Third Eye Blind & Dashboard Confessional, FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island, Chicago, Illinois

High school: a simpler time in the late 90’s and early 2000’s when the music I listened to was mos
tly just shades of alternative rock. Many of the artists of the day have long since been forgotten. A few have continued to make the occasional, moderately successful record (Third Eye Blind) or have moved on to other things but still reunite for the occasional tour (Dashboard Confessional). The two bands were paired up for a show at Northerly Island’s FirstMerit Bank Pavilion on a Friday evening. Unfortunately, pouring rain also joined their performance.

I mistakenly thought that since we were in a seated section, we would be covered by an awning. Not the case. Though I still wore a raincoat, Joey had unfortunately based his clothing choice for the evening on my mistaken expectations. His light windbreaker was quickly soaked through, and the rain just kept coming down on us. Though it meant standing in a long line, we were eventually able to upgrade him from a trash bag to a poncho.

Dashboard Confessional started the evening, busting right out with “Screaming Infidelities” just in case there was anyone that just wanted to hear that song then head home out of the rain. Lindsey and Joey spent much of that first set belting out the band’s emo lyrics.

Dashboard Confessional Setlist:
Screaming Infidelities
Again I Go Unnoticed
The Good Fight
No News Is Bad News
The Swiss Army Romance
Belle of the Boulevard
Remember to Breathe
Back to You [Twin Forks cover]
Saints and Sailors
The Sharp Hint of New Tears
Get Me Right
Don't Wait
The Best Deceptions
Stolen
Vindicated
Hands Down

We were soaked to the bone by the time Third Eye Blind hit the stage. They worked in their old hits with a few songs from their recent album, Dopamine (2015). The new album is okay but given the conditions, I had no desire to hear it. We all just wanted to hear their biggest hits, then go home and get dry. We ended up staying most of their set but not to the end. Despite the rain, it was a fun night out. We certainly made the best of the situation, but the rain was more memorable than the music.

Third Eye Blind Setlist:
Intro [Intros to "Faster" and "Don't Believe A Word" with lyric snippet of "Born Slippy"]
Graduate
Blinded (When I See You)
Wounded
Crystal Baller
Bonfire
Never Let You Go
Everything Is Easy
Mine [Beyoncé cover]
Losing a Whole Year
Dopamine
Motorcycle Drive By
Say It
Slow Motion
How's It Going to Be
Rites of Passage
Jumper
Encore:
Something in You
Semi-Charmed Life
Bonfire Chant