Matchbox Twenty and Matt Nathanson finally fulfill the “Slow Dream” at Moline’s Vibrant Arena

Photos by Andy Argyrakis

After getting postponed for three consecutive years stemming from the pandemic, Matchbox Twenty’s “Slow Dream” Tour was finally fulfilled inside a jammed Vibrant Arena At The Mark with an Illinois encore slated for the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park on Sunday, August 6.

However, the excessive delay did have its upside, allowing the pop/rock/alternative act to release an entirely new album, “Where The Light Goes,” following an eleven-year absence from the studio.

Alongside all the radio regulars that came before, Matchbox Twenty turned in two explosive and engaging hours, getting everyone to their feet for super-charged renditions of “Friends,” “How Far We’ve Come” and “Real World,” instantly erasing all those years.

Outside of those, front man Rob Thomas, guitarist Kyle Cook, bassist Brian Yale and drummer Paul Doucette initially introduced several recent tracks in a row, all of which adapted a brightly arranged, modern day approach, but may have been best digested by spreading them out a bit more.

However, an unplugged set comprised of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” hilariously reworded as “Moline,” and the older “If You’re Gone” nonetheless got the sing-a-long started again, which resumed come “Bent,” Back 2 Good” and “Long Day.”

Even the current “Rebels” ranked right up there, though the encore especially sent everyone over the edge thanks to “3 A.M.,” “Unwell,” “Push” and “Bright Lights,” all defining moments of late 1990s and 2000s that came across as fresh as the day they were recorded.

Originally announced openers The Wallflowers might not have been able to make this latest date, but Matt Nathanson more than capably substituted and also joked he was Jakob Dylan before teasing the band’s top tune, “One Headlight,” might appear around the corner.

In fact, the affable guy with a guitar was just as much a stand-up comedian as a troubadour and had early comers either cracking up or participating in ten or so tunes, culminating in “Come On Get Higher” to elevate the extensive evening.

For additional information on Matchbox Twenty and Matt Nathanson, visit MatchboxTwenty.com and MattNathanson.com.

For a list of upcoming Live Nation concerts, visit LiveNation.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Vibrant Arena At The Mark include Peppa Pig’s Adventure (Jul. 20); One Night Of Queen (Aug. 11); Morgan Wallen (Sept. 8) and Jeff Dunham (Oct. 19). For additional details, VibrantArena.com.

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Matchbox Twenty and Matt Nathanson finally fulfill the “Slow Dream” at Moline’s Vibrant Arena

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