Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, Spin Doctors: A ’90s Love-In That Still Kicks Ass

Blues Traveler

Rose Music Center

Huber Heights, Ohio

July 12, 2025

By Rob McCune

Huber Heights, Ohio – Forget the cynical post-grunge hangover, because on July 12, 2025, the Rose Music Center in Huber Heights, Ohio, was less a concert venue and more a giant, pulsating group hug. Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, and Spin Doctors rolled into town, proving that some things, like a killer hook and genuine camaraderie, only get better with age. This wasn’t just a ’90s alt-rock revival; it was a vibrant, visceral affirmation of rock and roll’s enduring power, packed with enough nostalgia and fresh energy to make your soul sing.

Spin Doctors: Kicking Off the Party with a “Boombox” Bang

Kicking off the night with an infectious grin, Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors proved he’s still everyone’s best friend. Their nine-song set, though the shortest, was a masterclass in feel-good rock, punctuated by tracks from their first new album in 12 years, Face Full of Cake. The immediate standout, “Boombox,” is a “rocking, rollicking banger” destined for heavy rotation on any discerning classic rock radio station, while “Still a Gorilla” is a percussive beast with a lyrical punch that latches onto your brain like a long-lost friend. Of course, the band didn’t forget their roots, diving into ’90s hits from Pocket Full of Kryptonite like “Jimmy Olsen’s Blues,” “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong,” and the perennial crowd-pleaser, “Two Princes.” Barron’s sheer joy, embracing family and later joining his fellow rock titans on stage, set the tone for a night steeped in mutual admiration.

Gin Blossoms: Still Turning Out Hits and Birthday Cheers

Next up, the Gin Blossoms, with frontman Robin Wilson celebrating his 60th birthday with a stage presence that exuded pure generosity. From “Follow You Down” to “Until I Fall Away” and the iconic “Hey Jealousy,” their 12-song set was a seamless journey through a discography brimming with earworm melodies and singalong anthems. Wilson’s infectious enthusiasm had the crowd in the palm of his hand, even gifting a front-row fan his tambourine – a moment of pure, unadulterated rock-and-roll magic. Declaring themselves “your favorite band from Tempe, Arizona,” and channeling Rowdy Roddy Piper, the Gin Blossoms proved their “bubbles are far from burst.” They’re still here to “kick ass,” and they’re doing it with style.

Blues Traveler: The Harmonica-Fueled Masterclass in Love and Boogie

But it was Blues Traveler and the incomparable John Popper who truly brought the house down in a grand finale that felt less like a concert and more like a joyous jam session among old friends. Popper, the “harmonica-slinging six-shooter,” led his band through a set unencumbered by obligation, instead opting for pure, unadulterated “boogie.” From the electrifying half of a Charlie Daniels Band “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” cover (with Popper’s harmonica taking on Johnny’s fiddle with blistering intensity) to a medley that included snippets of Steve Miller Band’s “The Joker” and Ohio’s own “Hang on Sloopy,” the set was a masterclass in spontaneity and musicianship.

Beyond the improvisational brilliance, the heart of the night truly shone through. Popper brought his anesthesiologist on stage to play guitar – a testament to the love and gratitude permeating the atmosphere. He also made sure the spotlight found Brendan Hill, Chan Kinchla, and Tad Kinchla during their own searing solos, proving this band is a true collective. The camaraderie reached its peak with Chris Barron’s sit-in for the “Sanford & Son” cocktail jingle “Champipple” and Robin Wilson’s return for a triumphant cover of Tom Petty’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance.”

Of course, no Blues Traveler show is complete without the essentials: “Run Around,” “Hook,” and “But Anyway” energized the crowd, reminding everyone why these tracks became Nineties rock staples. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of enduring friendships, the power of a great hook, and the kind of pure, unadulterated fun that reminds you why you fell in love with live music in the first place. This tour isn’t just a trip down memory lane; it’s a testament to the fact that the ’90s still have plenty of ass-kicking left in them.

Robert McCune is Every_Thing_After_Photo on Instagram, where he posts photos and reviews of concerts as well as the latest clips from the Every.Thing.After podcast, available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, Spin Doctors: A ’90s Love-In That Still Kicks Ass