Pulling off a music festival close to the holidays is no easy feat, and Phoenix’s November Nights faced an additional challenge with a lineup that, at first glance, seemed oddly mismatched. Despite these hurdles, the mid-November festival brought a fresh twist to the multi-genre format. Kicking off the day at 2 p.m., local legend DJ Z-Trip—renowned for collaborations with LL Cool J, Kasabian, and Dan the Automator—delivered an electrifying opening set. When The Head and the Heart unexpectedly canceled, Z-Trip rose to the occasion, stepping in as a de facto emcee. Returning between acts to keep the energy high and the crowd engaged, he proved his mastery of both music and live entertainment, solidifying himself as a festival MVP.
Violent Femmes Delight Fans Despite Technical Hiccups
The Violent Femmes took the stage for a nostalgic journey through their decades-long career, celebrating the 41st anniversary of their self-titled debut album. Despite a night riddled with audio feedback issues, the band delivered a set brimming with hits that kept the crowd energized and engaged.
The show kicked off with the unmistakable opening chords of “Blister in the Sun,” arguably the band’s most iconic track. The familiar tune immediately drew cheers, setting the tone for a set full of fan favorites. They followed with “Add It Up,” another staple, and the upbeat “Gone Daddy Gone,” featuring Brian Ritchie’s standout xylophone performance.
Slowing things down, the Femmes transitioned to “Good Feeling,” a track from their debut album. Gordon Gano showcased his versatility by plucking a violin to start the song before switching to playing it later, adding a hauntingly beautiful touch to the performance.
Between songs, Gano reflected on the band’s milestone anniversary, while Ritchie kept the energy lively, humorously announcing a ballad before launching into the raucous “Dance, Motherfucker, Dance!” The song, pulled from their “Add It Up” retrospective, blended irreverence with classic Femmes’ charm.
A standout moment came when drummer John Sparrow took the spotlight for a booming drum solo, drawing enthusiastic applause. Ritchie then introduced the band before they played “Holy Ghost” and “I’m Nothing” from 1994’s “New Times” album. The saxophone shone brightly during “I Held Her in My Arms” from “The Blind Leading the Naked”, adding an exhilarating layer to the performance and reminding everyone of the band’s dynamic musicality.
As the show approached its finale, Gordon Gano addressed the audience with a playful smile, thanking them for their energy and support before saying, “I have to take my hair down for this one.” With a dramatic flourish, he removed his ponytail holder, letting his long hair fall in his face, setting the stage for the closing number. They launched into “American Music” from 1991’s “Why Do Birds Sing?” The song’s infectious energy and sing-along chorus made it a fitting end to the show, leaving fans with the perfect mix of nostalgia and elation.
Despite the technical challenges, the Violent Femmes proved why they’ve remained a beloved force in music for over four decades. Their quirky blend of folk-punk, heartfelt performances, and undeniable connection with the audience made for a night to remember, capped by a heartfelt goodbye from a band whose music continues to resonate with generations.
Rebelution Brings Irie Vibes to Phoenix
Rebelution lit up the Phoenix sky with their signature blend of reggae and rock, creating a euphoric atmosphere that felt like a warm Southern California breeze. From the first note, the band radiated positivity, opening the show with “Feeling Alright,” a crowd favorite that sent confetti showering across the venue. It was an electrifying start to an unforgettable evening.
Lead singer Eric Rachmany took a moment to thank the Phoenix crowd, sharing that the band has been spreading good vibes since their formation in 2004. The energy soared as the band launched into “Lady in White,” a standout track that was met with roaring approval. Rachmany encouraged the audience to sing along, particularly during “Safe and Sound,” a classic that had fans belting out every word.
The horn section worked overtime throughout the night, adding dynamic layers to songs like “Roots Reggae Music,” where the saxophone and trumpet took center stage. The electric guitar howled, and the sax wailed, weaving seamlessly into the band’s rich soundscapes.
Rebelution slowed things down with “Fade Away,” a soulful number featuring poignant guitar riffs and delicate trumpet melodies. The crowd illuminated the area with cell phone lights, creating a magical moment of connection.
Closing the set, the band delivered a rousing rendition of “Bright Side of Life.” The optimistic anthem had everyone swaying and singing along, soaking in the good vibes until the very last note. Rebelution’s ability to combine infectious energy with heartfelt moments proved why they continue to be a force in the reggae-rock scene, leaving the Phoenix audience feeling truly irie.
Third Eye Captures Nostalgic Energy
Third Eye Blind blended nostalgia with high-octane energy. Lead singer Stephan Jenkins set the tone early on, engaging the crowd with a warm “I’m glad you’re here. Have a beautiful night,” as the band dove into their set. By the third song, a cover of The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven”, the audience was hooked.
The middle of the set featured a series of newer tracks, full of the band’s signature rock energy, even if they weren’t as familiar to longtime fans. Jenkins’ dynamic stage presence kept the crowd engaged, transitioning seamlessly between driving guitar riffs and quieter, introspective moments. The band slowed things down mid-set before cranking the energy right back up, demonstrating their emotional range.
Jenkins shared his love for the desert in the fall, joking about how the dry air affects his voice, before inviting the audience to sing along to “Jumper”. The crowd clapped in unison, filling the stadium with a collective energy that seemed to astonish Jenkins himself. He stepped back during the iconic guitar solo, letting the audience take over the chorus, creating a communal, electric moment.
