Bush, Cantrell, and Candlebox Bring The Heat To A Hot NIght at Leader Bank Pavilion
Nestled along the scenic Boston Harbor, the Leader Bank Pavilion is one of New England’s most iconic open-air concert venues. Known for its stunning waterfront views and intimate atmosphere, the Pavilion offers a unique concert experience that blends the energy of live music with the beauty of the Boston skyline. With a seating capacity of over 5,000. We love this oceanside venue and always enjoy seeing a concert here. Tonight we were ready to rock out to 3 iconic bands and the lovely BONES UK, a British trio. Lead singer Rosie Bones came out and she was ready to rock. The perfect equalizer for the lineup we were going to have tonight. They were a solid opening act and I am glad that we all got experience them to kick off our night of rock!
Next up for this amazing lineup at the Leadership Bank Pavilion we were gifted the band Candlebox. They are an American rock band that emerged in the early 1990s, known for their blend of grunge, hard rock, and alternative rock. The band was formed in 1990 in Seattle, Washington, by lead vocalist Kevin Martin, guitarist Peter Klett, bassist Bardi Martin, and drummer Scott Mercado.
Candlebox gained widespread attention with their self-titled debut album, Candlebox, released in 1993. The album was a commercial success, fueled by hit singles like "Far Behind," "You," and "Cover Me." "Far Behind" became a massive hit, propelling the band to fame during the height of the grunge movement. The album eventually went quadruple platinum, establishing Candlebox as one of the prominent post-grunge bands of the era.
Their second album, Lucy (1995), while not as commercially successful as their debut, continued to showcase the band's melodic and hard-hitting sound. However, as the grunge scene began to wane in the late 1990s, Candlebox's popularity declined, and internal tensions led to lineup changes.
After releasing their third album, Happy Pills (1998), the band went on hiatus in 2000. During this period, members pursued other projects, and the band largely disappeared from the mainstream music scene.
Candlebox reunited in 2006 with Kevin Martin as the only original member. They released Into the Sun in 2008, marking their return to the music world. The band continued to tour and release new music, including albums like Love Stories & Other Musings (2012) and Disappearing in Airports (2016).
Now that we got the band’s history out of the way I was pretty excited to be able to be at this show with three great bands on one ticket. “You” and “Far Behind” were as I said massive hits. The band was a little bit before my time but those two songs will go down as classics and most people should find them recognizable. Candlebox came out and boy did they bring the energy level up. I felt like I was at a heavy rock show. It really got my blood pressure up but In a good way. I was ready to rock! The perfect opener to butter everyone up for Jerry Cantrell to come out and tear the house down.
Up next we had the amazing Jerry Cantrell performing. If you do not know who Cantrell is you must be living under a rock. Cantrell is an American musician, singer, and songwriter best known as the lead guitarist, co-lead vocalist, and primary songwriter for the iconic rock band Alice in Chains.
In 1987, Cantrell co-founded Alice in Chains with vocalist Layne Staley. The band became one of the most influential acts of the Seattle grunge movement in the early 1990s, characterized by their dark, heavy sound and Cantrell's distinctive guitar riffs and harmonies. The band's breakthrough came with their second album, Dirt (1992), which included hits like "Rooster" and "Would?" Cantrell's songwriting often explored themes of pain, addiction, and loss, reflecting personal experiences and struggles.
Following the death of Layne Staley in 2002, Alice in Chains went on hiatus. During this period, Cantrell pursued a solo career, releasing albums like Boggy Depot (1998) and Degradation Trip (2002). His solo work showcased his versatility as a musician, blending elements of hard rock, metal, and acoustic music. I totally dig his solo work and was so excited to be at this performance.
In 2005, Alice in Chains reunited with new lead vocalist William DuVall. Cantrell continued to lead the band, releasing critically acclaimed albums like Black Gives Way to Blue (2009) and Rainier Fog (2018), which solidified the band's legacy in rock music. Cantrell's contributions to music have earned him a reputation as one of the most respected guitarists of his generation. I absolutely love Cantrell.
