Collective Soul
Count Basie Theatre – Red Bank, NJ – April 2, 2026
Review & Photos – Rebecca Wolf
https://www.instagram.com/rebeccawolfconcertphotos/
No matter how many times you attend a Collective Soul concert it’s virtually impossible to not be transfixed by the presence and performance of the band’s lead singer (and primary songwriter) Ed Roland. Roland is more than a singer, songwriter, musician, he’s an entertainer. You’re immediately drawn to Roland from the moment the lights rise and he prances onstage. While the term prance is most often associated with the lively, frolicking steps of an animated horse, it’s the perfect word to describe Roland’s joyful, spirited movements. These moves are not dynamic nor grand. Roland does not need size or strength to grab attention. His aura of exuberance is simply magnetic, instantly engaging fans and holding them captive. It was this vibrance that Roland brought (as always) to the sold out Count Basie Theatre on April 2nd.
The audience was abuzz with excitement, the anticipation palpable, as all in attendance eagerly awaited Collective Soul’s arrival. The five band members, Ed Roland, lead vocals and guitar, Dean Roland, rhythm guitar, Will Turpin, bass and backing vocals, Johnny Rabb, drums and backing vocals, and Jesse Triplett, lead guitar and backing vocals, have been together since Triplett joined in 2014, two years after Rabb’s arrival. While several very early members departed after Ed formed the band in 1992, since 1994 the trio of Ed and Dean Roland and Will Turpin have remained the core of Collective Soul. More than 30 years since the band’s debut album was released by Atlantic Records in 1994, going Gold and later Double Platinum, fans’ passionate enthusiasm has not diminished. Scanning the crowd at the packed Count Basie Theatre, it became evident that Collective Soul’s fanbase has expanded beyond devotees of 30+ years. While the majority of the audience members were likely followers since the band burst onto the 1990s music scene (one gentleman proudly showed me his concert t-shirt from Collective Soul’s first tour), mixed in the crowd were enthusiastic fans likely not born until the 90s or later … the next generation of fans. This appears partially a testament to continuing to release new music, including Here to Eternity in 2024 and Vibrating in 2022, which keeps a band from solely resting on past material and helps forge connections to new listeners.
The instant the bright lights flooded the stage at the Count Basie Theatre the crowd was on their feet applauding. Cheers rang out as Roland emerged from the wings and pranced across the stage, accompanied by Roland, Turpin, Rabb, Triplett, and recently touring with the band, Turpin’s son, Tristan, on keyboard. As Roland reached centerstage he grabbed his mic stand and took it for a dip, as one would a dance partner, as the band opened the night with “Counting the Days,” from 2004’s Youth. This powerful rock number, highlighting a heavy bass and rhythmic beat, further revved up the already enthralled crowd. Continuing with the pulsating, hard-rock guitar riff of “Heavy” from 1999’s Dosage, followed by the dynamic guitars and pounding drums of “Mother’s Love,” from 2024’s Here to Eternity, the energy of the evening was set to high, both onstage and in the crowd.
There’s no doubt Ed Roland is a showman, as he twirls, skips and dances about the stage, tossing his hair, throwing back his head, and raising his arms in the air. This showmanship is magnified by Roland’s eye-catching attire….multi-colored suits, flowing scarves and brimmed hats. However, beyond an entertainer, Roland is a passionate singer with an incredibly unique vocal tone that after even more than three decades remains powerful, melodic and textured. While Roland’s presence looms large, his band members are not relegated to the shadows. Each musician is an integral part of Collective Soul’s sound and perform with energized, fiery spirit. Throughout the evening’s 15-song set Triplett was the consummate lead guitarist, showcasing powerful rock energy as he jumped up and down, kicked up his feet and executed dynamic riffs on his guitar. Traveling about the stage, Triplett joined Ed at the mic at centerstage, connected with Dean for a masterful jam, fiercely playing their guitars in unison while raised in the air and congregated with Turpin on the back riser for a duo guitar/bass interchange. The riser was also the location for Rabb and his drum kit to generate a strong dose of heavy rock rhythm. While the bass and drums in some bands adds a subtle beat or secondary layer of sound, in Collective Soul’s music the rhythm section plays a dominant, primary role in the energy, mood and sound of the band.
Although Dean Roland is not a flashy entertainer like his brother, he carries himself with swagger. Wearing a brown leather jacket and long black knotted tie, Dean moved about the stage with an aura of coolness and tranquility, stopping alongside bandmates for quick guitar interchanges. The most touching moment was Dean’s pitstop at centerstage, where he received a dosage of brotherly love from Ed, who put his arm around his little brother and held onto him, while the two continued to perform. This heartwarming connection was again noted when Ed referred to Dean as “my best friend” upon introducing the band members.
The most unexpected occurrence of the night was the arrival of David Bryan, founding member and keyboardist for Bon Jovi. When you’re at a performance in NJ, particularly near the Jersey Shore, you never know who might pop up onstage. On April 2nd in Red Bank, that someone was Bryan. When Bryan emerged onstage and was welcomed by the band, thunderous applause traveled through the audience, many of whom were quite familiar with this NJ musical celebrity. Stepping behind the keyboard and joining the band on their hit number “December,” Bryan was mesmerizing to watch and listen to (seemingly for the band as well) as he leaned into the keys and played with intensity and passion.
During the hour and a half performance there was never a drop in the electricity onstage or in the energy in the crowd. Audience members applauded, cheered and passionately sang along to their favorite numbers from start to finish. To me, watching a band that formed decades ago (be it 70s, 80s or 90s) continue to perform to packed, enthusiastic crowds is always a thrill. It’s thrilling to watch a band perform, knowing they’re able to keep doing what they love and are still receiving positive audience accolades. And, it’s thrilling for fans that they are still able to attend performances of artists they adore and lose themselves in the music and memories of days gone by. If Collective Soul travels through your area, be sure to find yourself in one of those sold out seats, listening to their incredible rocking music, past and present, and being captivated by the performance of Ed Roland, whose vibrance and exuberance remains thoroughly engaging, magnetic and thrilling.
Setlist
Counting the Days
Heavy
Mother’s Love
Why, Pt.2
Shine
Keep It On Track
Not the Same (A tribute to Tom Petty)
Sister Don’t Cry
She Said
The World I Know
December
Compliment
Gel
Where the River Flows
Fun
