A Nostalgic Night Under the Stars in Syracuse
Syracuse, New York, witnessed a unique musical evening as the “Last Summer on Earth” tour brought together three iconic bands—Barenaked Ladies, Sugar Ray, and Fastball—at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview. While the crowd was smaller than expected, with under 3,000 attendees, the energy and nostalgia of the night made it a memorable experience for fans of all ages.
The event kicked off with Fastball, who took the stage just after 7 p.m., as the summer sun still cast a bright glow over the venue. The band delivered a set that included hits like “Sooner or Later,” “You’re an Ocean,” and their classic track “The Way.” In a touching moment, they paid tribute to Syracuse University graduate Lou Reed with a rendition of The Velvet Underground’s “I’m Waiting for the Man.” This gesture added a personal touch to the performance, highlighting the band's connection to the local community.
Fastball also showcased some of their lesser-known tracks, such as “Love Comes in Waves/The Joker” and “Out of My Head.” The band’s set was completed by a special appearance from Barenaked Ladies’ Ed Robertson, who joined them for “The Way.” This collaboration was a highlight of the night, showing the camaraderie among the musicians.
As the evening progressed, Sugar Ray took the stage, bringing back the vibes of the late ’90s with their signature spiked hair and energetic performances. Frontman Mark McGrath greeted the audience with a mix of humor and gratitude, acknowledging the long-standing support of fans. The band played a seven-song set that included fan favorites like “Someday,” “Every Morning,” and “Fly.” The song “Fly” proved to be a crowd favorite, with everyone singing along and dancing.
Sugar Ray’s performance was a nostalgic journey, reminding attendees of the music that defined a generation. The band’s ability to connect with the audience through their timeless hits was evident throughout the set. Fans were even encouraged to revisit the Apple+ show “Shrinking,” where a version of “Every Morning” was featured, adding another layer of entertainment to the evening.
Barenaked Ladies Bring Nostalgia and Depth
The final act of the night was Barenaked Ladies, whose setlist blended well-known hits with deeper cuts, showcasing the band’s versatility. Frontman Ed Robertson opened with a humorous comment about playing mellow songs from their new record, which led into a heartfelt performance of “Clearly Lost.” The band also covered Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs,” a choice that resonated with the recent passing of Ozzy Osbourne.
Throughout the performance, Barenaked Ladies mixed familiar tracks like “The Old Apartment,” “Pinch Me,” and “If I Had a Million Dollars” with less popular songs such as “Big Back Yard” and “Light Up My Room.” The acoustic version of “One Night” added a different dimension to the set, allowing the audience to appreciate the band’s softer side.
Robertson also acknowledged former lead singer Steven Page, expressing his appreciation for the band’s history and wishing him a happy 14th wedding anniversary. This moment highlighted the band’s respect for their past while looking forward to the future.
Despite the small crowd, the atmosphere remained positive and enthusiastic. Each band demonstrated their enduring appeal and dedication to their craft. Their ability to engage with the audience, regardless of the size of the crowd, was a testament to their longevity in the music industry.
A Celebration of Music and Memories
The “Last Summer on Earth” tour served as a reminder of the power of live music to bring people together. Whether it was the nostalgic tunes of Sugar Ray, the heartfelt performances of Barenaked Ladies, or the energetic sets of Fastball, each act contributed to a night filled with memories and emotion.
For many, the evening was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of the music that shaped their lives. As the last notes of “Summer of ‘69” echoed through the amphitheater, it was clear that the spirit of the “Last Summer on Earth” tour would live on in the hearts of those who attended.