This was the second time I have seen him perform and it was just as great as the first time. There is something about the way he plays that puts me in a trance like state. I calm down and just vibe. The show isn’t high energy but it’s rather good energy. That would all change when Cantrell played “Would?” I have been to 53 concerts this year and this was pretty much the loudest I have heard a crowd sing along to a song. I was highly impressed to say the least. It was vintage Cantrell and he could not have been better. It would have been impossible. It was a starting off to be a night of powerful rock.
His guitar work was both intricate and raw, perfectly capturing the haunting melodies that have become his signature. As he moved through tracks like "Cut You In" and "Brighten," the audience was treated to a mix of new material and fan favorites. Of course, no Jerry Cantrell show would be complete without nods to his Alice in Chains roots. The crowd erupted when the opening chords of "Man in the Box" rang out, and the energy in the room was immediately lifted. It was a great choice for the second song of the night to smack the audience in the face. "Down in a Hole" and "Would?" were also met with thunderous applause, with fans singing along to every word. Cantrell's performance of these iconic songs was a reminder of his indelible mark on the grunge movement and rock music as a whole. He engaged with the crowd in a relaxed, almost conversational manner, sharing stories and expressing gratitude for the support he's received throughout his career. The lighting and stage design were simple with a couple bright spotlights on him. As a photographer I was happy that we were given some good lights. Listening to Cantrell is like taking a class in rock nostalgia.
Our final act and the headliner everyone was also waiting to see, Bush. But first let’s learn a bit about this classic 90’s band that kept on going and hasn’t stopped.
Bush was formed in London in 1992, they quickly became one of the defining bands of the 1990s, synonymous with the post-grunge sound that emerged in the wake of Nirvana's success. Founded by vocalist and guitarist Gavin Rossdale and guitarist Nigel Pulsford, the band was later joined by bassist Dave Parsons and drummer Robin Goodridge. Despite their British origins, Bush found their greatest success across the Atlantic in the United States, where their music resonated with the angst-ridden spirit of the time.
Bush's debut album, Sixteen Stone, was released in 1994 and became a massive success, especially in the U.S. The album included hit singles like "Everything Zen," "Machinehead," "Comedown," and "Glycerine." Sixteen Stone eventually went six times platinum, solidifying Bush as a major force in the 1990s rock scene. Following the success of their debut, Bush released their second album, Razorblade Suitcase, in 1996. Produced by Steve Albini, the album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. It included hits like "Swallowed" and "Greedy Fly” the latter being one of my favorite Bush songs. In 1999,
Bush released their third album, The Science of Things. While it didn't reach the same level of success as their previous records, it still featured successful singles like "The Chemicals Between Us" and "Letting the Cables Sleep." However, the band's popularity began to wane as musical trends shifted.Bush released Golden State in 2001, which marked a return to their earlier, grittier sound. However, it did not achieve the same commercial success as their earlier work. The band went on hiatus in 2002 after tensions grew and musical interests diverged making die hard fans pretty upset.
Bush reunited in 2010, with Gavin Rossdale and Robin Goodridge rejoining the band alongside new members Chris Traynor (guitar) and Corey Britz (bass). They released The Sea of Memories in 2011, their first album in nearly a decade. The album received moderate success, and the single "The Sound of Winter" became the first self-released single to top the Rock Songs chart.
Bush has continued to release new music, including the albums Black and White Rainbows (2017) and The Kingdom (2020). They maintained a loyal fan base and continue to tour, playing both new music and hits from their earlier years. In 2022, they released their latest album, The Art of Survival, which showcases their continued evolution and relevance in the rock scene. Bush added drummer Nik Hughes in 2019. That is an absolute phenomenal addition to the band
Bush was my first concert that I attended at the young age of 14. That show was at the then Fleet Center in 1997 with Veruca Salt. I can still remember that show. It still lives with me till this day. I remember Gavin crowed surfing while playing his guitar to Cold Contagious. One of the best concert memories I will ever have. I have now seen Bush three times. They always put on a memorable show. I have seen them at massive venues and a small club type venue. No matter where I see them they always bring the energy and hit you hard.
