a fantastic tour stop in norcal
Gen X soundtrack comes alive with three of our favorite bands!
Photography by: Jim Brown
Story by: Justine Brown
No Miserable Experience Here!
The air was thick with '90s nostalgia at The Venue in Lincoln, California, on January 25th, as three of alternative rock's most enduring acts delivered a reminder of why their music continues to resonate decades later.
Fastball kicked off the evening with "Sooner or Later," immediately establishing the high-energy atmosphere that would define the night. The band's chemistry was evident from the start, with lead vocalist Miles Zuniga's distinctive voice soaring through the venue while bassist Tony Scalzo and drummer Joey Shuffield provided the tight rhythmic foundation that has long been their hallmark.
The setlist moved seamlessly through "Get You Off My Mind" and the melodic "Hummingbird" before launching into their chart-topping hit "Out of My Head," which had the crowd singing along to every word. "Fire Escape" maintained the momentum, its infectious chorus filling the venue, while "You're an Ocean" showcased the band's songwriting and arrangement skills.
The band closed their set with their signature hit "The Way," the song that first put them on the map in 1998. The performance demonstrated why this track remains one of alternative rock's most memorable offerings, with its mysterious narrative and unforgettable melody.
Gin Blossoms took the stage next, immediately transporting the crowd back to their heyday with "Follow You Down." The band's performance was especially moving during "Lost Horizons" and "Found Out About You" — both masterpieces penned by the late Doug Hopkins, whose songwriting genius helped define the band's signature sound. Hopkins' influence loomed large throughout Gin Blossom’s 12-song set. The band's performance of "Hey Jealousy" — perhaps Hopkins' most enduring contribution to alternative rock — nearly brought the house down near the end of their set.
While the band also included newer material like "Miss Disarray" from their 2010 album "No Chocolate Cake" and "Face the Dark" from 2018's "Mixed Reality," it was the classics from "New Miserable Experience" that showcased the timeless quality of the Gin Blossoms. Lead singer Robin Wilson delivered all the vocal work with ease and kept that tambourine busy for their entire set. Together with Jesse Valenzuela and Scott Johnsons guitar work, the sound was what one would hope for, it sounded as good as it did in 1992.
Collective Soul closed the night with a masterclass in rock showmanship, fronted by the charismatic Ed Roland. Opening with "Mother's Love" and "Bluer Than So Blue," the band quickly established the high-energy atmosphere that would define their set. Their performance of "Heavy" was a particular highlight of the night, with the crowd responding enthusiastically to its distinctive riff and powerful delivery.
The band's rendition of their breakthrough hit "Shine" demonstrated why it remains one of alternative rock's most enduring anthems, while deeper cuts like "Keep It on Track" showcased their versatility. "The World I Know" provided one of the evening's most poignant moments, with Roland's emotional delivery resonating throughout the venue.
In a surprising and electrifying moment, the band launched into a cover of AC/DC's "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap," demonstrating their rock credentials and ability to put their own spin on a classic. The set built to a powerful conclusion with fan favorites "Where the River Flows," "December," and "Run," keeping the crowd on their feet until the final note.
Roland's ability to connect with the audience was remarkable, creating an intimate atmosphere despite the venue's size. Their ten-song set served as a reminder of why they've remained a vital force in rock music for over 25 years.
Ultimately, this triple bill served as a powerful reminder of why '90s alternative rock continues to resonate with both original fans and new generations of listeners. Each band demonstrated that their music wasn't just a product of its time but rather something more enduring — songs that speak to universal experiences that remain relevant decades after their initial release.