An Unforgettable Night with Third Eye Blind in Lincold, California
We walked into Thunder Valley Casino’s venue on Friday night, not quite knowing what to expect, but from the moment we stepped through those doors, we could feel it—that special kind of electricity that hangs in the air when you know you’re about to witness something great. Two alt-rock bands that have soundtracked so many of our lives were about to take the stage, and the anticipation was almost tangible.
Neon Trees Set the Perfect Tone
At exactly 7:30, Neon Trees burst onto the stage, and wow—they came to play. The lighting was incredible, all these vibrant colours washing over the band as they launched into their set. Tyler Glenn was magnetic up there. You could tell he was having the time of his life, spinning around, connecting with every person in that room through his voice and energy.
When they played “Animal,” the whole place just erupted. But what got to me was when Glenn stopped mid-set to talk about what it meant to be opening for Third Eye Blind—how their music had shaped his journey as an artist. There was something so genuine about that moment. You could feel the respect and gratitude, and the crowd ate it up.
By the time they closed with “Everybody Talks,” we were all completely warmed up and ready for the main event. People were dancing in their seats, singing along—the perfect setup for what was coming next.
Third Eye Blind: Masters of Their Craft
Then came the moment we’d all been waiting for. The lights went down, “Third Eye Blind” flashed across the screen, and the roar from the crowd was deafening. We’ve seen these guys before, so we knew not to expect the typical greatest hits parade. Stephen Jenkins doesn’t do predictable—every show feels like he’s taking you on a personal journey through their catalogue.
They opened with “Thanks a Lot,” which immediately told me this was going to be special. It’s not a radio hit, but the longtime fans knew it, and it set this perfect tone of “we’re going deep tonight.” Then they hit us with “Never Let You Go,” and suddenly everyone was singing—we mean, everyone. Even those tricky high notes that most people can’t hit, the crowd was right there with Jenkins.
What is to be loved about Third Eye Blind live is how they balance the big rock moments with these incredibly vulnerable, emotional beats. When they played “Narcolepsy” early on, you could see people just getting lost in it, swaying and mouthing every word. Then they threw in “The Kids Are Coming” from their newer stuff, and it was like a punch to the gut—so relevant, so sharp. It reminded us that these guys aren’t just living off their ’90s glory; they still have something important to say.
The Emotional Peaks
But then came “Graduate,” and holy shit—when that crowd shouted “Can I graduate?!” The complete audience got actual chills. It was like 20 years of collective angst and hope all rolled into one moment. Jenkins followed it up with “Wounded,” delivered with his eyes closed, just pouring his heart out, and the entire room went quiet. You could hear a pin drop as everyone hung on every word.
The rest of the set was just hit after hit of emotional moments. “Losing a Whole Year” brought out all the smiles and nostalgia, while “Motorcycle Drive By” reminded us why these songs have lasted so long. And then, of course, came “Jumper.”
We’re not gonna lie—”Jumper” got us. As soon as those opening chords rang out, something shifted in the room. People were hugging strangers, arms around friends, everyone singing from somewhere deep inside. Jenkins stepped back and let us take over at times, and it was clear that this song still carries immense weight for many people. It’s not just nostalgia; it’s still healing people.
A Perfect Ending
Some folks started heading out after “Jumper” (their loss!), but the band came back for an encore. They played “After Party,” one of their newer tracks that held its own surprisingly well next to the classics. Then Jenkins closed with “God of Wine,” and as that slow, haunting melody filled the darkened room, everything went quiet. It was the perfect ending—not a big rock finish, but this moment of quiet reflection that left everyone with something to think about.
Walking out of there, everyone realised this wasn’t just a nostalgia trip. These songs still matter. Third Eye Blind isn’t some oldies act coasting on past glory—they’re still evolving, still connecting with people, still making music that hits you right in the chest. What a night.
Photo’s (c) Arik Ruiz
