Matchbox Twenty

Matchbox Twenty at Pechanga – Review by Nadine Smith

If you were anywhere else other than at the Pechanga Casino & Resort’s new Summer Concert Series first show starring Matchbox Twenty on July 9, 2011, well then, you were most definitely in the wrong place! There were no stars visible in the night sky, because all the stars were on the stage. Under the pale moonlight on a warm summer night, the boys of Matchbox Twenty rocked my world! The crowd of 4,500 fans filled the sold out venue, and excitement filled the air.

With Ryan MacMillan pounding the hell out of the drums, HOW FAR WE’VE COME was the perfect opening song. When Paul, Kyle and Pookie came in with the guitars, shivers went up my spine. When Rob started to sing, the magic of Matchbox Twenty began. The band moved around on the stage, making sure everyone got a good view, and Rob even did a sexy little dance on my side of the stage. See the YouTube video posted by dialynboo below to see this absolutely fantastic opening number. The energy coming from the stage was contagious. Or maybe it was the energy from the crowd. Whatever it was, the air was filled with it!

They went right in to 3AM, which I wasn’t expecting until later in the show. Watching Rob sing that song is amazing, because his facial expressions make it seem like he is trying to tell you a story, not just sing a song. He has such expressive eyes, and he draws you right in to the story. The best word to describe this song is captivating. Although my eyes were mainly on Rob for this one, dialynboo posted a video that gives a more balanced view of the stage.

This song always stops me in my tracks, and I think of a young Rob and his mother when I hear it. He did not disappoint with this rendition.

The third song of the night was REAL WORLD, and I focused my attention on Kyle, Pookie, and Paul for this one. The guitar playing in this song is excellent. I loved watching them play, especially Pookie. Maybe because I have a crush on Pookie. Oh wait, I thought I had a crush on Rob. No, it’s Paul, definitely Paul. But Kyle is so cute, and he totally rocks that hair. Maybe he is the one? You will have to decide for yourself. Watch the video for this song below, again posted by dialynboo.

Paul destroyed guitar strings during the fourth song, DISEASE. He changed guitars several times during this song, probably because he is such an aggressive guitarist. He is truly gifted and it’s hard to take your eyes off of him. I think this a very sexy song, and Rob did some seductive hip shaking that made it even hotter. Although this video doesn’t cover the entire song, watch it and you will see what I mean about those hips. MichelleWritesSings posted this partial video.