Back By Popular Demand: The Reunion Show Of Toad The Wet Sprocket And The Reign Kings

Written by Carmen Garza

Toad The Wet Sprocket

Toad The Wet Sprocket
Screw the 90‘s, this is now! Toad The Wet Sprocket prove they are still as relevant today as they were back in their heyday. Arguably one of the most underrated singers in Alternative Rock music, Glen Phillips, lead singer/guitarist, displaying his trademark stage stance (his bare feet), playfully introduced himself as one of the roadies as he made his entrance onto the stage.

As the amused crowd chuckled, Toad The Wet Sprocket rocked into their set of nostalgic hits at The Marquee Theatre in Tempe, Arizona on Friday, March 25, 2011. The first few chords of “Something’s Always Wrong” quickly turned the laughter into a high pitched applause throughout the venue. In the audience, you could see bodies moving, arms swaying and lips singing along to the chorus. That explains much of the groove throughout their set as Toad The Wet Sprocket played the multitude of hits they made famous throughout the late 80’s thru the 90’s.

The energy remained fully charged as the band played one hit after another. A soft din of freshly sparked lighters emerged dispersed throughout the hands of concertgoers as Toad The Wet Sprocket strummed along to “Crazy Life”. After exiting the stage, they even surprised the crowd with an encore featuring the mega-hits “Come Down” and “Walk On The Ocean”.

The following is a complete setlist of Toad The Wet Sprocket’s retrospective performance that night:
“Something’s Always Wrong”
“P.S.”
“Woodburning”
“Crowning”
“Good Intentions”
“Way Away”
“Stupid”
“Torn”
“Windmills”
“The Moment”
“Friendly Fire”
“Come Back Down”
“Nightingale”
“Whatever I Fear”
“Crazy Life”
“Finally Fading”
“All I Want”
“Brother”
“Fall Down”
“Come Down”
“Walk On The Ocean”

Embarking on a six month tour across the country, Toad The Wet Sprocket’s astonishing, all out performance is a must see for their loyal fans with an added bonus: a trip down memory lane! For additional concert dates, check out their upcoming stops at http://toadthewetsprocket.com/.

The Reign Kings
Opening for Toad The Wet Sprocket was none other than Tempe’s own The Reign Kings with their much anticipated reunion show. Taking a popular Counting Crows song title, “Rain King”, the bandmates made their interpretation as a clever name for the group.

After taking a four year hiatus, The Reign Kings seized the opportunity to perform once again for their adoring fans. Formed in 2001, The Reign Kings are well known in the Valley and played to a responsive crowd who was more than eager to hear the band play live again.

The Reign Kings lead vocalist and acoustic guitarist, Scottie Briggs took to the stage along with band members Andy Joslin - vocals and mandolin player, Jim Hornaday - vocals and guitarist, Rhonda Wooder - vocals and bassist, Jaron Mossmon - drums and cajon, and Ted Greenbaum - Wurlitzer, piano, Leslie organ, and accordion player, as the band played a melodic, acoustic set which gently brought in the night.

Check out The Reign Kings setlist:
“After all This Time”
“Starstruck One”
“Bloom”
“Counting Sundays”
“She like to crash”
“Broken”
“Rain King” - cover of the Counting Crows song

In case you’re wondering what the future holds for The Reign Kings, based on the huge response they received from their fans there may be more upcoming concert dates. The band is also preparing to release a live DVD of their set at the Marquee Theatre and possibly releasing a new album in late 2011. Stay tuned. For more information on The Reign Kings and to show your love for them, go to http://www.myspace.com/thereignkings

The night openers was lead by local Chandler band and up and comers, Beretta Sun, who effortlessly warmed up the crowd that set the tone throughout each performance.