another summer out there on the road with the Crows.”
The band sounded far from rusty as they are currently in mid-tour form and despite Thomas’ vocals being at times drowned out due to sound problems, the band put on a performance that left many diehards ecstatic.
Highlights among the bands 90-minute set were “If You’re Gone”, “Unwell” and “Girl Like That”. What would a Matchbox Twenty show be without the band’s biggest hit “3 A.M.” Overall a satisfying set from the band especially after being absent from the scene the past four years.
Vocalist Adam Duritz and the Counting Crows set featured a good mix of things throughout their career. The band sounded tight especially on “Miami”, “Omaha” and the band’s signature hit “Mr. Jones” all culled from the bands’ 7-times platinum debut August and Everything After.
A few times during the bands set the crowd seemed not as familiar with the band’s later material as it only received a mild response. The bands most recent release, the 2014 album Somewhere Under Wonderland was represented by “Scarecrow” and “Elvis Went To Hollywood”.
Many were sad and disappointed they didn’t get to hear the band’s other megahit “Round Here”.
I still find it hard to believe the venue concluded its 25th season. Where did the time go? I still remember attending the first ever concert in 1993. Poison with Damn Yankees and FireHouse christened the venue with an amazing show all those years ago. Every year since the venue has had a vast array of talented performers. The list of acts who have played is a who’s who in rock, country and pop music. Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, The Eagles, The Who, Tom Petty, Paul Simon, Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney and Buffalo’s own The Goo Goo Dolls are just a few of many who graced the stage at the 20,000-seater. Cheers till next year and hopefully for another 25 years of fantastic shows at the PAC.
Set Lists
Matchbox Twenty
Real World
Girl Like That
She’s So Mean
Bent
Downfall
If You’re Gone
Hand Me Down
How Far We’ve Come
Disease
Mad Season
So Sad So Lonely
English Town
Hang
Unwell
Back 2 Good
Push
Encore
3 A.M.
Long Day
Bright Lights
Counting Crows
Omaha
Scarecrow
Hard Candy
Colorblind
Good Time
Miami
Goodnight Elisabeth / Pale Blue Eyes
Goodnight L.A.
A Long December
Elvis Went to Hollywood
Mr. Jones
Hanginaround
Encore
Rain King
