Relive the electrifying night as Everclear ignited Asbury Lanes with a high-energy set of beloved hits and deeper cuts, captivating fans with their infectious melodies and engaging stage presence.
On Friday, October 11th, Asbury Lanes buzzed with excitement as fans flocked to see Everclear. The sold-out venue quickly filled a testament to the band’s enduring popularity.
Eager to avoid the crowds, I arrived early and found ample parking just a block from the venue near the Asbury Hotel. Stepping inside, the dark ambiance instantly set the mood for the night ahead.
Fans also filled the venue early, eagerly awaiting Everclear. After a quick chat with security about the show’s start time, I settled in, watching the crowd gather against the barrier to claim their spots upfront, while others opted for tables in the back. No matter where they sat, the room pulsed with anticipation.
As the night progressed, Jimmie’s Chicken Shack and Marcy Playground warmed up the crowd, and by around 9:20, it was Everclear’s turn to take the stage. The excitement was palpable as they launched into a 70-minute set of high-energy, emotive, melodic alterna rock that got the crowd pumped.
Art Alexakis, Everclear’s frontman, immediately engaged the crowd, reminiscing about the band’s connections to New Jersey and how it felt strange to be in Asbury without performing at the Stone Pony. His playful banter created a warm atmosphere, making it clear that they were thrilled to be performing.
They kicked off the show with “So Much for the Afterglow,” setting a high-energy tone for the night. Everclear’s infectious melodies, combined with themes of struggle, romance, and resilience, resonated deeply with the audience. As the band rocked out on stage, Alexakis shared humorous anecdotes about breakups while introducing “Now That It’s Over,” a song that resonated with the audience.
The setlist featured a blend of well-known radio hits like “Father of Mine,” “I Will Buy You a New Life,” and “Wonderful,” alongside deeper cuts such as “Heroin Girl,” “Strawberry,” “AM Radio,” “Learning How to Smile,” and the fan pick “Volvo Driving Soccer Mom.”
One standout track for me was “Heroin Girl,” which delivered a raw, punk-infused energy that electrified the crowd. The song kicked off the night’s momentum as I snapped photos of the band.
“Strawberry,” another gem from their 1995 album Sparkle and Fade, provided an upbeat yet poignant exploration of relapse, vividly illustrating the struggles of addiction with its straightforward guitar and drum arrangement. I also enjoyed the unique instrumental piece “El distorto de melodica” which showcased the band’s musical prowess without the need for lyrics.
As the crowd danced and swayed, the music flowed seamlessly, culminating in an enchanting performance of “Wonderful,” a heartfelt anthem that left fans yearning for more. The band also had fun incorporating musical segues and teasers from Foghat, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, and Journey, showcasing their versatility and musical prowess.
Everclear returned for a four-song encore, bringing the energy back up with tracks like “Song From an American Movie,” “Otis Redding,” and the explosive “Rock Star.” They concluded with the crowd-pleasing “Santa Monica,” a perfect capstone to an exhilarating night.
Throughout the show, the band exuded genuine joy, clearly having fun while interacting with the enthusiastic crowd. Alexakis encouraged audience participation, asking for shout-outs and sharing light-hearted moments that kept the energy flowing. They noted significant anniversaries during the show, including the 25th anniversary of So Much for the Afterglow and next year’s 30th anniversary of Sparkle and Fade, which left me reflecting on how much time has passed.
As the night ended, fans eagerly gathered to get autographs, appreciating the band’s dedication and willingness to concertgoers. For me, this was a sweet and memorable show, celebrating the powerful blend of engaging music, heartfelt lyrics, and an electrifying stage presence that made this concert exciting and unforgettable.
For an enchanting evening catch Everclear now on tour. Get more information on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) pages.
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Everclear Setlist
I Will Buy You a New Life (Art dedicated it to his wife Vanessa)
El distorto de melodica (Proceeded with teasers of Foghat, Iron Maiden and Led Zeppelin)
Wonderful (Proceeded with a teaser of Journey)
Encore:
Song From an American Movie, Pt. 1
Otis Redding
Rock Star
Santa Monica
Listen to the Setlist
About Everclear:
Everclear, one of the leading alternative rock bands to emerge from the ‘90s, celebrated their 30th Anniversary in recent years, and founder, vocalist, and guitarist Art Alexakis has made it clear that he has no plans to slow down. Since forming in 1992, Everclear has enjoyed a lengthy career by any measure, spanning 11 studio releases, including four that have been certified Gold or Platinum, selling over 6 million records, and achieving 12 Top 40 Hit Singles on Mainstream Rock, Alternative, and Adult Top 40 radio, including “Santa Monica,” “Father of Mine,” “I Will Buy You A New Life,” “Wonderful” and “Everything To Everyone,” as well as numerous videos, thousands of shows, and various other accolades, including a 1998 Grammy nomination…(Full Bio HERE).
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