Photos By: Toby Clark
Concert Review: Hootie & The Blowfish with Special Guests Collective Soul and Edwin McCain - Summer Camp With Trucks Tour
Date: June 7, 2024
Venue: Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati, OH.
On a stunning evening along the Ohio River, the Riverbend Music Center provided the perfect setting for the Summer Camp With Trucks Tour. The night featured headliners Hootie & The Blowfish, with special guests Collective Soul and opener Edwin McCain. The combination of these artists created an unforgettable experience filled with nostalgic hits and remarkable performances.
Edwin McCain
Edwin McCain began the evening with a five-song set that immediately captivated the audience. Opening with his iconic hit "I Could Not Ask For More," McCain's heartfelt performance set the tone for the night. The crowd responded warmly, singing along with the chorus. He continued with "Walk With You," a touching song that highlighted his soulful voice and lyrical prowess.
"I've Seen A Love" followed, showcasing McCain's ability to blend emotional depth with melodic richness. The highlight of his set was undoubtedly "I'll Be," which had the audience swaying and singing in unison. McCain concluded with "One Thing Left To Do," leaving the stage with a heartfelt thank you, and setting a high bar for the acts to follow.
Collective Soul
As dusk settled, Collective Soul took the stage, kicking off their set with "Mother's Love" and "Bluer Than So Blue," two tracks from their new double album called "Here To Eternity". These songs demonstrated the band's evolving sound while maintaining the distinctive elements that have defined their music over the years.
The energy ramped up with "Heavy," which had the crowd moving and headbanging. The familiar chords of "Shine" sent waves of excitement through the audience, with everyone joining in the iconic chorus. The band then slowed things down with "The World I Know," a contemplative and emotionally resonant song.
A surprise highlight was when Edwin McCain returned to the stage for a cover of AC/DC's "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap." This collaboration added a fun and unexpected twist to the set, energizing the crowd. Collective Soul then returned to their roots with "Where The River Flows" and "December," both of which were met with enthusiastic applause. They concluded their set with "Run," leaving the audience eagerly anticipating the headlining act.
Hootie & The Blowfish
The atmosphere was electric as Hootie & The Blowfish took the stage, opening with "I Go Blind a (50-40 Cover)." Darius Rucker's warm, gravelly voice immediately drew the audience in. The band delivered a set packed with their biggest hits and several surprising covers, ensuring a night filled with singalongs and joyful memories.
Classics like "Hold My Hand," "Let Her Cry," and "Time" were met with rapturous applause, each song a reminder of the band's enduring appeal. The covers added a fresh dynamic to the performance. "For What It's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield was performed with a reverence that highlighted its timeless relevance. The band's rendition of "Wagon Wheel," originally by Old Crow Medicine Show and popularized by Rucker in his solo career, was a particular crowd favorite.
They also delivered a stellar cover of Led Zeppelin's "Hey, Hey What Can I Do," showcasing their rock chops. A special moment occurred when Edwin McCain joined them for "Solitude," a song he originally recorded with Rucker, creating a touching and memorable duet. The inclusion of Darius Rucker's solo hit "Alright" was a pleasant surprise, blending seamlessly with the band's classics.
The night reached its peak with a three-song encore. The band returned to the stage with "Go And Tell Him (Soup Song)," followed by an impressive cover of Stone Temple Pilots' "Interstate Love Song." They closed the night with "Only Wanna Be With You," a quintessential Hootie & The Blowfish anthem that had the entire venue singing along.
Final Thoughts
The Summer Camp With Trucks Tour stop at Riverbend Music Center was a masterclass in delivering nostalgic, heartfelt, and electrifying performances. Each act brought their unique energy and style, creating a night that resonated deeply with fans. The beautiful setting along the Ohio River, coupled with perfect weather, made for an idyllic concert experience. For fans of '90s rock and heartfelt ballads, this concert was a trip down memory lane that will be cherished for years to come.
Setlist:
- I Go Blind (54-40 Cover)
- Wishing
- I Will Wait
- Time
- Running From An Angel
- For What It's Worth (Buffalo Springfield Cover)
- Hannah Jane
- Not Even The Trees
- Will The Circle Be Unbroken? (William MacEwan Cover)
- Desert Mountain Showdown
- I Hope I Don't Fall In Love With You (Tom Waits Cover)
- Wagon Wheel (Old Crow Medicine Show Cover)
- Miss California
- Hey, Hey, What Can I Do (Led Zeppelin Cover)
- Solitude (Edwin McCain Cover) (With Edwin McCain)
- Old Man & Me (Mo Money Mo Problems, Big Poppa Interlude)
- Let Her Cry
- Losing My Religion (R.E.M. Cover)
- Alright (Darius Rucker Song)
- Hold My Hand
Encore:
21. Go And Tell Him (Soup Song)
22. Interstate Love Song (Stone Temple Pilots Cover)
23. Only Wanna Be With You
Photos By: Toby Clark
Setlist:
- Mother's Love
- Bluer Than So Blue
- Heavy
- Shine
- The World I Know
- Dirty Deed Done Dirt Cheap (AC/DC Cover) (With Edwin McCain)
- Where The River Flows
- December
- Run
Photos By: Toby Clark
Setlist:
- I Could Not Ask For More
- Walk With You
- I've Seen A Love
- I'll Be
- One Thing Left To Do