Saturday night was a very hot day. Temperatures were in the mid 80’s but the sun wasn’t the only thing bringing the heat. Bush came out ready to go on their LOADED The Greatest Hits Tour. Gavin wore some type of sweatsuit coat that made him pour with sweat. I still don’t know how he kept that on for two songs. That will surely the blood flowing perfectly as you are trying to warm up a full venue. The band kicked off with two heavy hitter songs in a row. “Everything Zen” and “Machinehead”. If the crowd wasn’t ready after Jerry Cantrell closed with “Rooster” then they were smashed in the face by these two classic songs. I was in the media pit for the first three songs and it was intense. Gavin was giving it his all as the sweat poured down his face. Sometimes I felt myself mesmerized while watching my idol close up through my lens. It was a full circle moment for me that I am grateful for.
Bush’s performance was tight and as expected, energetic. Each band member brought their A-game. Gavin, despite being a veteran of the stage, moved with the intensity and charisma of a frontman half his age. The amount of energy he exerted was impressive while still keeping his vocals top notch. His vocals were strong and emotive, particularly on tracks like "Swallowed" and “Glycerine.”
The band was incredibly tight, with Chris Traynor’s guitar work being a highlight of the evening. His riffs were sharp and aggressive, perfectly complementing Gavin’s vocals. The rhythm section, consisting of bassist Corey Britz and drummer Nik Hughes, laid down a solid foundation, driving each song forward with precision and power. Nik is just extremely talented. He reminded me of blink-182’s drummer Travis Barker. I honestly fixated on him for multiple minutes at time. A favorite track of mine “Greedy Fly” is always a delight. That song was released during a critical time in my life and has always stuck with me, just like the band.
Gavin’s crowd interaction was genuine and I always love that. I wish more bands just showed how much they appreciate their fans. Some bands just play their songs and say “thank you.” While that can be fine it is nice when bands go out of their way to connect with the crowd. Gavin does just that. He took time between songs to thank the audience for their unwavering support over the years and even ventured into the crowd during “Flowers on a Grave”. Gavin ended up about 3 rows from where I was sitting. The way he connected and personally sung to a fan was just remarkable. He made that fan so happy and I was here for it. It was a great moment. After Gavin moved on that fan was crying. She will have this memory forever just like my memory of Gavin crowd surfing while playing the guitar. This personal connection elevated the concert from a mere performance to a shared experience, making it all the more memorable for those in attendance. My hats off to Gavin for doing that every show. A few years ago I got to meet Gavin and he was just a down to earth human being. Good person.
The band closed out the first act with Little Things. That song always gets everyone going. One of my favorite songs and after they finished you realized that it was a lot of people’s favorite song. Everyone knew the band wasn’t done yet. The crowd erupted with cheers demanding for Bush to immediately get back to the stage. The band did a heavy version of “Come Together”, a Beatles cover. I cannot remember if I had ever heard them do that live but I dug it. The band closed out with “Comedown” featuring an appearance from Jerry Cantrell. A perfect curated setlist and to close with that song is even more perfect as everyone needed to comedown from the high that all of us had been on for an hour and a half.
The stage production for the evening was perfectly aligned with Bush’s aesthetic. The lighting was moody, with deep blues, purples, and reds washing over the stage, it felt both intimate and grand. The visuals were simple yet effective, allowing the band’s music to remain the focal point of the performance. I personally love pyrotechnics but at the same time I feel it wouldn’t have fit this type of show. What they had was exactly what they needed.
Bush’s performance was a resounding success in my book, it hit all the T’s and dotted the I’s. This performance was a reminder of why they’ve remained a beloved band for so many years. They delivered a show that was nostalgic and forward-looking, a celebration of their storied past and a confident step into their future. It was a night of emotional highs, unrelenting energy, and the pure joy of experiencing live music from one of the most enduring bands in rock. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to their music, a Bush concert is a must-see experience that delivers on every level. BUY. THE. TICKET and bring a young fan with you, you never know if you’ll make them memories to last a lifetime.
Click HERE to see more photos from this show!
Listen to Loaded: The Greatest Hits 1994-2023 HERE.
Watch the official video for “Nowhere to Go But Everywhere” HERE.
Purchase Loaded: The Greatest Hits 1994-2023 vinyl HERE
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