Photos and review by: Jason Robey

CHARLOTTE, NC — “20th century rock n’ roll – no loops, no computers, and no fucking AI” announced Spin Doctors vocalist Chris Barron, during the band’s opening set on at the sold out show on Saturday night. That’s exactly what three juggernauts of 1990s rock delivered to a sweat-soaked Queen City crowd. The Spin Doctors kicked off a 45-minute set with the groove-laden fan favorite “What Time Is It?” Their set had all the hits from their 1991 debut album Pocket Full of Kryptonite, plus a handful of songs from their latest offering, 2025’s Face Full of Cake. The biggest surprise in their show was well-played cover of Prince’s “Purple Rain,” perfectly timed just as an evening breeze cut through the venue to provide just a bit of relief from the summer heat wave.

The Gin Blossoms hit the gates running, opening their set with one of their biggest hits, “Follow You Down,” kicking the crowd into dance mode within the first few notes. Vocalist Robin Wilson took every opportunity to engage with the crowd, as he moved from one side of the stage to the other, even going out of his way to give a guitar pick to young boy in on the rail. The group rolled through a dozen of their best known pop rock hits, drawing heavily from their 1992 smash album New Miserable Experience. Their hour-long set was a strong showing of energy and songs that prove their longevity, with the crowd singing along to every chorus. 

With the sun completely out of sight, Blues Traveler took the stage with a ripping version of “Things Are Looking Up,” from their 2012 release Suzie Cracks the Whip, jumping head first into a set that would feature very few breaks, as most songs segued straight into the next. Vocalist John Popper showed off his famous harmonica virtuosity at every turn, as the band transitioned into their 1994 breakthrough track “Runaround.” The first surprise for many in the crowd was a butter-smooth cover of “What I Got” by fellow 90s powerhouse band Sublime. 

Though Blues Traveler doesn’t fall into most many listeners’ ideas of a “jam band,” they often tow the line closely – ever-changing setlists, songs sliding straight into one another, and extended improvised solos, such as the bass jam that took “What I Got” on a ride right into “But Anyway.” Popper told the amusing story of the song “Champipple,” before bringing Chris Barron to sing with him on the upbeat rock n’ roll tune they penned together. The crowd erupted when they tore into the Charlie Daniels Band classic “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” as they started the home stretch for the evening, eventually landing with the satirical “Hook” to close the set. The band barely walked offstage before Popper made some snarky comments about the encore charade, and introducing Robin Wilson back to the stage to sing with him on a cover of Tom Petty’s “Breakdown” to bring the whole evening to a close.

Blues Traveler will continue the tour with the Gin Blossoms and Spin Doctors around the country through late September, check their social media for tour dates.