Live and Collective Soul Ignite Utah with Unity and Nostalgia
July 16, 2025
Ed Kowalczyk of Live at The Utah First Credit Union Amphitheater July 13th
The 90s were alive and well in Utah this past weekend as the Summer Unity Tour brought together alternative rock powerhouses Live and Collective Soul, along with Our Lady Peace and rising star Greylin James Rue. With a stacked lineup and a crowd eager to relive the soundtrack of their youth, the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheater evolved into a night of nostalgia, raw emotion, and timeless rock anthems.
Opening the night, Greylin James Rue displayed fresh energy and undeniable talent. Though this marks her first major national tour, there wasn’t a trace of hesitation in her performance. Confident and radiating charisma, Greylin commanded the stage like a seasoned pro, hinting at a future where her name may soon be as recognizable as the acts she shared the bill with.
Next up, Our Lady Peace took fans on a time machine back to the late 90s. With hits like “Clumsy,” “Somewhere Out There,” and “Superman’s Dead,” the Canadian rockers evoked a wave of singalongs, reminding everyone how great their music is and reasserting themselves as one of the best alt rock acts out there.
The crowd erupted as Live stormed the stage. Wasting no time, they dove into “Selling the Drama” just two songs in, setting the tone for a powerful, emotionally charged set. Tracks like “I Alone” and “Turn My Head” turned the amphitheater into a unified chorus of voices, culminating with the cathartic and soul-stirring “Lightning Crashes”. Live’s performance wasn’t just a trip down memory lane; it was a full-on reunion with the memories and music of our youth.
As night fell, Collective Soul hit the stage and there was no looking back the rest of the night. A beloved favorite in Utah, they were welcomed with roaring applause. Opening with the newer track “Mother’s Love” didn't seem to faze the audience as fans didn’t miss a beat, singing along with the same enthusiasm reserved for their classic hits.
Frontman Ed Roland, ever the showman, dazzled in a black bedazzled suit, dancing around the stage and delivering one of the most engaging performances you’ll see in modern rock. Guitarist Jessie Triplett matched his energy with blistering solos that lit up the night. Songs like “Shine” and “The World I Know” were met with waves of emotion and crowd-wide singalongs.
To cap the night off Collective Soul played an extended version of “Run” that sealed the show. As the band stretched the song into a sprawling, heartfelt finale, the crowd swayed, danced, and sang like it was the last night of summer. For a few minutes, everyone was transported — not just back in time, but into a shared space of connection and catharsis.
The Summer Unity Tour isn’t just a nostalgic celebration; it was a testament to the staying power of these bands and their music. Live and Collective Soul didn’t just play hits — they reminded us why those songs mattered in the first place, and why they still do. For fans in Utah, it was more than a concert. It was a reunion with the past and a celebration of the present — loud, proud, and full of soul.
