Lollapalooza: Tuning Back Into Toadies

One of the reasons festivals are such unique live music experiences is the infectious spirit of a one-time-only event. Artists and fans alike are given the chance to see and do things that they never have before. For the reunited Toadies, this meant unveiling its first new material in seven years in front of a massive crowd.

The audience chanted "Toadies!" as the band took the stage Saturday to a brass fanfare and dove right into "Backslider," from 1994's "Rubberneck." They seemed triumphant, throwing their arms in the air and getting huge cheers in return. "We are the Toadies. We are from Texas, and you are all kick-ass," frontman Todd Lewis shouted.

Mark Reznicek's aggressive drumming raced alongside guitarist Clark Vogeler's frantic riffing throughout nearly the entire track list from "Rubberneck," particularly on breakneck versions of "Mister Love," "I Come From the Water" and "I Burn." 

The modern rock radio staple "Possum Kingdom" was played squarely in the middle of the set, perhaps for the folks who planned to head the other side of the field in time to get in position for Wilco. But even those who were in transit couldn't help but shout out the familiar line "Do you wanna die?" along with Lewis.

Tracks from the recent "No Deliverance" like "I Am a Man of Stone" and "So Long Lovely Eyes" peppered the set, blending in perfectly with the old songs, but carrying a more mature sense of melody and pacing. But the oldie "Tyler" was just the right choice to close things out, reminding the crowd one last time of the Toadies' glory days.

The day prior, the group was upbeat in conversation -- mainly, everybody was just happy to be there. Said Reznicek of why it feels right to be playing as Toadies again, "This band is pretty tight." Lewis confirmed, "Even when we're off, we're off together." And as for more new Toadies records, Lewis would only cryptically comment, "I'd like to ride this one out until the time seems right." -- Lavinia Jones Wright