Vinyl Station
photo by Carmen O'Hagan
Vinyl Station
photo by Carmen O'Hagan
The Plain White T’s
photo by Carmen O'Hagan
The Plain White T’s
photo by Carmen O'Hagan
Rob Thomas
photo by Carmen O'Hagan
Rob Thomas
photo by Carmen O'Hagan
Bassist for Rob Thomas
photo by Carmen O'Hagan
Guitarist for Rob Thomas
photo by Carmen O'Hagan
Vinyl Station, an indie rock band based out of Phoenix, Az., opened Friday night’s show at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium as part of Rob Thomas’ The Great Unknown tour.
Vinyl Station seemed to be comprised of talented musicians. However, they lacked the necessary energy to put on a good show. They never faltered in their musical abilities during their short set, but they didn’t interact with the crowd or move around very much. To be fair, they also didn’t have a great deal of wiggle room on a stage already set for two other bands.
The Plain White T’s, a pop group from Illinois, famous for their hit “Hey There Delilah,” was the only billed opener. Though I was looking forward to hearing several of their songs including their old radio hit, something about their performance let me down a little bit. The singer just came across as too cheesy and seemed to have displayed a little false enthusiasm. I got the vibe he wished it was 2007 again and that his song was at the top of the charts.
Finally it was almost time for the main act. A golden curtain was lowered to block the stage until the show started and I had no idea what to expect of Thomas. After a good career with Matchbox Twenty, I wasn’t sure how Thomas would be solo. I shouldn’t have questioned it. He is obviously a pro. The Great Unknown tour is in support of his third solo album, of the same name, which just dropped Aug. 21.
One song in and I knew it was going to be a good show. Thomas is a quality singer and performer. He knows how to work the stage without it even looking like he’s trying. He knows how to interact with the audience and tell relatable and interesting stories.
With good lights, and an unbelievably spot on backing band, Thomas very well may have outshone the stage, though he probably wouldn’t have said so. His quality presentation was worthy of an arena-sized venue and audience. Thomas, though, couldn’t help but gush about the history and memories he had of the Ryman Auditorium. He even channeled his inner cowboy before the Nashville audience, playing an acoustic rendition of “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys.”
His tour continues through November and I would highly recommend seeing him if you ever get the chance.