Review by Renee Clark Quade & Rebecca Clark | Photos by Rebecca Clark

There’s something special about seeing Collective Soul live, and their stop at The Vine at del Lago Casino in Waterloo, NY proved exactly why, blending history, heart, and a genuine sense of brotherhood that felt just as powerful as the songs themselves.

Before the band even stepped on stage, you could see the bond. Huddled in a circle, singing and dancing to get themselves amped up side stage, Collective Soul looked like a group of brothers preparing for something meaningful. That chemistry carried into every moment of their performance.

When Ed Roland finally took the stage, his eclectic style was immediately part of the experience, and it’s just one of the many layers that makes him such a cool and captivating frontman. Dressed in a silver suit with his signature scarf, cowboy hat, and orange-rimmed glasses, Roland made an entrance only he could pull off. He walked onstage holding a walking stick topped with a mirror ball, casually tossing it to a stagehand before launching into the show, one of those small but memorable touches that added to his stage presence. The stage setup itself remained simple but effective, with LED-lit monitors and speakers glowing in sync with the overhead lighting, creating a clean yet vibrant visual atmosphere.

From the start, the connection with the crowd was undeniable. During “Why Pt. 2,” Roland extended his microphone into the audience during the chorus, letting fans take over the vocals. It was one of many moments where the line between band and audience blurred.

They showcased newer material as well, including “Mother’s Love” from their latest album Here to Eternity, which translated beautifully live and drew a warm reaction from the crowd. The song clearly felt impactful, proving that even decades into their career, Collective Soul continues to create music that connects. One of the standout moments came between Ed Roland and his brother, guitarist Dean Roland, as the two sang together on stage.

Watching them interact offered fans a genuine glimpse into their close relationship, and it felt especially fitting given the emotional tone of the song, a reminder that behind Collective Soul’s longevity is a real sense of brotherhood, not just as bandmates, but as family.

When the unmistakable opening of “Shine” began, Roland immediately went into crowd-hypeman mode, urging fans to stand up in their seats, and they did. By the end of the song, he was pointing throughout the entire venue, from the floor to the balcony, making sure everyone felt included in the moment. It felt less like a performance and more like a shared celebration.

After “Shine,” Ed grabbed his guitar and shared a story about recording at Elvis Presley’s home, which led into a handful of songs from that session. During “Keep It on Track,” he asked for the house lights to come up so he could see the audience clapping along, referring to them as his “congregation” and encouraging everyone to sing together. It was one of those moments that perfectly captured the warmth of the night.

Ed also took a moment to reflect, mentioning he isn’t very active on social media but had seen the anniversary of Tom Petty’s passing. He dedicated “Not the Same” to Petty, adding another layer of sincerity to the performance.

“Strong Will Survive” offered a different dynamic, starting with just Roland and the guitarist before the rest of the band rejoined toward the end, building the song into a full, powerful finish. Later, Roland sat on the drum riser and let the band stretch out and jam, giving each member space to shine.

The rest of Collective Soul’s lineup also plays into that same sense of balance and chemistry on stage. Bassist Will Turpin, along with their drummer Johnny Rabb, naturally hold down the backline, anchoring the sound while still engaging the crowd in their own way from the rear of the stage. Meanwhile, guitarist Jesse Triplett and Dean Roland bring two different but equally engaging forms of energy to the front of the performance. Jesse is an absolute standout, a badass guitarist who fully locks in when he plays, completely dialed into his instrument while still feeding off the crowd and the moment.

Dean, also a strong player in his own right, brings a more playful, expressive energy, often interacting with fans and bandmates through facial expressions and moments of connection that keep things fun and personal. Together, the entire band falls into a natural rhythm where everyone has their role, but nothing feels separated, it all flows seamlessly, like a unit that knows exactly how to elevate each other in real time.

When introducing the band, Roland joked that Collective Soul never tours with more than five members, but this run included an honorary sixth, keyboardist Tristan “Squirt” Turpin, son of bassist Will Turpin. The addition only added to the family atmosphere that defined the entire night.

The setlist struck a perfect balance between past and present, weaving newer tracks alongside staples like “Gel,” “Why Pt. 2,” “December,” and “Shine.” Hearing those songs live served as a reminder of just how deep Collective Soul’s catalog runs and how well it has held up.

They closed the night with “Run,” with Roland on acoustic guitar as the band gathered together in a tight group, mirroring the unity they showed before the show began. As they wrapped up, they handed out guitar picks, moved close to the crowd, and personally thanked fans before exiting the stage.

It was a fitting end to a performance defined by gratitude. Collective Soul didn’t just play their songs, they celebrated them, their history, and the fans who have been there along the way. The brotherhood onstage was real, and the appreciation for the audience was unmistakable.

Setlist:

INTRO
COUNTING THE DAYS
HEAVY
MOTHERS LOVE
WHY PT. 2
SHINE
KEEP IT ON TRACK
NOT THE SAME
SISTER
SHE SAID
WORLD I KNOW
DECEMBER
COMPLIMENT
GEL
RIVER
RUN

Collective Soul Photo Gallery