The band segued into their smash hit “Semi-Charmed Life”, the echoing vocals and infectious rhythm sparking an impromptu sing-along. Jenkins encouraged fans to “find a friend, put your arm around them, let’s sing!” The performance felt like a grand finale, but the night wasn’t over just yet.
For the encore, they launched into “How’s It Gonna Be”, a mellow yet electrifying closer that had the entire venue singing in unison. The foggy stage and Jenkins’ low bow as he waved goodbye marked a fitting end to a night of shared memories and palpable connection.
Sublime’s Back & Bradley’s Legacy Breathes On
Sublime lit up Chase Field with a mix of nostalgia, energetic performances, and heartfelt moments, proving that their music still resonates deeply with fans. The night kicked off with “Garden Grove,” immediately setting the tone for a crowd ready to relive the classic Sublime sound. They followed with the fan-favorite “Wrong Way,” sparking early sing-alongs and energy that carried throughout the set.
As the show progressed, the band didn’t hold back. By the time they reached their sixth song, “Pawn Shop,” the crowd was fully immersed. Jakob Nowell, son of Sublime’s late founding member Bradley Nowell, brought a genuine energy and connection to the performance, often interacting with the audience and showing a clear love for the music and the legacy he’s carrying forward. His humor and charm shone when he encouraged the crowd to “move around and push each other. Respectfully,” before launching into the fast-paced “Date Rape,” which electrified the stadium.
One of the standout moments came when Gabo Fayuca, frontman of the Phoenix-based band Fayuca, joined Jakob on stage for “Caress Me Down.” Jakob introduced Gabo with gratitude, saying, “He’s been helping me since I’ve been in the music,” marking the song’s first live performance since 1995—a true treat for fans.
The band kept the energy high with “Greatest-Hits,” featuring searing guitar solos, and “April 29, 1992 (Miami),” complete with psychedelic graphics and record scratching that brought a unique dynamic to the live experience. The visuals enhanced the band’s gritty, SoCal aesthetic, adding a layer of depth to their set.
Of course, no Sublime show would be complete without “What I Got,” which turned into a massive sing-along. The performance was a heartfelt tribute, featuring a touching photo of Jakob and his father, Brad, on the screen. Jakob’s acknowledgment of the moment with, “I wouldn’t be here without this family and yours,” added a deeply personal touch to the night.
Later in the set, “Jailhouse” showcased the band’s mellow, reggae-infused side with a soulful guitar solo and a laid-back vibe that contrasted beautifully with the more frenetic songs. Tracks like “Red Light Yellow Light Green Light Go” highlighted the DJ contributions with heavy bass beats that resonated through the arena, while “Same in the End” turned up the tempo with an infectious, fast-paced groove.
Bud Gaugh, one of Sublime’s two surviving founding members, was a crowd favorite, rocking a top hat, full chest tattoo, sunglasses, and a gaudy chain. His playful energy, paired with his tight drumming, brought an element of fun to the night.
The set closed with the iconic “Santeria,” as Jakob expressed his love for the fans, saying, “We love you very much. We wouldn’t be here without you.” It was a poignant ending, leaving the audience with a mix of nostalgia and appreciation for Jakob’s dedication to honoring his father’s legacy. Sublime proved once again that their music is timeless, blending classic hits with modern energy to create an unforgettable show.
Concert Review: Weezer Headlines November Nights Festival With Stellar Energy
Weezer’s “Voyage to the Blue Planet” tour made its Phoenix stop on Saturday, November 16, headlining the inaugural November Nights music festival at Chase Field. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of their iconic “Blue Album”, the evening blended high-energy nostalgia with a space-themed spectacle that had fans feeling like they were journeying through the cosmos with the band.
The show kicked off with a bang, featuring early crowd-pleasers like “Hash Pipe,” “Beverly Hills,” and “Island in the Sun.” These hits immediately set the tone for a night that celebrated both Weezer’s storied history and their signature ability to connect with fans through catchy hooks and sing-along anthems.
As the set transitioned into its second act, the stage became a visual feast. Space-themed projections whisked the audience through a galaxy of sights, including a journey through the “Pinkerton” asteroid belt, seamlessly tying the theme of interstellar travel into the performance. The crowd eagerly anticipated what came next: a near-complete performance of “Weezer (The Blue Album)”.
Launching into “My Name Is Jonas,” the band transported the audience back to 1994, their sound as fresh and vibrant as ever. Fans sang every word of “Buddy Holly” and “Undone – The Sweater Song,” while “Say It Ain’t So” and “Only in Dreams” reminded everyone of the emotional depth and melodic genius that defined “The Blue Album”. Tracks like “Surf Wax America” and “Holiday” brought a playful, high-energy vibe that had the audience on their feet.
However, not every “Blue Album” fan was fully satisfied. Notably absent were “The World Has Turned and Left Me Here” and “In the Garage,” leaving some fans vocal about their disappointment. Even so, the crowd’s enthusiasm during the hits more than made up for the omissions.
Weezer’s “Voyage to the Blue Planet” was more than just a concert—it was a masterful blend of music, visuals, and nostalgia. By the end of the evening, the audience left Chase Field feeling like they’d traveled not only through space but also back in time, celebrating a band whose legacy continues to shine brightly across generations.
