Photo credit: Ethan Duran
Third Eye Blind
Alt-rock band Third Eye Blind (3EB) broke into commercial success in the late 1990s, but their Summerfest performance proved that their fanbase remained strong and eager to hear more. Playing Saturday, June 29, on the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard stage, the San Francisco band performed its hits from the late ’90’s and introduced songs from their latest album.
3EB is known for its banter on stage, but this year they focused on pushing their musical palette that ranged from hip-hop-infused rock to soft acoustic ballads. Stephan Jenkins, 3EB’s singer and guitarist, still cracked a few jokes while tuning his guitar, saying, “Did someone say my name? I can hear all of you,” to some screaming crowd members. Jenkins often switched between electric guitar and acoustic guitar or just holding the microphone during the set. At one point, he unscrewed one half of the microphone stand and pointed it at the crowd like a cane while he sang.
3EB opened with early hits like “Never Let You Go” and “Graduate,” but they also played their recent songs, like “Company of Strangers.” Naturally, the audience was more than happy to fill the vocal gaps Jenkins left when they played “Jumper.” The crowd even sang the guitar solo, which echoed between the crowd and guitarist Kryz Reid’s guitar. Jenkins let out a wicked scream at the peak, which shook through the stage speakers.
3EB also introduced a bouncy rock song that will be on their next album, which Jenkins teased about during their set, suggesting that the Eagles Ballroom would be a good place to play songs from their new album when it debuts.
“Semi-Charmed Life” was their next-to-last song of the night. During the first verse and chorus, Jenkins held the mic out and let the audience take over. Thousands of voices from the audience managed to carry the first minute of the song. After playing a quick encore, 3EB ended their set after an hour and a half. During the exodus of fans off Summerfest grounds, Jenkins tossed some guitar picks to lucky fans who stuck around afterward.
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