After three long years of anticipation, the highly-awaited Matchbox 20 concert finally graced Tampa with its presence. The previous cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic made this night even more special. On July 8, 2023, fans gathered with excitement, eager to witness a concert they had been waiting for.
Since I got the VIP-meet and greet, I arrived at the venue's gate on time, ready to immerse myself in the experience. After going through the necessary ID checks, we entered the amphitheater and received brief instructions before being guided inside. And there they were—Matchbox 20 in the flesh! It was hard to believe my eyes as I turned to my husband, asking him if this was all real. Rob Thomas and the rest of the band stood before us, and I couldn't help but tremble with excitement. It was a moment that felt surreal, and I was torn between capturing the memories with photos and videos or simply immersing myself in the magic of the moment. In the end, I managed to do all three.
The band proceeded with their sound check, and even though it was already around 4 pm, Rob Thomas greeted us with a cheerful "Good morning." They kicked off with "Downfall," and I immediately fell in love with the song's intro. Rob Thomas's heartfelt rendition of the lyrics "I wonder how you sleep?" sent shivers down my spine. The unexpected transition to Bob Dylan's "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" added an exciting twist to the performance.
During the sound check, the band engaged with the audience, allowing us to have a say in the night's setlist. Rob Thomas presented us with a choice between "All I Need" and "Parade." Caught up in the moment, I mistakenly thought he was asking which song we preferred, so I joined the chorus of fans chanting "All I Need." Luckily, they played the song during the sound check.
The sound check ended on a high note with "Parade," and afterward, we eagerly proceeded to the much-anticipated photo session. Although cameras were prohibited, I savored every second in my memory. But before the photo session, we had the extraordinary opportunity to chat with the band members and share our fan stories.
We reminisced about the golden era of cassette tapes when Matchbox 20's music was a constant presence in our lives. Given our previous residence in the Middle East, we also engaged in brief conversation about our experiences there. They expressed gratitude to Jason for his service and formed a personal connection with the band. They even remembered their postponed concert in the Philippines due to a typhoon. As we mentioned it, their faces lit up with recognition, and they thought I had traveled all the way from the Philippines solely to see them. We clarified that we now reside in Florida, but their gratitude and consideration meant the world to me.
Now, let's delve into the concert itself. The atmosphere was electric as fans filled the amphitheater, proudly displaying their favorite Matchbox 20 shirts. At precisely 9 pm, the stage lit up with the iconic concave background, signaling the start of an epic performance.
Rob Thomas, with his signature moves, set the stage on fire with the song "Friends" from their latest album. The crowd eagerly joined him, singing the infectious chorus, "Cause all my friends, all my friends are here."
Throughout the night, Matchbox 20 treated us to a stellar setlist encompassing their impressive discography. They took us on a nostalgic journey, performing beloved hits like "Real World," "3 a.m.," "Back 2 Good," "Long Day" and "Push", from their album "Yourself or Someone Like You." The crowd erupted with joy, passionately singing along to each familiar tune.
From their second album "Mad Season," Matchbox 20 treated the Tampa audience to a vibrant performance of some fan-favorite tracks. The melodic ballad "If You're Gone" resonated through the venue, with Kyle Cook & Rob Thomas's vocals striking an emotional chord. They played "Mad Season", enveloping the crowd in its introspective lyrics and infectious rhythm. And of course, they didn't disappoint with performance of "Bent," a song that had the entire amphitheater on their feet, singing along to every word. Matchbox 20 showcased their versatility and continued to capture the audience with their timeless hits from the "Mad Season" album.
Continuing their impressive repertoire, Matchbox 20 brought forth tracks from their album "More Than You Think You Are" that had Tampa concertgoers buzzing with excitement. The infectious rhythm of "Disease" filled the air, getting fans grooving and singing along. The band also showcased their musical prowess with the soulful tunes "Hand Me Down" and the ever-relatable "Unwell." Each song from the album resonated deeply with the audience, creating a memorable and immersive experience that will linger in the hearts of fans for years to come.
Bringing a mix of their classic hits and fan favorites, Matchbox 20 didn't disappoint when it came to songs from their album "Exile on Mainstream." The energetic anthem "How Far We've Come" reverberated throughout the venue, igniting a sense of unity and nostalgia among the crowd. Amidst the electrifying atmosphere, the band also delivered a heartfelt rendition of "These Hard Times," a track that resonated deeply with fans and showcased their musical range.
Delighting the audience with their diverse discography, Matchbox 20 also treated Tampa to some standout tracks from their album "North." The song "She's So Mean" had everyone grooving along to its irresistible rhythm. They also performed the beloved hit "The Way," setting fans with its memorable melodies and heartfelt lyrics. To top it off, Matchbox 20 showcased the uplifting vibes of "Parade," creating an atmosphere that had the entire amphitheater singing.
Among the songs they sang from the new album Slow Dream are: Friends, Queen of New York City, Wild Dogs (Running on a Slow Dream), Don’t Get me Wrong & Rebels,
Each band member brought their own unique contributions to the stage. Kyle Cook's standout performance of "The Way," along with his duet with Rob Thomas on "If You're Gone," left the audience in awe.
Brian Yale, the bass guitarist, also known as Pookie, was present on stage. Prior to the concert, there had been a buzz in various Facebook Groups, with fans eagerly discussing and searching for him during previous concerts. Seeing him perform live in Tampa added an extra layer of thrill to the already incredible night. Pookie's presence on stage added to the band's dynamic performance, and fans were delighted to witness his contributions firsthand.
Paul Doucette entertained us with his impressive moves, seamlessly syncing with Rob Thomas throughout the concert. His ability to match Rob's energy while skillfully avoiding any sweat-induced mischief was truly remarkable.
And let's not forget the indomitable Rob Thomas himself. Even at 51 years old, his dance moves and powerful vocals captivated the audience. He poured his heart and soul into every song, leaving us spellbound with his raw emotions.
The concert concluded with a memorable cover of "Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds. As the last notes echoed through the amphitheater, fans were left with an overwhelming sense of nostalgia and an unforgettable memory to cherish.
It's been more than a week since the Tampa concert, and I find myself still unable to shake off the excitement. Writing this blog post has allowed me to channel that energy and share it with fellow Matchbox 20 fans. The concert was a testament to the band's enduring talent, and I hope they continue to create music that resonates with fans worldwide.
Until the next Matchbox 20 concert, let's hold onto these precious memories and keep the spirit of their music alive! Rock on, fellow mb20 fans! 🎶🤘
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