SUMMER UNITY TOUR LIVE /COLLECTIVE SOUL/OUR LADY PEACE 7/11/2025 WHEATLAND CA
For the full photo gallery of this concert, go HERE.
By Lisa Holt
This co-headlining tour features Live, Collective Soul, and Our Lady Peace. What a stellar lineup is set for this sweltering evening at the Toyota Amphitheater in Wheatland, CA This tour celebrates the music of the 1990s perfectly, beginning in July and running through America until August 2025. The evening takes off with Canada’s selling alternative rock artists, Our Lady of Peace, who started their set with “Sound The Alarm,” a classic hit. Even though it was over 100 degrees out, this band delivered their classic and new songs with ease. This band recently celebrated 30 years of success, capturing the spirit of the 90s masterfully. Lead vocalist Raine Maida led the group into classic hits and newer songs with fervor and determination to deliver the best set possible amid the weather conditions; the heat didn’t stop this band from providing a fascinating set and experience for the attendees. They created authentic, nostalgic, memorable moments with their carefully curated set list and passion for their craft. Although their set was short, they packed in some great songs and led the fans into a special place for the next band to take the stage.
Next up is the captivating, ever-so-memorable Collective Soul. I had all their albums in the 90s, so I knew every song, although they opened the set with a newer release, “Mother’s Love “ from their 2024 album “Here To Eternity.” It was reminiscent of their classic hits and was well-received by fans. Frontman Ed Roland never disappoints with his stage swagger and monumental dance moves, which match his vocal talent and songwriting abilities. The set continues with mega hits like “Shine” and “December,” the songs we all came to hear.
The overall crowd response was paramount, with sing-alongs commencing for “The World I Know” and continuing with a deeply nostalgic set that touched the fans, making us feel like we were transported back to the 1990s. With the masterful Jesse Triplett on lead Guitar, along with Roland's brother Dean on rhythm guitar, this ensemble was a hit. Not to mention the deeply groovy bass playing from Will Turpin and drums by Sacramento’s own, Johnny Rabb, this band of brothers made good on the promise of a killer rock and roll performance. The visuals were top notch, as was the sound and audience participation. I don’t remember when I've enjoyed a concert as much. It's always a plus when you know all the songs in the set list. Collective Soul left us with a strong connection to the past and a hopeful vision for the future, as their positivity towards peace and love was palpable.
Live, the mighty alt-rock from York, PA, is set to take the stage as the sun drops down, and I see the arena filling up for the co-headliner. The momentum is building for this act, as they also have a set list that spans decades of chart-topping hits to be unveiled this evening. They lend a classic backdrop to the ‘90s rock sound we all love and respect. Opening with “Pain Lies On The Riverside,” it was truly magical as lead vocalist and songwriting master Ed Kowalczyc belts out this hit. I recall this song as one of my favorites; the nostalgia-fueled set list continues with “Selling the Drama” and “All Over You,” a perfect blend of classics and newer material that spans their 40-year career.
The overall crowd participation and response were stellar, their introspective lyrical content was authentic, and it made for a strong audience connection. The hits rolled on as the guitar and bass duties were stellar and unmatched. What a prolific ensemble. Songs from their most successful album, “Throwing Copper,” were played as the audience sang along, transported to the FM radio of the '90s. Lives’ lyrical content touches on personal struggles and social issues perfectly. The expert lighting and visuals complement the amazing sound, making for a spectacular performance. This band evokes a sense of community and an all-around positive vibe. We all are waiting for the massive hits to be left for last, as the encore is “I Alone “ and “Lightning Crashes” round out the evening and close the show. I was amazed at the talent for this whole show, don't miss the Summer Unity Tour as it flows across the American continent this sumemer.
