Counting Crows & Toad the Wet Sprocket double-header in Costa Mesa, CA

On a beautiful summer evening in Costa Mesa, the Pacific Amphitheatre played host to a double bill of 90s alternative rock royalty. Toad the Wet Sprocket and Counting Crows took the stage on August 31st, 2024, delivering a night of great music. I typically do not review shows like this — as my passion as a photojournalist is punk, rock, and alternative music. But these two bands hold a special place in my heart. 27 years ago, the first date with my now wife was a Counting Crows show at the long-since gone Irvine Meadows Amphitheater. Our second concert together was Toad the Wet Sprocket. So, when I saw this double bill, I jumped at the chance to cover it.

And it ended up being a night of great music, reliving the first two dates with my wife.

As the sun began to set, Toad the Wet Sprocket kicked off the night with their signature blend of introspective lyrics and infectious melodies. From the moment they launched into “Come Down”, it was obvious the band was in great form and this was going to be an awesome set.

Frontman Glenn Phillips, sporting a constant smile when not at the mic, led the band through a setlist that balanced fan-favorites with deeper cuts. The energy onstage was high, with each member of the band appearing to genuinely enjoy the moment. This enthusiasm was mirrored by the crowd with a sea of swaying bodies and raised voices joining in.

Early in the set, “California Wasted” provided a perfect soundtrack to the fading California sun. But it was the one-two punch of “All I Want” and “Good Intentions” that really got the crowd going. “All I Want”, a hit from their 1991 album Fear, had everyone on their feet, singing along to every word.

As the set progressed, the band dove into some of their more contemplative material.

“Nightingale Song” and “Something’s Always Wrong” demonstrated Toad’s knack for blending melancholy lyrics with uplifting melodies, a combination that has endeared them to fans for decades. The highlight of Toad’s set for me, however, came with the final two songs. “Walk on the Ocean” and they closed with “Fall Down”, leaving the stage to loud applause and setting a high bar for Counting Crows to follow.

After a brief intermission, Counting Crows took the stage, opening with the moody “Sullivan Street”. From the outset, it was clear that frontman Adam Duritz was in fine form, his distinctive vocals filling the amphitheater with emotion and intensity. The band’s set was dynamic, moving seamlessly from quieter, more introspective moments to full-blown rock and roll. “St. Robinson in His Cadillac Dream” showcased the band’s storytelling prowess, while “Mr. Jones” got the entire crowd on their feet.

One of the most interesting aspects of Counting Crows’ performance was Duritz’s tendency to rework and reimagine their hits. Both “Mr. Jones” and “Round Here” received this treatment, with Duritz adjusting lyrics, melodies, and arrangements. While this improvisation might have thrown off some fans hoping to sing along word-for-word, it demonstrated the band’s musical chops and kept the performance fresh and unpredictable.

The middle of the set saw the band dig into some deeper cuts and covers.

“Omaha” and “Miami” provided a nice contrast in terms of tempo and mood, while their cover of the Grateful Dead‘s “Friend of the Devil” was a pleasant surprise. Their rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” was another highlight, with the crowd enthusiastically joining in on the chorus.

As the night wore on, the band hit their stride with a string of fan-favorites, like “Rain King” and “A Long December” providing moments of collective embraces under smartphone flashlights. For the encore, they opened with the upbeat “Hanginaround”; they closed the night with “Holiday in Spain”.

What made this concert special wasn’t just the quality of the performances, but the sense of nostalgia and community. For many in attendance, including this reviewer, these bands have been the soundtrack to pivotal moments in their lives. Hearing these songs live, surrounded by fellow fans under the Costa Mesa sky, was a reminder of music’s ability to transport us back in time while still resonating in the present.

Both Toad the Wet Sprocket and Counting Crows proved that they’re not content to rest on their laurels. While their hits from the 90s still form the backbone of their live shows, both bands performed with an energy and enthusiasm that belied the years since their commercial success. 

In an era where much of popular music feels disposable, it was refreshing to see two bands with such staying power.

Toad the Wet Sprocket and Counting Crows may not be topping the charts these days, but their ability to connect with an audience and deliver meaningful, memorable performances remains undiminished.

For those who missed out, both bands continue to tour. If you get the chance to catch them live, whether separately or together, don’t hesitate. It’s a journey worth taking, whether you’re reliving your youth or discovering these bands for the first time. In the end, isn’t that what great music is all about?

Photography by Shane Pase

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