Collective Soul had the audience on their feet in no time. /DOUG KRETCHMER
Collective Soul played the packed Burton Cummings Theatre last evening and the fans were absolutely thrilled.
One enthusiastic fan couldn’t resist dancing in front of the stage after the second song. Security quickly had the man return to his seat, but by the fourth song most of the audience were on their feet in front of the stage.
Singer Ed Roland seemed pleased, commenting that he felt like he was at an audition up to that point.
Playing the hits from their nine album catalogue, the Georgia hard rockers had the audience singing along to such classics as Better Now, Where The River Flows, The World I Know, Gel, Shine, and Run.
Indeed it was some of the loudest collective singing I’ve heard at a concert in some time. The fans were clearly digging and feeling the grooves throughout the 106 minute set.
(l-r) Will Turpin, Ed and Dean Roland have been in the ‘Collective’ since 1992. /DOUG KRETCHMER
The original nucleus of the band, which formed in 1992, consists of Ed on vocals, guitar and keyboards, brother Dean Roland on guitar and piano, and Will Turpin on bass. They were joined by lead guitarist Jesse Triplett and drummer Johnny Rabb who joined the ‘Collective’ in 2014 and 2012 respectively.
Lead guitarist Jesse Triplett may be new but he played all the right riffs. /DOUG KRETCHMER
“We like to do a cover once in a while,” the deep voiced singer announced as he started strumming on his 12 string acoustic guitar.
Led Zeppelin’s Going To California was their choice, much to the delight of the audience. They certainly did justice to the song as their interpretation included some very interesting guitar arrangements.
They pulled out a couple of new tunes they recorded a month ago. Rule #1 proved to the audience that these guys haven’t lost their touch at writing a rock solid, melodic tune.
Confession started off quite mellow but Jesse’s blazing slide guitar work seemed to release a flock of psychedelic doves, a la Jimi Hendrix, throughout the venue as Dean’s guitar weaved in and out amongst his fellow Les Paul guitar slinger’s notes.
Ed stated at the beginning of Confession that, “we’re better than ever.” A boast that proved to be true.
Vocalist Ed Roland seemed to be enjoying himself as much as the audience. /DOUG KRETCHMER
For the second last song of the evening, Ed sat down at the keyboard and played the opening notes of Shine.
The song seemed to energize both the audience and the band as the vibe in the room became ecstatic with everyone singing and clapping along.
And just when we thought the song was over it started up again after the singer said, “we’re not done yet.” Oh woh oh, heaven let your light shine down.
Near the end of last song, Run, the band slowly stopped playing their instruments, except for Ed and his trusty 12 string. They all came to the front of the stage, tossed out drum sticks and guitar picks and high fived the grateful fans.
With the audience providing vocal accompaniment to the guitar, the band left the stage one by one followed by Ed who continued playing for a couple minutes backstage before the houselights came on.
Throughout the evening, Ed kept flashing a peace sign to the audience which prompted a wave of peace signs back to him. (So much nicer than your standard devil horn salute).
Opening band from Edmonton, Royal Tusk, did a great job warming up the crowd with their hard rocking numbers.
The five piece band played a 45 minute set of eight rockers and one slow one for the audience to get “romantic and cozy to.”
Edmonton hard rockers Royal Tusk primed the audience nicely. /DOUG KRETCHMER
After the show, I met a family who traveled from Maryfield, Saskatchewan (just outside of Moosomin) to see the show. Mike and Ashley Lyons brought their 9 year old son Mikey to see his first ever concert.
Mikey told me it was, “Awesome.” They were right up front and Mikey managed to get a few souvenirs from the band in the form of guitar picks and drum sticks. I’m sure this show will stick in his mind for a long, long time.
Mikey Lyons, with mom and dad Ashley and Mike, got a few souvenirs from his first ever concert. /DOUG KRETCHMER
All photos by Doug Kretchmer
Great memories courtesy of Collective Soul
SET LIST:
Smashing Young Man
Heavy
Precious Declaration
December
Hurricane
This
AYTA
Why, Pt. 2
Better Now
Contagious
Rule #1 (new unreleased song)
Needs
Going To California (Led Zeppelin cover)
The World I Know
Confession (new unreleased song)
Gel
Where the River Flows
Shine
Run
