Concert Review: Bush

Every now and then, everything aligns when going to a concert. On a mild Tuesday in the Flats of Cleveland, concertgoers had a band touring in its 30th year in existence, perfect riverside weather, a gorgeous view of the Cleveland skyline, and a night full of teenage nostalgia. Everything Zen?

For those fans who were into Bush when their first album came out, they are at least 40 today. In 1994, if you wanted to hear a specific song, you either had to wait for it to come on the radio or tape it off the radio and, no matter what, miss the beginning. For those that were lucky, they had CDs, and if you were someone who had CDs in 1994, then you had ‘Sixteen Stone.’ ‘Sixteen Stone’ came out at a time when CDs were taking off, and it became one of the first essential albums to have—right there with Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind‘ and Live’s ‘Throwing Copper’. “Everything Zen’ and “Machinehead” were teenage anthems that helped shape the fans here tonight into becoming adults and functioning members of society.

Frontman Gavin Rossdale and the boys know what’s up. That Tuesday evening at Jacobs Pavilion, Bush launched their show with both of those tunes back to back. The crowd blew up. This seemingly sold-out show had literally everyone on their feet and singing along. There were even a great deal of fans there, with their children bonding with their parents as they heard songs that were likely played during middle school dances.

The show was high-energy the whole night. Outside of a more melodic rendition of “The Chemicals Between Us” and, of course, “Glycerine,” the whole show was smash after smash. And to top if off, you can tell they loved it. 30 years into doing anything, and it wouldn’t be unreasonable to be tired of something. While the band did have a hiatus in the early aughts, they got back together and released five more albums.

One fun, notable moment was when the band jumped into “Come Together” by The Beatles. This surprise was very well received! Who doesn’t love a good cover?

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Come Together – Beatles Cover

The show was visually appealing. Most artists, when they tour through Jacobs Pavilion, actually bring a backdrop and cover up the amazing view of the Cleveland skyline. The purple-lit Terminal Tower matched the aesthetic of Bush on stage. All of their amps were covered in white leather and white-tinted front grills. It looked like drums were elevated in the center, and the other members could walk upside staircases to meet him. (As a drummer myself, it’s always necessary to come and say hello. We also like it if you bring us snacks!)

The sound was great. With most concertgoers in their 40s or 50s, it’s easy for things to be too loud these days. But that wasn’t the case this night. Rossdale’s vocals came through, and he sounded great. Chris Traynor, who has been with the band since just before their hiatus, was a machine (machinehead?) on guitar. He really knows how to work a crowd and speak for all the guitar parts when Rossdale goes vocals only.

This night was a night to remember! With an almost perfect 90-minute set, it was right to the point. No more. No less. For those who were there because they grew up liking this band and just wanted to be reminded of a time when life was simpler, Bush had your back. If fans had been following them their whole careers for 30 years and nine albums, they had your back, too!

Now, for old-time’s sake!