Word and Live Photos: DJ
Myglobalmind and Screaming Digital Productions
Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms & Spin Doctors
Sand Mountain Amphitheater, Albertville, AL
September 12, 2025
The summer tour that promised to be “packed with great songs, good vibes, and the kind of summer nights you never forget” delivered exactly that at Sand Mountain Amphitheater, as three pillars of ’90s alternative rock proved their enduring appeal in a night filled with collaborative spirit and nostalgic euphoria. Sand Mountain has always been a venue I’ve enjoyed shooting at – it’s a nice facility with solid stage production and appropriate lighting that complements any performance. It’s a shame it doesn’t get as many gigs as other music venues in the area, I know it’s a bit out there, but if you’ve never caught a show there, it’s not a bad way to spend a Friday night.
Spin Doctors wasted no time reminding everyone why “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong” became a defining anthem of the decade, opening their set with the infectious groove that launched a thousand road trips. The band’s chemistry was immediately apparent, with Chris Barron’s distinctive vocals cutting through the Alabama evening air, his charismatic antics and stage presence commanding attention from the first note.
The real magic began when Gin Blossoms joined for a rousing cover of Oasis’s “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” setting the tone for an evening where collaboration would trump competition. Robin Wilson’s appearance for a soulful take on Prince’s “Purple Rain” showcased the mutual respect between these veteran acts, before Spin Doctors closed their set with the irresistible “Two Princes” – a song that had the entire amphitheater singing along word for word.
Taking the stage as co-headliners, Gin Blossoms demonstrated why they’ve remained such beloved figures in alternative rock. Having photographed and covered their performance at South Star Festival last year, where they delivered a stellar show amid that festival’s full-swing ’90s nostalgia, the same magical vibes were unmistakably present here from all three bands on this Alabama evening. There’s something quintessentially American Friday night feel-good about Gin Blossoms – their vibe carries an unmistakable American pride that permeates their entire set.
Opening with “Follow You Down,” the Arizona natives immediately tapped into their catalog of perfectly crafted power-pop gems. The setlist was a masterclass in pacing, weaving deep cuts like “Competition Smile” and “Mrs. Rita” between crowd favorites.
The evening’s most surprising moment came when Chris Barron returned for Elton John’s “Rocket Man,” his distinctive voice providing an unexpected but brilliant interpretation of the classic. Robin Wilson’s vocals soared on “Found Out About You” and “Allison Road,” while the one-two punch of “Hey Jealousy” and “Til I Hear It From You” had the crowd in full sing-along mode. The encore’s “A Million Miles Away” served as a perfect bridge to the evening’s headliners.
Blues Traveler took the collaborative spirit of the evening to new heights, with John Popper’s harmonica wizardry providing the perfect soundtrack for a series of memorable guest appearances. Popper’s intense and focused delivery cannot go unnoticed – every note and every breath seemed calculated and purposeful, demonstrating why he remains one of rock’s most distinctive frontmen. Robin Wilson’s return for Tom Petty’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” felt like a tribute between old friends, while Chris Barron’s multiple appearances created a true sense of musical community.
The band’s signature “Run-Around” – featuring Barron on vocals – reminded everyone why it spent 49 weeks on the Billboard charts, while “But Anyway” and “Hook” showcased the improvisational jamming that has made Blues Traveler a festival favorite for decades. The covers were particularly inspired: a swaggering “La Grange” and a surprisingly effective “Hot for Teacher” that had the crowd roaring approval.
The extended “Bass & Drums” and “Keyboard Solo” segments highlighted the band’s musical virtuosity, proving that after 35 years, they remain one of the most technically proficient acts in rock.
What made this Sand Mountain Amphitheater show special wasn’t just the individual performances, but the genuine camaraderie between three bands who helped define a generation’s soundtrack. In an era where nostalgia tours can feel calculated, this felt organic – old friends sharing stages and songs with the kind of natural chemistry that can’t be manufactured.
For longtime fans, it was a reminder of why these bands mattered then and continue to matter now. For newer listeners, it was an education in what made ’90s alternative rock so enduring. Most importantly, it was exactly what the press release promised: great songs, good vibes, and a summer night that won’t soon be forgotten.
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