American multi-platinum and Grammy nominated rock band 3 Doors Down this summer embarked on an extensive tour celebrating the 20th release anniversary of their debut album The Better Life. The latest album was released back in 2020, so of course the anniversary was last year, and this tour had to be postponed until this summer. Now that the world is emerging from the latest pandemic, the tour is rolling through the United States with most dates 3 Doors Down are performing with special guest Seether. On selected dates they are joined by Theory Of The Deadman, Candlebox, Koe Wetzel, Blackberry Smoke and Chayce Beckham.
The Better Life was released on February 8th of 2000 and went on becoming the 11th best selling album of the year, since then it has been certified seven times platinum. While the band enjoys continuous success only the second studio album Away From The Sun have come close to matching The Better Life success topping at four time platinum certified. Their most notable song from the album is Kryptonite, that reached international fame, and while other songs like Here Without You and It’s Not My Time reached number one spot on Billboard chart, and Kryptonite “only” peaked at four, it remains the one that defined the band.
The band’s force, face and founder Brad Arnold is the last of the original lineup. Chris Henderson is the second longest active member on the bad, shredding on the guitars for 23 years. They are joined by Greg Upchurch on drums (which in early years was also Brad Arnold’s job), Chet Roberts on guitars and Justin Biltonen on bass.
On the summer night in Philadelphia, many were bracing for a tropical storm Henri, that was supposed to arrive in the area the next day. That did not scare fans as long lines formed to enter the venue with beautiful rainbow on the horizon. Rain arrived earlier than expected, and so did 3 Doors Down, but about that later.
They opened with two smash hits Kryptonite and Loser followed by Duck and Run. This southernish Mississippi rock sound was unmistakable. Brad Arnold was delivering a great performance and got the crowd going early. Before Be Like That he spent few minutes talking to the crowd about their beginnings, how this album came to life, and his Mississippi roots. The song Better Life really packed a punch followed by the more delicate Down Poison.
After the band rounded up playing album Better Life in its entirety, they went on to play their hit songs from other albums. For the encore they played their mammoth ballad Here Without You and closed out the night with When I’m Gone. That wrapped up an amazing night of great music, and a trip down memory lane into the early 2000’s.
On this night 3 Doors Down was supposed to be preceded by South Africa’s own Seether. While we can sing accolades for their success and mention all the hits and achievements, personally, I can summarize them as one of the most influential post grunge and alternative rock bands. I know it may sound just like my personal perspective, and yes, it is, yet the band has delivered interesting and meaningful music album after album. Like fine wine, they are getting better as they age. While they can not compare their numbers to 3 Doors Down success, each of their eight studio albums have received good chart positions.
Seether’s current lineup consist of the bands founder Shaun Morgan (vocals and guitar), Dale Stewart on bass, who joined the band shortly after the formation, long time drummer John Humphrey and Corey Lowery at lead guitar.
Unfortunately, Seether had to cancel their set due to family emergency just two hours prior the show. Their social media message did not go in details and there was no clearer explanation at the venue. We can only hope that everything worked out and everyone involved are good.
The Better Life 20th Anniversary tour continues and will go on all the way into October, with the last date scheduled to be in Florida.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Andris Jansons
