Matchbox Twenty
June 30,2023
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
The Woodlands, TX
Photo and Review by Victoria Paige Flournoy
Matchbox Twenty put on a visually and sonically amazing show at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in the Woodlands, Texas on June 30.
They opened up the show with the first track off their new album, “Friends.”
During “Mad Season,” beautifully ludicrous images such as eyes in flowers and cats wearing bow ties danced across the screen. Throughout the show, their visuals, or the lack thereof really helped tell the stories behind their songs.
Rob Thomas, frontman of the band, and Kyle Cook, various strings player and vocalist, played an emotional version of “If You’re Gone.” It was just the two of them, a spotlight, and a guitar, no extra production.
Thomas introduced their song “Back 2 Good” as a “classic 90’s breakup song.” The crowd went wild. Everyone loves a good ole 90’s breakup song.
In the first of their two encores, Matchbox Twenty played “3 A.M.,” “Unwell,” “Push,” and “Bright Lights.” The energy and emotions in the crowd were unreal as the band played hit after hit. The man next to me was in tears by the end of “Bright Lights.”
The band closed with a cover of Gen X favorite, “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” by Simple Minds in their second encore. Everyone wiped away their tears and put their dancing shoes back on for this one.
Matchbox Twenty put on a show that was more than worth the three-year wait. Their performance really united their fans. After the show, everyone was gushing over how fantastic the band was with their new friends. Thomas’ vocals were on point all night and the rest of the band played and looked like rockstars. This show felt very genuine and personal. I’ll be sure to catch them again next time they’re on tour.
Until then, Matchbox Twenty.
