In Review: Third Eye Blind at The Gillioz Theater, 5/19

(Credit: Courtesy of Mega Collider / Metromix)

related items

In review: Jennifer Coolidge at Hammons Hall, 4/15

The 'American Pie' co-star gives meaning to the phrase...

In review: STOMP at Hammons Hall, Feb. 19, 2010

STOMP played Hammons Hall on Friday night, and we're still...

If you lived through the late ‘90s—and listened to almost any radio station in the country at least once—you know very well that Third Eye Blind, one of rock music’s most infectiously honest bands, pretty much owned the era in the world of pop rock. Their monstrous hit single ‘Semi-Charmed Life’ took the charts and airwaves by storm, and the band went on to be one of the most recognized rock bands of the time.

What you may not know is that, since the success of their 1997 career-launching album, the band has released three other very successful albums and has created a rabid, cult-like following across the globe… unless, of course, you happen to be a part of that following. Like I am.

Third Eye Blind took the stage at the beautiful Gillioz Theater in Springfield on Thursday, May 19, and I had, until then, been waiting years to see them play. This was my first time setting foot inside The Gillioz and, point-blank, I was impressed with the theater every step of the way. Naturally for me, catching one of their shows anywhere would’ve been a great experience—they could’ve played in the back alley of a liquor store and I still would’ve been giddier than a Bieber-fever outbreak—but The Gillioz made the show particularly incredible.

At the top of my very long list of Gillioz wins is the seating configuration; lots of venues claim it, but literally every seat in the Gillioz is a perfect seat. It’s an intimate place, and even the balcony seats—where I was—felt like the front row. Another favorite of mine about the Gillioz is the gorgeous atmosphere, architecture, decoration and style of the place; I could’ve sworn I was inside an Italian opera house. Y’know, one with keg beer on tap.

Probably the most surprising part my experience at The Gillioz, though, was the amazing attitude of the staff. It’s no secret that the staff at rock concerts can typically be—how should I say it—“less than friendly and accommodating,” but the staff at The Gillioz was just the opposite. Every single person I crossed paths with who was working for the theater that night was unbelievably friendly, helpful and generally a pleasure to talk to. If I didn’t know better, I’d have thought every staff member was a part owner of the theater.

As for the show itself, what I’d waited for so long did not disappoint in the least. The band brought incredible energy and presence, and lit the room of togetherness and celebration for nearly two hours. With each song intro came a room full of cheering, and it seemed like everyone in the crowd knew every word to every song. Not surprising—but definitely inspiring.

The night hit its highest point when the room went dark and vocalist Stephan Jenkins dished out hundreds of glow sticks to the crowd, igniting a good-vibes party rare to concerts anywhere. Topping the night off with a high-energy drum solo and a song nearly never played live, we fans got much, much more than we expected. And because of the almost mystical feeling of the theater, what otherwise could’ve been a typical rock show turned into a classy night of rock and roll. My only complaint of the night: it could’ve been louder.

Then again, that’s always my complaint.

Playing an absolutely killer set list—complete with every hit single and fan favorite, as well as some rare surprises—it was obvious, as Jenkins announced on stage, that the band “felt the love” from Springfield.

And we felt it too, Third Eye Blind. Hopefully, so did The Gillioz.

(Agree with our review? Disagree? Leave a comment and let us know!)