BUSH and LIVE at SOLD OUT Show in Council Bluffs

Harrah's Stir Cove Summer Concert Series | July 27, 2019

July 31, 2019 Robert Chadwick Concert Reviews Comments Off

2B3A5045 — BUSH performs at the Harrah's Stir Cove Summer Concert Series in Council Bluffs, Iowa on Saturday, July 27, 2019. Photo by Robert A. Chadwick

WORDS BY DAVID TAYLOR AND PHOTOS BY ROBERT A CHADWICK | Go Venue Magazine

If you followed the alternative rock scene in the mid-1990s, then you are fully aware who BUSH and LIVE are. They both ruled 1994, releasing monumental albums with BUSH releasing Sixteen Stone and Live releasing Throwing Copper. To mark 25 years since the release of these albums, BUSH and Live joined forces for a co-headline tour, which stopped at Harrah’s Stir Cove on Saturday, July 27.

Another staple of the 1990s alternative, Canadian rockers Our Lady Peace kicked off the festivities. They were a great fit for this bill. Though not as big as the co-headliners, people still recognized their music and sang along to their catchy melodies. This was when I realized that there were so many people of Generation X, as this was the music of their youth.

Next up was York, PA’s own Live. Recently reunited with their original lead singer, Ed Kowalczyk, this band was so much fun to watch. Kowalczyk said that he was happy to be back playing with the guys from high school, again. The amount of hits to come from Throwing Copper is unreal. “All Over You.” “I Alone.” “Lightning Crashes.” Everybody was singing along. The energy was equally strong coming from both the band and the crowd. I’m glad Live has their original line-up together. Here’s to hoping of getting an album of original material from them.

Finally, it’s was BUSH’s turn to close the night. I knew Gavin Rossdale was fit for his age, but his performance was unreal. They kicked off their set with “Machinehead”, a perfect song to get the crowd pumped. Like the other two bands, everyone was singing along, having a good time. During “Little Things”, Gavin Rossdale showed off his dance moves and went into the crowd, up into the VIP section, and through the back of the venue, saying hello to everyone possible. They finished their set with “Glycerine” and “Comedown”, ending the show on a high note. Bush is one of those bands I’ve been dying to see live, so I was so glad when I saw that Stir booked them, ending their six year hiatus away from here. What a beautiful night for live music, as all the bands did not disappoint.