Seattle rock band Candlebox performed one of the most unforgettable shows on Friday, July 14 at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, California. The night was filled with electrifying energy and surprises including covers of Kiss, Fleetwood Mac, Duran Duran, and more.
Candlebox’s self-titled debut album released on July 20, 1993 via Maverick and Warner Bros Records. It was a commercial success, selling over four million copies in the U.S. and topping Billboard charts. The album features singles “Change,” “You,” “Cover Me,” and the band’s biggest hit “Far Behind.” The band’s original lineup previously composed of Kevin Martin, Peter Klett, Bardi Martin, and Scott Mercado. Kevin Martin remains the sole original member and is now accompanied by Adam Kury, Brian Quinn, Island Styles, and BJ Kerwin during the farewell tour. After 30 years, the band has announced their eighth and final studio album The Long Goodbye, set to release August 25, 2023. The news comes as Martin has decided to retire and focus on family according to an interview with SiriusXM.
The tour has been a bittersweet journey for everyone as Candlebox continues to put on the most exhilarating performances, and their show at LA’s Troubadour was no different. The alternative rock band was introduced by Matt Pinfield, who was the first to play Candlebox on the radio. The band went on to open with Into The Sun‘s “Bitches Brewin” followed by Candlebox‘s “Arrow.” The band amazed fans with covers of Kiss’s “Do You Love Me,” Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way” and Duran Duran’s “Hungry Like The Wolf,” which of course had the entire venue singing along. Candlebox even surprised fans with the crowd favorite smash up of their “Sweet Summertime” and Guns ‘n’ Roses’ “Sweet Child o’ Mine.”
The band debuted their new single “Punks” the first single from their upcoming album. Martin dedicated Candlebox hit “Far Behind” to late Seattle rock legends such as Andrew Wood, Kurt Cobain, Layne Staley, Chris Cornell, and others. “So, if you guys wouldn’t mind singing this at the top of your lungs so they can hear us up there, because I’m pretty sure that the fucking baddest jam in the world is happening up in heaven and we’ll see them up there soon alright,” said Martin. The crowd delivered as everyone sang along to every lyric to makesure the past rock icons could celebrate with Candlebox that night. Throughout the night, Martin proved to be one of the best performers rock could ask for as not only is his voice impressively powerful, but his love for fans shines through every minute of his performance. Martin is an artist that recognizes and listens to his fans. Towards the end of their set, the band stopped the show as the crowd got Martin’s attention when a fan fainted. The singer immediately stopped the show and talked directly to the man who had fallen, convincing him and his wife to step out for air. Some more memorable moments included Martin singing forehead-to-forehead with a fan during “You” and giving a fan his guitar, which he signed once their tour manager found a silver sharpie.
Candlebox is an incredible band to see live, sadly they will soon be saying goodbye. Luckily those who have yet to see them live can catch them on tour with 3Doors Down until October 21. For more information on tour dates visit here.
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