Switchfoot at Mohegan Sun – Still Got It
Let me just say this upfront: Switchfoot still absolutely crushes it live. I saw them at Mohegan Sun last night, and even though it was my second time covereing them in the past year, it felt just as exciting and powerful as the first. Maybe even more. There’s just something about watching a band that’s been around for over two decades still playing with the kind of passion and energy you’d expect from a group just starting out. It was honestly inspiring.
Let’s talk venue real quick—Mohegan Sun Arena is such a dope place to see a concert. It’s that perfect mix of big and intimate. The sound is crystal clear, the lights were epic without being over-the-top, and the entire vibe just added to the night. Walking through the casino and then into a legit rock show? Surreal, but in the best way. The crowd was so mixed too—young, old, longtime fans, first-timers. Everyone was there for the same reason: to feel something.
And Switchfoot delivered.
The moment they launched into “This Is Your Life,” I swear my heart dropped. That song meant so much to me growing up—like, I literally had it burned onto a CD back in the day and would just lay in bed listening to it on repeat. Hearing it live again? It still hits deep. The lyrics, the build, Jon’s voice—it felt like stepping into a time machine, but somehow it mattered just as much now as it did back then.
Then came “Dare You To Move” and the whole arena lost it. Everyone screaming the chorus, fists in the air—it was pure energy. It reminded me why that song was everywhere when it dropped, and why it still hits so hard. And of course, “Meant to Live” came at the end, and it was electric. That one just wrecked me (in the best way). It’s one of those songs that hits your soul no matter how many times you’ve heard it. The nostalgia was unreal. It’s like these songs are part of the soundtrack to growing up—and hearing them live again touched something so real and personal. I wasn’t the only one getting emotional either. You could feel it in the whole crowd.
Jon Foreman, man… that guy is on another level. His voice is just as good as ever, but beyond that, it’s the way he connects with the crowd that makes the night special. He talked to us like we were old friends—sharing stories behind songs, walking right into the crowd to read a sign from a fan, and making everyone feel like we were part of something bigger than just a concert. It’s rare to see someone who’s been doing this for so long still care that much. Later Jon would bring the owners of that sign on stage where they danced to their wedding song “Souvenirs”. It was a great moment and surely a special moment that will live forever with that couple.
The rest of the band—Tim Foreman on bass, Chad Butler on drums, and Jerome Fontamillas on keys and guitar—are all ridiculously talented. They've been playing together so long that everything just flows. You can tell they trust each other completely on stage, and that chemistry makes for a flawless live experience. Every transition, every solo, every quiet moment—it all hit just right. There was so much heart behind every note. They looked like they were having just as much fun as we were
And the setlist? Absolute fire. Switchfoot has this rare combo of longevity, relevance, and authenticity. A lot of bands either burn out or fade into cover-band territory, but not these guys. They’ve stayed true to themselves while continuing to evolve and connect with new fans. And the fact that they can still play a venue like Mohegan Sun and own the night? That says everything. They even blessed us with playing Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down”.
Now, here's the one downside that’s been sitting with me since the show: the arena wasn’t sold out. And honestly, that’s a shame. Switchfoot deserves a packed house, every time. Their music, their performance, their legacy—it all warrants a full venue. People who skipped out last night? They missed something special. This wasn’t just a concert; it was an experience. One of those nights that reminds you why live music matters.
But for those who were there? Oh, they showed up loud. From the opening notes, the energy in the crowd was amazing. Fans were singing their hearts out to every song, cheering between tracks like we were at a playoff game, and turning the arena into a sea of lights with their phones during the emotional moments.
What amazes me most is that after being around since the mid-90s, Switchfoot hasn’t just stuck around—they’ve evolved, grown, and still have something to say. Their longevity isn’t just about survival. It’s about staying relevant and real. And they’ve done it without losing their soul. That’s rare.
If you’ve never seen them live, you’re missing out. Straight up. And if you’re a fan and just haven’t gotten around to seeing them yet? Do it. Because what they bring to the stage isn’t just nostalgia—it’s heart, passion, and a kind of honesty that’s hard to find in music these days.
I’ll definitely be seeing them again. And next time? I hope the house is packed just like it was when I covered them at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts last year. Because this band deserves nothing less than a sold-out crowd screaming every word back to them.
Switchfoot’s performance at Mohegan Sun Arena was everything a concert should be—raw, emotional, energetic, and unforgettable. Even though the arena wasn’t sold out, those of us who showed up witnessed something special. The band’s ability to connect, their musicianship, and the nostalgia they stirred up through their timeless songs made this night feel deeply personal. After over two decades in the industry, Switchfoot continues to prove that their message and music still matter. If they’re playing near you—go. This is a band that’s more than worth your time.
BUY.THE.TICKET