If you’re the type who believes in signs, a rainbow showing up mid-concert might mean something. That’s exactly how things played out at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre as Collective Soul and Live closed out a night that balanced ’90s alt-rock nostalgia with fresh energy — and a little Missouri weather drama for good measure.
The evening kicked off with Greylin James Rue, a solid opener blending country, rock, and grunge-influenced edge. While the crowd was still rolling in, Rue’s set kept things moving with moody melodies and guitar-forward tracks that didn’t just fade into the background. She held her own, warming things up before the bigger names took over.
Our Lady Peace followed, pulling longtime alternative fans right back to the late ’90s. Raine Maida’s voice hasn’t lost that signature stretched-thin rasp, and hits like “Superman’s Dead” and “Somewhere Out There” felt as relevant as ever. Their set was sharp and surprisingly intimate for such a big show — less filler, more focus. And along with their set came the rain. The sky opened up — not heavy enough to scatter the crowd, but enough to have everyone glancing up. And right on cue: a full double rainbow.
Live took the stage next, kicking things off with “All Over You.” Ed Kowalczyk’s voice hit that same raw, emotional note that made the band famous back in the ’90s. We even got a surprise unreleased song, “Leave the Radio On.” The crowd swayed and sang along, but it was during the encore when the real magic happened. As soon as “I Alone” and “Lightning Crashes” started, the audience truly woke up — singing at the top of their lungs, phones in the air. It felt like one of those shared concert moments where everyone was locked into the same thing — a moment that took you straight back to 1994. Pure nostalgia.
Closing out the night, Collective Soul brought exactly the energy everyone was waiting for. Ed Roland, sporting a red-and-black two-piece matching suit, stepped onstage with that effortless grin and didn’t waste a second before commanding the stage. Very rock frontman energy — chain necklace, open shirt, the whole vibe. The man has it going on, both in fashion and music. ( an honorable mention of his brand new silver glitter cowboy hat- he did claim will be on tour from now on!)
“Shine,” “December,” and “The World I Know” were obvious highlights, with the entire amphitheatre singing along word for word. But it wasn’t just about the hits. Songs like “Rule #1” and “All Our Pieces” showed Collective Soul’s catalog runs deeper than casual fans might realize.
Ed Roland and the crew showed the crowd exactly why Collective Soul’s been around for three decades — big hooks, honest lyrics, and no extra flash. What really made it hit, though, wasn’t just the songs. It was the whole vibe. The set felt easy and natural, like a band that knows exactly who they are and doesn’t have to try too hard. No crazy production, just tight playing and clean sound. The lights and effects were there, but nothing that took away from what everyone really came for: the music.
Production-wise, the lighting and sound were crisp (like SUPER crisp)without being overblown. Both bands kept the focus on the music rather than flashy effects, which felt right for this kind of show — two veteran bands simply doing what they do best.
A little rain, a rainbow, and a whole lot of alt-rock. Collective Soul and Live proved they’re still more than radio staples — they’re bands that can bring people together, rain or shine.
Photo Albums: Collective Soul – Live+ – Our Lady Peace
Melissa O’Rourke aka WickedWitchofSTL is a jack of all trades. By day she’s an established tattooist and piercer, by night a mother to her amazing son (who is a hell of a guitarist). Melissa has a musical background and can often be found at a local karaoke joint, or a concert when she’s not driving across the country for an adventure. This social butterfly always welcomes conversation so come say hi! See y’all at the next gig!
