On June 24, 2025, Collective Soul took the stage at the Prairie Home Alliance Theater at the Peoria Civic Center, delivering a high-energy performance that resonated with fans old and new. Celebrating over three decades since their formation in 1992, the band—fronted by the charismatic Ed Roland, alongside rhythm guitarist Dean Roland, bassist Will Turpin, drummer Johnny Rabb, and lead guitarist Jesse Triplett—proved they still have the grit and soul to command a crowd.
I have been to a concert on the arena side of the Peoria Civic Center, but this was my first time in the Theater. The continental seating was surprising (seats go from side to side without any dividers like a center aisle), but they were roomy enough to get through to your seats with no issues. The elevated seating was very nice and ensured clear views of the stage even with people standing in front of you. The intimate, yet vibrant setting of the theater, with its excellent acoustics, was the perfect backdrop for Collective Soul’s signature blend of post-grunge, alternative rock, and heartfelt anthems. The sold-out crowd, a mix of ’90s nostalgics and younger fans drawn by the band’s enduring hits, buzzed with anticipation as the lights dimmed at 7:30 PM.
Kicking off with the pulsating new track “Mother’s Love” from their 2024 album Here to Eternity, Collective Soul set an electrifying tone. Ed Roland, sporting his relaxed yet commanding stage presence, channeled a seasoned rock veteran vibe—think The Dude from The Big Lebowski with a gravelly edge. His voice, weathered but powerful, carried the weight of their catalog with ease.
The setlist was a masterful balance of classics and fresh material. The crowd erupted for early hits like “Shine,” which still feels like a unifying rock hymn, and “December,” its melancholic riffs filling the theater with raw emotion. “The World I Know” brought a reflective moment, with fans swaying and singing along to its timeless melody. Newer tracks like “Keep It on Track” and “Right as Rain” showcased the band’s evolution, blending their signature sound with a modern edge.
They did a little cover of Aerosmith’s “Livin On The Edge,” which injected a playful, high-octane energy into the set as tribute to Aerosmith taking a chance on them back in 1994 by inviting them on tour with them.
The band’s chemistry was undeniable—Turpin’s driving basslines and Rabb’s relentless drumming anchored Triplett’s searing guitar solos, while Dean Roland’s rhythm work tied it all together. Ed’s anecdotes, including a brief tale about writing songs in Elvis Presley’s house, added a personal touch that made the performance feel intimate despite the theater’s size.
Standout Moments
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Crowd Singing Along: The band’s classics definitely have enduring power and no surprise to fans singing along to them… but even the newer songs had the crowd involved.
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Ed Roland’s Stage Presence: Ed’s relaxed confidence and delivery made every song feel like a conversation with the crowd… like a Pastor and his Congregation.
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New Material Shines: Tracks from Here to Eternity held their own alongside the classics, proving Collective Soul is far from a nostalgia act.
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Venue Vibe: The Prairie Home Alliance Theater’s intimacy ensured no bad seats, with clear sightlines and crisp sound amplifying the experience, I definitely hope to catch more shows there.
Catch Collective Soul on their 2025 tour with Live+ and Our Lady Peace —whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, their live show is a must-see for rock lovers.
“Summer Unity” 2025 tour dates:
Jul. 08 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre
Jul. 09 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater
Jul. 11 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre
Jul. 13 – Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
Jul. 16 – Kansas City, MO – Starlight Theatre
Jul. 17 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Jul. 20 – Huber Heights, ON – Rose Music Center*
Jul. 22 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre
Jul. 26 – Buffalo, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater
Jul. 27 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
Jul. 30 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater
Jul. 31 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
Aug. 02 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
Aug. 03 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
Aug. 05 – Greensboro, NC – White Oak Amphitheatre
Aug. 06 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium
Aug. 08 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place
Aug. 09 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Aug. 10 – Nashville, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater
Aug. 13 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
Aug. 15 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall
Aug. 16 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Aug. 18 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
Aug. 19 – Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater*
Aug. 21 – Lincoln, NE – Pinewood Bowl Theater*
Aug. 22 – Ridgedale, MO – Thunder Ridge Nature Arena
Aug. 23 – Albertville, AL – Sand Mountain Amphitheater*
Aug. 26 – Simpsonville, SC – CCNB Amphitheatre
Aug. 28 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
Aug. 29 – Grantville, PA – Hollywood Casino at Penn Race Course *
* Non-Live Nation date
Collective Soul Setlist at Prairie Home Alliance Theater, Peoria
Get the Collective Soul Setlist of the concert at Prairie Home Alliance Theater, Peoria, IL, USA on June 24, 2025 and other Collective Soul Setlists for free on setlist.fm!
