Third Eye Blind
Hollywood Palladium
June 25, 2009
As always, I blame it on The Emperor. Jonathan Yost, you pulled me out of the dregs of Target into a world of music and then you take me to shows and let me see my former idols for what they are- arrogant jerks. Each cherished album of my youth has been shattered into oblivion by performances that fall flat, strange stage antics, and the realization that when all is said and done, the music really isn’t that great. Way to ruin the memories of my youth Jonathan!
On the eve of one particularly dark and strange day in the music world- the death of Michael Jackson- Jon and I ventured out into another one of these types of shows- Third Eye Blind. Don’t make fun, you know you love “Semi-Charmed Life” and jam out in your car whenever it comes on. I know I’m definitely not alone in harboring affection for them- the Palladium was packed to the walls with people out to see these guys. Sadly though, they did nothing to justify a 14 year old girl’s crushes or taste in music. Story of my life.
I did have some unusually high standards for this show- for one thing, I will from time to time pull out some 3EB and smile at all the times I used to listen to it and try and tune out the world. Thusly, I fully expected to appreciate them on a new level as a live band. For another thing, the world is mourning MJ, and every single person in the venue was probably expecting a tribute- what kind of jackass WOULDN’T pay tribute to Michael at a concert on the eve of his passing? Love him or hate him, we all know at least one of his hits- hell, probably several. They had all the makings of a good time, they just needed to deliver.
I’m not really sure what goes on in front man Steven Jenkins’ personal life, but his stage antics seem to be trying too hard to prove that he’s something he’s not. I don’t know, maybe that’s just a misperception of mine, but when he appears on stage amidst a haze of incense (it nearly choked me out of the photo pit) barefooted (with blue toenail polish!) and wearing a burka, I immediately think “What’s he trying to prove?” Later, the burka was replaced by a top hat and a shirt that read “Younger than Jesus” (or at least that’s what Jonathan swears it said- but it’s common knowledge that Yost is known for his LIES), and my image of him was subsequently smashed. One thing’s for certain, judging by the way he was waving around his mic stand and top hat, Steven Jenkins wishes he had a pimp cane.
Third Eye was definitely trying to up sell their latest album Ursa Major (as reviewed here by a less annoyed and more nostalgic me), and the larger portion of their songs were off that album. The fans, as is typical for radio rock, were mostly thrilled by their hits, so these new songs weren’t exactly well received. However, the set was coupled with a pretty stellar light show, so at least there were pretty lights to look at while everyone was waiting for them to play “Jumper.”
As far as the major hits go, 3EB did not disappoint. They played all the big uns, starting with “I’ll Never Let You Go” (which, it must be said, was the first video I saw of theirs and the first time I realized Steven Jenkins was hot), and even pulling out fan faves like “Motorcycle Drive by” and “I Want You.” Though they missed the mark overall, during these hits band very visibly fed off the crowd’s energy and seemed to have a good time with it- how could you not when 3,000 people are screaming the lyrics along with you? How much better can it get when you’re singing songs you grew up with with 3,000 people who are more excited than you to be there? Well, it can, but at that moment, it was besides the point.
They closed the first half of their set with what should have realistically been the show closer, because it’s easily their most popular, most recognizable hit, and it’s generally accepted that it was a staple of 90’s alt rock- “Semi Charmed Life.” Yeah, I loved it then, I love it now, and seeing it live was a good experience. It was a good point to stop at, so we booked it while the crowd waited for the encore.
At the start of the show, Jenkins had lamely pronounced that Michael Jackson put a song in his heart at the age of 6 and it’s stayed with him ever since. “Rest in Peace Michael Jackson,” he said, while tossing out bits of an obviously last-minute grocery store bouquet to the crowd. It felt very insincere. They made a second attempt at tribute later in the evening, during the encore, sadly, after we had walked out. We heard strains of a bad cover of “I Want You Back” from the parking lot, but couldn’t tell if it was the distance or the band that made it sound so bad. I suppose you do have to hand it to them- it obviously wasn’t part of their original roster for the evening and they pulled it off on the fly.
When I really sit and look back at the night, really one thing could have made it all better for me- some real, genuine sincerity. The performance, the stage presence, the music, it all seemed so fake, like they were annoyed, apathetic, or unappreciative to be there. I stood up in the photo pit trying to capture one smile, one lighthearted look of “Hey guys, it’s great to be here with you” but was sorely disappointed. Steven Jenkins is no longer the impish good looking guy of my youth; he’s just some guy with a guitar, boorishly singing some songs that I knew.
–Caitlin Elgin
