Third Eye Blind returns to the Borderland

Third Eye Blind returns to the Borderland

What an absolute treat we had here last Saturday night, when Third Eye Blind made it back to El Paso, Texas. Not to mention but, made it back to none other than Speaking Rock Entertainment Center, second to none here in West Texas.  These shows are held outdoors and are free for all to attend, 21 and up, of course.  This time is my second go around covering Third Eye Blind, the first was at Neon Desert Music Festival here in El Paso years back, they played to a massive crowd at that event and this past Saturday night was no different as Speaking Rock was packed to the gills, truth be told, nothing pleases me more.

Third Eye Blind was born in San Francisco in 93, first release in 97, self-titled debut, followed by Blue, both albums went certified platinum which blew them straight into stardom.  7 releases in 24 years the last being A Bande Apart in 21.   Here’s a cute fun fact, between 97 and 2000, they were nominated for 9 different awards and won Best Album, Best Songwriting and Best Debut Work in 98, as well as 6 more in that 3-year period.   Line-up changes plagued the band for years, which is not uncommon, but I believe we have the right chemistry now as the band consists of Stephan Jenkins on guitar and vocals, Brad Hargreaves on percussion, Alex LeCavalier on Bass, Colin Creev on keys and guitar and last but not least, Kryz Reid on lead guitar.  Stephan is the only original member, Kryz comes in second being in the band for the past 15 years. 

On this evening’s card we have local support from Kikimora, which I must say, Hayley Lynch who fronts Kikimora is super talented and a real pleasure to watch and listen to, a real breath of fresh air, thank you young lady.   Also, we had some touring support, AWOLNATION and Ayron Jones. Neither I had heard of, but who am I?  AWOLNATION had this crowd worked up tighter than dick’s hatband, not taking anything away from Ayron Jones, who was next up, these guys kicked ass, straight up rock, remember the name, Ayron Jones.      Third Eye Blind hit the stage at 10 sharp and hit this crowd with a 15-song set list like a smack in the face.   Stephan was the master and commander of the stage, working the audience like the journeyman he is, a crowd of 10k plus hanging on his every move.  And when songs like Never Let You Go, Jumper, How’s It Going to Be and of course, Semi Charmed Life hit your earholes, to say the joint was jumping is an understatement.   These songs will take you back to the late 90s in a heartbeat and with the way things are now, that’s not a bad idea.   Third Eye Blind is out and about in the US, check those listings and if possible, go to the show, you’ll have a great time, guaranteed.

Story and Photography by Tim Schumann

Set List-

Thanks A Lot

Dust Storm

Never Let You Go

Narcolepsy

The Kids Are Coming (To Take You Down)

Company of Strangers

Graduate

Losing A Whole Year

Crystal Baller

Like A Lullaby

Motorcycle Drive By

Jumper

Shipboard Cook

Semi Charmed Life

How’s It’s Going to Be