Bush • Jerry Cantrell • Candlebox • Tim Montana • July 31, 2024 • Utah First Amphitheatre
Reviewed and Photographed by Austin Dayton
All hands were in the air this week as the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheater welcomed British rock band Bush back to the Utah stage for the “Loaded: The Greatest Hits” Tour. Celebrating 30 years this summer, the four-man band delivered an intimate rock experience that left all in attendance overcome with pure rockin’ happiness. As just the fourth stop on the tour and playing to thousands of fans, hit after hit, it became abundantly clear that Bush has built an enduring legacy of rock and overall musicianship.
Candlebox and Tim Montana
Before taking the stage themselves, Bush was supported by three legendary bands, Tim Montana, Candlebox, and Jerry Cantrell. Taking the stage at 6 pm, heat beating down and staring the sun directly in the eyes, Tim Montana and his bandmates quickly let the crowd know they were in for a good night of rock. Following Tim, the lead singer of Candlebox Kevin Martin and his bandmates delivered a near-perfect showcase of the band’s signature blend of grunge and hard rock with a hint of the blues.
Jerry Cantrell
Ending the evening for the opening artists, Alice in Chains soloist Jerry Cantrell had nearly the entire crown cheering and head banging. Cantrell, who stopped by Utah on his own headlining tours, did an amazing job getting the crowd fired up. He played a great mix of his solo catalog and some great Alice in Chains songs. Closing his set with Chains classics, “Would?” and “Rooster” had the audience on their feet. The audience was now ready for Bush.
Bush
From the first strum of ‘Everything Zen,’ it was clear that the crowd was about to get the best Wednesday night of rocking one could ask for as frontman Gavin Rossdale stormed the stage with the energy and stage presence of one thirty years junior. On top of Rossdale’s energy, the entire band displayed youthful energy and emotion across their vocals and instruments as they played crowd favorites such as ‘Machine Head’ and ‘The Chemicals Between Us.’
Stopping for a moment to thank the Utah audience for joining the band, frontman Gavin Rossdale expressed how much it means to them to have such support from the Utah area. Grinning ear to ear he went on to recount playing here in the rain, the snow, and now the blistering heat. Moments like this dotted the entire concert, one could easily tell that even after years on the road, the band splitting, and the energy it took to reform the band, the magic of the music was not lost on any of the bandmates.
One of the most memorable takeaways of the rock performance by Bush was the band’s ability to seamlessly transition between different styles and moods. One moment Rossdale would be leading the crowd deep into the heavy, grunge-inspired, anthem-like riffs of ‘Swallowed’ just to gently sway the audience out and into self-reflecting almost melancholy rock of ‘The Sounds of Winter.’
Showing true skill and ability, throughout each change of tempo and mood, original band member Chris Traynor’s guitar work, recent addition Corey Britz’s control of the baselines, and Robin Goodridge’s masterclass of drum playing gave the entire show the signature sound and consistency that has led the hits of Bush to remain so timeless over the last three decades.
Crowding the sides of the stage, VIP ticket holders were treated to a special backstage viewing experience throughout the show that was sure to be a core memory of their summer. Proving that Bush was a band for the people, frontman Rossdale decided it was time to give that same VIP experience to the entire crowd as he set into the audience during the song ‘Letting the Cables Sleep.’ Continuing to sing, the lead singer made a full lap through the seats and grass of Utah First Amp, high-fiving ecstatic fans and posing for countless selfies.
Finally making it back to the stage, the band continued through their setlist of hits. Playing ‘Heavy Is the Ocean,’ ‘Flowers on A Grave,’ ‘All Things Must Change,’ and ‘Little Things,’ cheers and screams accompanied each.
As ‘All Things Must Change’ came to an end it seemed like it may have been the end of the show as the entire band was nowhere in sight. Cheers and chants started and a few minutes late Bush rocked their way back on stage to complete their show with a much-welcomed encore.
To the excitement of the crowd, Bush delivered an unforgettable encore as they absolutely smashed a performance of ‘More than Machines.’ Pausing before playing the next, Rossdale reflected on the community of Rock and the impact music can have on each individual as they are supported through that all-welcoming community of Rock. As if to cement the message of community into the audience, Bush went on to deliver a beautiful and moving heavy rock cover and rendition of The Beatles ‘Come Together.’
High from hit after hit, Bush continued to deliver in the Encore as they began to play their most popular song, ‘Glycerine.’ With all but Rossdale off the stage, the frontman delivered an emotional and soul-stirring performance of the crowd’s favorite song. Though the only one on stage, the lead singer was not alone as many in the crowd sang every word, swaying with hands high in the air.
It’s easy to put rockstars and their fans into boxes and stereotypes but one of the most beautiful parts of the show was not on stage. Throughout the crowd, one could see many a “typical” fan of heavy rock. But for every stereotypical fan seen, there were others you may never expect. Everyone from babies, children, teenagers, and seniors could be seen enjoying the entire night.
Overall, Bush’s performance at the Utah First Amphitheatre was one of the top rock shows of the summer. The band showcased their enduring skills and raw talent in each song played. Fans of Bush knew exactly what they would be getting but those there as first-time listeners now know what a proper British Rock Concert should entail. If you were lucky enough to be present for this week’s concert, it will not be one you soon forget.