Review and Photos by Rebecca Clark

If there’s one thing this tour proves, it’s that the music of the late ’90s and early 2000s hasn’t lost its shine, especially when played by the artists who originally made it feel like the soundtrack of our youth. On July 23rd, the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview in Syracuse, NY, hosted a night full of nostalgia, energy, and timeless songs that still hit just as hard today.

Fastball opened the night and set the tone perfectly. There’s something timeless about their sound. They tapped into the kind of nostalgia that doesn’t feel forced; it just is. Kevin Hearn of Barenaked Ladies sat in on piano during their set, adding an extra spark, while Sugar Ray’s drummer Dean Butterworth took over behind the kit. Their performance of “The Way,” with both Ed Robertson and Kevin joining in, was a highlight. Seeing members from Barenaked Ladies blend in so effortlessly added a rare collaborative spirit to the evening. Fastball reminded everyone why their songs have stood the test of time.

Sugar Ray kept the momentum going with a blast of energy that never let up. Dressed in sharp all-white suits, they kicked things off with “Someday” and didn’t look back. Mark McGrath is a natural showman, running across the stage, sharing stories about TRL glory days, and genuinely connecting with the crowd. His emotions came through when he paused to thank the fans, clearly touched that their songs still matter to people. It felt spontaneous and heartfelt.

Their set was packed with recognizable hits like “Every Morning” and “When It’s Over,” and even a playful cover of Ginuwine’s “Pony” that had everyone cheering. The band looked like they were having just as much fun as the crowd, especially drummer Dean Butterworth, who couldn’t stop smiling. They closed with “Fly,” which turned the venue into a full-on sing-along and had more than a few people reminiscing about the good old days.

Barenaked Ladies closed out the night with a creative entrance, walking out in slow motion single file before jumping right into “Gonna Walk.” From the start, their set had a lightness and camaraderie that made it feel like you were watching old friends play together.

Their performance of “The Old Apartment” was paired with visuals of just that, old photos of an apartment flashing across the screen behind them. It added a sentimental touch without being heavy-handed. Ed Robertson kept things playful with plenty of jokes and banter, especially between bassist Jim Creeggan and drummer Tyler Stewart, who looked like they were having a great time throughout.

One of the more unexpected and emotional moments came after “Brian Wilson,” when Ed mentioned former bandmate Steven Page, noting that he lives nearby and was celebrating his wedding anniversary that night. He acknowledged it was Steven’s song, but that they still play it, saying, “We don’t hold grudges, we’re too old for that.” It felt genuine, maybe even a little bittersweet, definitely one of those moments that hung in the air longer than the music.

The band mixed newer tracks like “Lookin’ Up” and “One Night” into their set, but it was their classics that connected the most. “One Week,” “Pinch Me,” and “If I Had a Million Dollars” were met with full-throated sing-alongs, and it was clear these songs haven’t lost their charm. The audience was a mix of generations, parents with kids, longtime fans, new ones, and everyone was locked in.

They closed the night with a series of eclectic covers, including “Love and Mercy” (Brian Wilson), “Highway to Hell” (AC/DC), and a fun mash-up of “Pink Pony Club,” “Texas Hold ’Em,” “The Gambler,” “Abracadabra,” and more. The grand finale was a lively version of Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ‘69,” a fitting close to a show steeped in memories but still full of life.

This tour goes beyond just a throwback; it’s a reminder that great music never really goes out of style.

Barenaked Ladies Photo Gallery

Sugar Ray Photo Gallery

Fastball Photo Gallery