HEADLINER: CANDLEBOX
SUPPORT: TAILOR MADE REJECTS
DATE: JANUARY 10TH 2024
VENUE: THE TRIFFID
PHOTOGRAPHER: ANDREW TREADWELL PHOTOGRAPHY
REVIEWER: ANDREW TREADWEL
As they say “Good Things Come To Those Who Wait”, and last night Candlebox kicked off their Australian Tour in Brisbane, and the 30 year wait, was more than worth it. The evening kicked off with the amazing Tailor Made Rejects. This young band really leave it all on the stage, and bring the Alt-Rock vibes, with a huge sound and amazing songs. They really set the tone for the night, I look forward to catching more from them in the future.
It wasn’t too long before the moment the Brisbane crowd was waiting for had arrived. Candlebox took the stage and kicked into “Arrow” from the debut album, and then straight into “Simple Lessons”
and “What Do You Need?”. Simply, Candlebox meant business. You couldn’t look away from how ferocious the 5 men on stage were. Power and punch, with no let up. The crowd were just the same, jumping and screaming along in unison, and the band noticed all of them.
Joining Martin were guitarists Island Styles and Brian Quinn, drummer BJ Kerwin, and bassist Adam Kury. Martin delivers an vocal masterclass throughout the entire set. Honestly at the night came to a close, it felt like he was only getting warmed up. That doesnt mean his bandmates were up there going through the moves. They all played their asses off and had their own time in the spotlight
The bands set really gives you a nice snapshot of the bands entire career where a song like “Punks” off the new album “The Long Goodbye”, fits in seemlessly with a song like “Change” from the debut album.
But speaking of new album, my stand out tracks of the night was “Elegante” and “Cellphone Jesus” both of the most recent album.
A special in part in the set was when it came time for “Far Behind”, a song originally written by Martin as a tribute to his late friend, Andrew Wood of Mother Love Bone, was a highlight. Before the song the singer took a moment to not just remember Wood, but also Layne Stayley, Kurt Cobain and Scott Weiland, who he mentioned had an amazing impact on him personally and professionally. The atmosphere in the triffid was astounding, and everyone sang along at the top of their lungs
They would finish out the night playing their break through hit “You”, before wishing the crowd a good night, or so we thought. Kevin left the stage as the band played out the evening with some bluesy riffs, reminding us how great they are.
Most bands find it hard to honor a legacy with respect, Candlebox not only respect it, but they love their legacy, and with that, comes songs and performances that are second to none. Its a shame their first tour is also their final tour, but memories are left, and memories are wonderful things to have. Thanks for the memories, Candlebox.
SET LIST
ARROW / SIMPLE LESSONS / WHAT DO YOU NEED? / CHANGE / BLOSSOM / DON’T YOU / 10,000 HORSES / ELEGANTE / SUMMERTIME / PUNKS / COVER ME / CELLPHONE JESUS / RIPTIDE / FAR BEHIND / YOU
Wasn’t it amazing! I flew over from NZ for it and it was SO worth it! I was blown away by Kevin’s voice, he still sounds incredible. Also, they ended with ‘Rain’ from the first album.
Amazing show.