On this evening, the Jewel Nightclub would be the scene of celebration for the life of Andy Blacksmith, local radio personality and co-host of the popular morning show, “Greg and the Morning Buzz”, syndicated on Manchester’s Rock 101 and Portsmouth, NH’s WHEB. Playing to the sold-out crowd would be one of Andy’s favorites, Seattle’s very own, Candlebox. Once again, New England Concert’s Bernie Goulet delivered big with the 90’s powerhouse. Up next were a couple of female-fronted metallers, Butcher Babies and Amaranthe on Nov. 6^th, followed by Hinder on Nov. 27^th and to celebrate their one year anniversary, Pop Evil on December 15^th and Trapt on the 16^th. For a full schedule of events taking place at the Jewel, visit http://www.jewelnh.com/.

Locals Red Sky Mary and Watts kicked things off, followed by the presentation of the $10,000 check for Donate Life in honor of Andy’s life, proceeds coming from ticket sales. Not far behind, Candlebox took the stage to a roused up packed house. Original lead vocalist Kevin Martin was joined by Dave Krusen on drums, Adam Kury, bass, and new editions, Mike Leslie and Brian Quinn, handling guitar duty.

I have to admit, I was quite amped up for this show, as Candlebox is one of my favorite bands. Coming out of nowhere, Candlebox came onto the scene with their monster self-titled debut album in 1993. With the hit singles, “Change”, “You”, and “Far Behind”, it would go on to sell more than four million copies. They would follow it up in 1995 with their hugely underrated sophomore record, Lucy, achieving Gold status. Then, in 1998, they would release their third studio album, Happy Pills. By the 21^st century, due to a decline in sales and record company issues, Candlebox went into hiatus. In 2006, the band was resurrected, releasing two more albums, 2008’s Into the Sun, and 2012’s Love Stories & Other Musings. Now rejuvenated and with the support of a new label, Pavement Music, they are set to release their sixth full length album on March 11, 2016; be sure to get out there, support rock music, and give this great band the recognition they deserve. You can also pre-order the album, as well as pick up some cool Candlebox memorabilia, through their PledgeMusic campaign here: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/candlebox.

Now onto the live show! At around half past ten, Kevin Martin and company took the stage with the first cut off of their debut album, Don’t You. There must have been quite a few Boxheads (this is what diehard Candlebox fans are known as) in the crowd, as they provided some great backup vocals for the entire sixteen-song set. It was nearly two hours of pure energy from the band, to the crowd, and back to the band. The guys sounded as tight as could be. I don’t know what Kevin does to keep his voice in shape, but after 25 years of performing, he sounds as great as the first time I saw them in the early 90’s. He made the fans feel like they were onstage with him, a couple of times joining the crowd. He even handed the mic over to a fan that would provide vocals on one of their ballads as he sang to his significant other. That’s what Candlebox does; they make you a part of the show. There are no egos, just five guys who love rock n roll and want to share it with the masses. I never get tired of seeing them live and never will. They are, by far, one of my favorite live bands, and they sound amazing.

As the set wound down, they closed things out with a song from drummer Dave Krusen’s original band, Pearl Jam, “Alive”. This was followed by their biggest hits to date, “You”, finishing out the set with “Far Behind”. It was a great show, in honor of a great DJ, and throughout the night, Martin made sure that everyone knew the reason we were all gathered there. I’m sure Andy must have been smiling down on this evening dedicated to his life in music, honored by a band of this stature. Well done. For a list of upcoming dates, you should not miss, visit http://www.candleboxrocks.com/ and be sure to pre-order their upcoming album due out March 11^th.

Candlebox –SetList

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