Candlebox

with Aeges

The Troubador • Los Angeles, California • July 14, 2023

by Jeremy Glazier

On July 14, 2023, I concluded a 29-year journey that began at Palmer Auditorium in Davenport, Iowa, on October 20, 1994, and culminated at The Troubadour in Los Angeles, as the veteran Seattle powerhouse Candlebox kicked off their The Long Goodbye tour. The Troubadour is about the most perfect place for the tour to begin, with dates scheduled through the end of October. The band’s final album, The Long Goodbye, was released in August and is scheduled to be their last studio album.

The evening started with an opening set by Aeges, who absolutely blew me away with their stage presence and driving music. The L.A. based band had plenty of fans in attendance, and after photographing their set, I can see why they were chosen to open this historic evening. They are currently four albums deep, and I can’t suggest enough to keep an eye on their social media for upcoming shows and announcements.

Before Candlebox took the stage, another legendary rock and roll figure, Matt Pinfield, introduced the band. Matthew’s presence was just as significant as Candlebox’s for me that night, as I immediately flashed back to the early days of MTV and clips of Matt, Downtown Julie Brown, Kurt Loder, and Martha Quinn presenting the music world’s offerings and news of the day. As he finished his introduction and said, “…my friends, Candlebox,” and exited the stage, I stood poised on the Troubadour’s balcony, camera in hand, to document this extraordinary night.

Led by founding and sole remaining member from the early ’90s Kevin Martin, the band exploded into “Bitches Brewin’” from the 1998 album Into The Sun. The band, without pause, rolled into “Arrow,” “What Do You Need,” “Change,” and “Blossom,” three of which are from their debut and 4x certified platinum self-titled album. The band, consisting of Adam Kury (bass), Brian Quinn (guitar), Island Styles (guitar), and BJ Kerwin (drums), delivered exceptional renditions of each and every song.

Never content to be comfortable with just performing their own music, they included a few covers, starting with “Do You Love Me” by Kiss and transitioning smoothly into Duran Duran’s “Hungry Like the Wolf.” Very fitting for the venue, they added a touch of “Sweet Child of Mine” at the end of “Sweet Summertime” from their 2012 album Love Stories and Other Musings. A few songs later, a nicely executed version of Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way” was played, before the band eventually closed the evening with a powerhouse of hits, including “Cover Me,” “Far Behind,” “You,” and “Rain.”

As a longtime fan of Candlebox’s music, I can confidently say that their legacy is in capable hands as this iteration of the band embarks on a journey to conclude an incredible 30-year adventure. What more could one ask for than a new album, a tour, and an opportunity to bid farewell to a band that has consistently strived to deliver what their fans desire? Catch them while you can, and don’t forget to grab The Long Goodbye wherever you purchase your music.

https://www.candleboxrocks.com/