Candlebox
Cleveland House of Blues
July 9, 2023
by Andrew Latshaw
I can say I was born with odd timing in our history… I am a child of the 80’s, 90’s, and 2000’s. Candlebox has been a staple in my music collection over time. I remember that I wore out a couple cassette tapes, I have numerous CD’s over the years that took a beating while I drove, and I was truly grateful for digital, I hope that is the last time I will ever have to buy their debut, and my personal favorite of theirs!
Candlebox formed in late 1990, then began performing live in several Seattle venues. In July of 1993, they released their self-titled debut album selling over four million copies. There were three singles from that album that hit the airwaves, “You”, “Cover Me”, and the most famous and recognizable was “Far Behind”.
Until July 9th of 2023, I had never seen Candlebox live. Getting to see this band for the first time after thirty years of hearing them on multiple formats, I saw them live on their farewell tour. Talk about ironic! On a funny side note, Candlebox did break up for a while trying to get away from Maverick Records who signed acts like Alanis Morissette and others, due to the success of Candlebox… isn’t that ironic?
While the audience and I were there for Candlebox, we were treated to a trio from Nashville, TN. called MONA. The vocalist, I believe was an Ohio native and he was saying how it was so great to be back! I laughed with some joy when he said to the crowd that he knew that when they made it to Cleveland, the home of Rock and Roll, that people were going to lose their minds! Having the Hall of Fame, and some amazing clubs, not too many skip over Cleveland, Ohio for sure!
MONA was a really fun band, these guys were very energetic, and I have been grinding on what to call their sound or how to convey to someone who has not heard of them yet… the best I can tell you is that they are very much like a romantic rock band, to me.
Candlebox put on a fantastic and entertaining show at the Cleveland House of Blues. Kevin Martin (vocals) hit the stage wearing a bright yellow Hawaiian shirt and made the joke about it being his retirement uniform, and he needed to look the part for this farewell tour!
The band played a mix of their classic hits and newer songs. The crowd was really enjoying the new music, Kevin had announced a new CD was being dropped later this year, and they played a couple songs off the new album. Looking at the age of the concert goers, you could tell that they were there for the classics!
The setlist included songs like “Far Behind,” “You,” “Scream,” and “Bittersweet,” and the band sounded great. Kevin Martin’s vocals were powerful and emotional, and the rest of the band played tireless and powerfully.
The crowd was really into the show, and there was a great atmosphere in the venue. Everyone was singing along and dancing, and the energy level was high throughout the entire show.
Overall, it was an incredible night of music from a band that still knows how to put on a great show. If you’re a fan of 90s alternative rock, then you definitely need to catch Candlebox live if you get the chance.
Overall, I would highly recommend seeing Candlebox live if you have the chance. They put on an amazing show, and they are still one of the best 90s alternative rock bands in the world.
Candlebox’s final Cleveland show was a high-energy event that featured classic hits, new songs, and a surprise performance from Kevin Martin. The band played a setlist that was heavily filled with songs from their 1993 debut album, and Martin’s energy was infectious throughout the show. The highlight of the night came during the performance of “Rain,” when all of the band members contributed to a dynamic drum break. The show ended with a sing-along to “Far Behind” and “You,” leaving hundreds in the audience waiting and wanting more. It literally felt like a cliffhanger moment at the end of your favorite show… sadly we know there is no next season to this farewell tour.
Some of my favorite highlights from the show:
Mona, the opening act, surprised the crowd by bringing out Kevin Martin to perform their new song “Mermaid.”
Martin’s energy never wavered throughout the set, and he even threw drumsticks, signed albums, and shook hands with fans.
The band performed “This Time Tomorrow,” a song written for the This Time Tomorrow Foundation, for the second time live.
Nick Brown, Mona’s lead vocalist, joined Candlebox to sing “Elegante,” an upcoming track on the band’s final studio album.
The band closed the show with a sing-along to “Far Behind” and “You.”
Overall, it was a great night of music and a fitting send-off for Candlebox’s final Cleveland show. In closing, I just wanted to say that it kind of sucks on a personal level that these guys are saying good bye and leaving us all far behind. Not only is this the end of an era, but those of us who grew up and older with Candlebox in our ears and hearts, we have to face the reality that we are not kids anymore, and that the sun sets on us all.
