+Live+ / Collective Soul / Our Lady Peace

Summer Unity Co-Headline Tour +Live+ / Collective Soul and Our Lady Peace Lands In Darien Center, NY

***Ed Kowalczyk – Live – Darien Lake Amphitheater, Darien Center, NY***

The Summer Unity Tour rolled into Darien Lake Amphitheater on a steamy Saturday night, bringing together three iconic ’90s alt-rock acts; co-headliners Live and Collective Soul, as well as Our Lady Peace plus a promising newcomer, Greylin James Rue. For fans of the golden age of alternative rock, this was more than a concert, it was a celebration of a musical era that still resonates loud and clear.

***Ed Roland – Collective Soul – Darien Lake Amphitheater, Darien, NY***

Saturday was a night steeped in 90’s alternative rock nostalgia, with each band delivering a mix of tried and true hits and timely messages, all underscored by the comforting hum of summer cicadas and the buzz of an enthusiastic crowd.

Greylin James Rue opened the evening, the lone new voice among legacy acts. Though a fresh addition to a tour dominated by established names, Rue held her own. Her performance hinted at potential, blending modern rock polish with heartfelt storytelling, an artist to keep an eye on.

Next up was Our Lady Peace, whose set, while notably short at just seven songs, packed emotional and sonic punch. Fans erupted for gritty anthems like Superman’s Dead and Starseed, reminders of the band’s raw energy and enduring connection with listeners. A standout moment came with their cover of Locked in the Trunk of a Car, an unexpected tribute to fellow Canadians, The Tragically Hip.

Before launching into Whatever, the song once associated with wrestler Chris Benoit, frontman Raine Maida took a reflective pause to emphasize the importance of mental health. The updated version of the track felt heavier, more introspective, and fitting for the moment.

***Our Lady Peace- Darien Lake Amphitheater, Darien Center, NY***

Then came Collective Soul, co-headlining the night with a rotating closer slot, and stealing the spotlight with sheer charisma with alternating closer duties, the Georgia band reminded everyone why they still pack venues. Fronted by the always electric Ed Roland, alongside brother Dean Roland (guitar), Will Turpin (bass), Johnny Rabb (drums), and Jesse Triplett (guitar), the band delivered a performance bursting with energy, talent, and fun.

As expected, Ed Roland showed up in full-on glam rock mode, shimmering in rhinestones and glitter, like a Southern fried Ziggy Stardust. His flamboyant flair only added to the party atmosphere, part nostalgia trip, part full throttle celebration. And they sounded fantastic. Tight, confident, and still hungry after all these years, Collective Soul’s performance was sharp, energized, and full of crowd interaction. Roland’s theatrical flair and boundless energy turned the amphitheater into a full-blown rock revival; loud, bright, and undeniably fun.

Their setlist was loaded with favorites: Shine, Precious Declaration, She Said, December, and The World I Know, each greeted with full throated singalongs. The heat didn’t slow anyone down; the crowd stayed locked in and Collective Soul kept them there, track after track.

Live closed out the night, hitting the stage with purpose and power. Led by vocalist/guitarist Ed Kowalczyk, the band leaned heavily into their landmark 1994 album Throwing Copper, playing eight songs from the eight-times-platinum release. The opening run Pain Lies on the Riverside, Selling the Drama, and All Over You, was a sonic gut punch in the best way, kicking off their 75 minute set with a fury that never let up.

Kowalczyk’s current touring band features Zak Loy (guitar), Johnny Radelat (drums), Chris Heerlein (bass), and Nick Jay (keys). Together they delivered a tight, dynamic performance that stayed true to the band’s legacy without feeling stuck in the past. The night ended on a high note with a triple encore: Turn My Head, I Alone, and the inevitable closer Lightning Crashes, which brought the crowd to a euphoric singalong and emotional finale.

The Summer Unity Tour offered more than a nostalgic mixtape; it was a living, breathing tribute to an era when rock ruled the airwaves. With high energy, heartfelt moments, and standout performances across the board, this tour is a gift to longtime fans and a worthy introduction for a new generation. Flair, grit, and great songs, this night had it all.