By Erin Lee
Last night, Jimmy Eat World celebrated the 20th anniversary of their album Futures in Phoenix, Arizona at The Van Buren. South Florida Concert News attended the sold-out event. The band took the stage promptly at 8:45 to the twinkling sounds of the album's title track. As this was an album play-through show, they continued with the driving rocker "Just Tonight" before slowing down the set a bit with "Work" and "Kill."I've seen Jimmy Eat World play "Pain" many times, but there's something about the energy of that song live that feels like you're hearing it for the first time every time. Clearly I'm not the only one: the crowd shouting alongside the band and pumping their fists was a display of infectious enthusiasm. Guitarist Tom Linton always brings his A game with solid backing vocal duties.
Zach Lind is a quality drummer who doesn't get nearly enough props, and bassist Rick Burch nicely fills out the rhythm section with stellar playing. Touring member Robin Vining stayed busy throughout the evening juggling keyboard, backing vocals, and occasionally rhythm guitar. Lead Singer Jim Adkins thanked the hometown crowd several times throughout the evening. At one point he stated that making the record twenty years ago, he and his bandmates couldn't imagine how listeners would continue to connect with it decades later. Connect, they certainly did! Surveying the crowd throughout the show, I noticed a unifying element, especially during album closer "23": each person around me had their eyes closed. Some sang along while others simply absorbed the notes floating through the audience. When the album set was finished, Adkins let us know they'd be playing some more songs, teasing "one we haven't played in awhile" before "Cautioners" from 2001's Bleed American album. They'd go on to play 5 more songs from that album, including "My Sundown" which has only been performed live a handful of times since 2002. And 2022's "Something Loud" made an appearance as the only new song played, with Adkins observing that both Futures and Bleed American "have a lot of mellow songs, so now it's time to play some rock."Naturally, all of us dutifully participated in a "Sweetness" singalong at full volume, keeping up the momentum for longtime alt radio staple "The Middle."
Closing the set once again thanking the crowd, Jim Adkins said his usual "We're Jimmy Eat World from Mesa," but this home show erupted into the loudest cheers! Over the loudspeaker, Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" played as we exited the venue, and everyone laughed and sang some more. This show was such a special occasion, and I'll remember it forever. Jimmy Eat World continues to be one of my favorite bands for their passionate lyrics, memorable live performances, and excellent musicianship.
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