3 Doors Down return to Wheatland
An amazing and eventful night it was at the Hard Rock Casino in Wheatland, CA! Fans eagerly lined up as the doors opened at 8:00pm for a sold-out show in the 2500-seat venue. They were in for a treat.
Candlebox took the stage and kicked off their set with the soulful and bluesy track, "Don't You." Right from the start, it was clear that Martin was in top form, delivering a brilliant and powerful vocal performance.
Martin warmly greeted the crowd and promised to treat them to a collection of beloved songs from their debut album. He also gave a shout-out to 3 Doors Down, expressing his confidence in their upcoming incredible performance. With that, they seamlessly transitioned into their hit song, "Change." Martin effortlessly delivered the lyrics, transforming into a mesmerizing storyteller. This time, Island Styles took charge of the lead guitar solo, bringing a distinctive hard rock vibe to the stage. With his hair wildly flying and his fingers flying across the fretboard, he ignited the crowd, making them an integral part of the exhilarating set!
In the middle of their set, Martin took a moment to share exciting news with the crowd, announcing the highly anticipated album, "The Long Goodbye," scheduled for release in August 2023. He expressed their eagerness to showcase a track from the upcoming album called "Punks." As soon as the open riff hit, it was evident that their music had evolved, embracing a heavier beat with a more pronounced rock vibe. Kerwin, with an ear-to-ear grin, unleashed his passion on the drums, thoroughly enjoying every moment of the song.
As Martin's powerful vocals filled the air, the crowd roared their approval. The headbanging and fist pumping resumed, perfectly synchronized with the rocking beat of the song. After a few more songs, Martin took the opportunity to introduce each member of the band, prompting a wave of applause from the enthralled audience. He then asked how many people were familiar with Candlebox, drawing an overwhelming roar. In a lighthearted moment, he followed up by asking who hadn't heard of Candlebox, resulting in a few timid hands going up. With a warm smile, he reassured them, saying, "That's okay, welcome everyone."
Candlebox wrapped up their set with "Cover Me" and "Far Behind." The fans pulled out their phones, capturing the nostalgic moment and singing along. The atmosphere reached its peak as the band launched into the anthemic favorite, "You," with the audience roaring in appreciation. As the final notes reverberated through the amphitheater, the crowd erupted in thunderous applause, expressing their gratitude for the unforgettable journey through the past and the opportunity to witness live performances of songs that hadn't graced the stage in many years. You can see Candlebox’s gallery here.
During intermission, fans rushed to the bathrooms, merchandise stands, and food sections of the venue. At 9:30pm, the stage came alive, as each member walked on stage. Then, Arnold emerged from the darkness, the entire crowd burst into life. Arnold and the band were clad in all black, setting a moody tone for the performance.
3 Doors Down opened up their set with "Pop Song," a track from their highly acclaimed “Away From The Sun” album. Arnold commanded the stage, pacing back and forth with magnetic stage presence, captivating the crowd up front. His vocals soared powerfully and flawlessly, while during instrumental breaks, he warmly welcomed everyone, further igniting the atmosphere. Without missing a beat, the band seamlessly transitioned into "When I'm Gone," prompting an eruption of enthusiastic approval. Fists thrust into the air, the crowd revealed in the realization that this was just the beginning of a night filled with beloved hits. Roberts took center stage for the first solo, pouring his heart and soul into every note, earning immense appreciation from the crowd.
Keeping the momentum going, the band treated the audience to three additional songs from the "Away From the Sun" album. The familiar tunes of "Away From the Sun," "The Road I'm On," and "Ticket to Heaven" reverberated through the venue, creating an irresistible groove that had everyone on their feet, swaying to the music. During "Ticket to Heaven," the crowd joyously joined in on the chorus, bringing a wide smile to Arnold's face as he nodded appreciatively.
As the show progressed, featuring more memorable tracks from the "Away From the Sun" album, the venue erupted with the biggest crowd reaction of the night. The lights dimmed, casting a blue hue, as Henderson strummed the opening notes of "Here Without You." The entire audience rose to their feet, and as the initial roar subsided, a sea of glowing cell phones filled the air, swaying in unison. Arnold's vocals soared with precision, delivering the beloved song with minor variations that added a fresh touch while staying true to its essence. The heartfelt performance captivated the crowd, fostering a sense of unity and connection.
Moving forward in time, Arnold exclaimed, "Let's fast forward a few years!" The crowd jumped to their feet, ready to dance and groove to the next song. The band launched into "Not My Time" from their self-titled album released in 2008. The infectious energy of the track filled the air, and everyone joined in on the spirited singalong. The band relished the longest sustained applause of the night as they brought the song to a triumphant close, basking in the ecstatic response from the crowd.
Arnold engaged with the audience, sharing heartfelt words, "We were a bunch of old boys from Mississippi. Playing shows and going on tour was incredible. But amidst everything, sometimes we felt left in the dark. My friends, remember, you have never been alone, because Jesus Christ will always love you!" The fans cheered and screamed, appreciating Arnold's statement, before the band performed their classic, "Be Like That."
Approaching the grand finale, Arnold addressed the crowd, acknowledging the universal power of a certain song that everyone knew. A knowing glance with Upchurch set the stage, and he uttered, "Yeah, let's play that one." Upchurch commanded the drums, setting the tempo, soon joined by Henderson delivering the iconic opening riff of "Kryptonite." The crowd erupted with ecstatic screams, fully immersed in the electrifying moment.
Throughout the performance, the audience enthusiastically joined in, singing along during the last chorus, creating a unified and exhilarating sing-along experience. The infectious energy in the venue reached its peak as the familiar chords and resonating lyrics of "Kryptonite" permeated the air. The crowd screamed with delight as the song reached its climactic end, an explosion of musical euphoria that reverberated through the space.
In a final gesture of gratitude, Arnold took a moment to express his heartfelt appreciation to everyone for attending the show. He warmly wished them a safe journey home, leaving the crowd with a sense of fulfillment and the lasting memories of an unforgettable performance. You can see 3 Doors Down gallery here.