December 6th - Eugene, OR
There's many different environments that an artist can create at their concert-- some are full of life and energy, some a little more violent, and some, there's just a distinct disconnect between artist and fan. Sixpence None The Richer created a very unqiue environment for their fans at the WOW Hall in Eugene, OR. I could feel the energy of the show even just through the crowd far before the band came on stage. There was a uniting sense of peace and common interest between fans, everyone chatting and talking about their favorite songs.
I bring that up because in 2024, there's many fanbases that feel competitive-- who can be closest to the front, who's been a fan for longer, who knows the when, where, and whys of the band members. The type of fan that Sixpence None The Richer attract is one that's full of love because that's what they express outwardly, and that made for an entirely one of a kind experience.
The band came on stage with bright smiles and radiating kindness. "Angeltread" was the opener of choice, throwing it all the way back to 1995. Singer and frontwoman Leigh Nash was about three feet in front of me, and I could see every emotion cross her face, everytime she caught the eye of someone in the audience. Tha band made sure to clarify that this tour is by no means a goodbye tour, and that they're very secure with where they're at with making new music. They played "Thread The Needle," a track that is a part of their newer catalog of songs, Rosemary Hill.
What made this experience all the more engaging was Nash's chatting with the audience in between songs, and also giving a little context to some of them. What really stuck with me was her openness about the meaning of her solo song "Don't Let Me Die in Dallas," a track written about her father. She talked to the audeince as if we were friends, completely breaking the divide between artist and fan as one being the lesser and one the greater. It was an emotional performance and one that will stick with me for a long time.
Alongside that, they did a good handful over covers, including Crowded House's "Don't Dream It's Over," The Choir's "Midnight Sun," Joni Mitchell's "River," and The La's "There She Goes." Covers are always fun because most people know the words and it's makes for an interactive experience. Alongside the band was a member of The Choir, Steve Hindalong, who played various percussion instruments, and even some bells. The band had a beautiful harmony with one another, one you could tell came naturally to them.
Then of course, they had to bring out some fan favorites. "Kiss Me" is the song everyone knows and loves, and it was a joy to get to sing it alongside the other fans in the crowd. Bright smiles were plastered on everyone's faces, the band's included. They left the stage for an encore and were welcomed back by fans anxious for a couple more songs. They closed the show out with "Tension Is a Passing Note" and, my personal favorite, "Breathe Your Name." The energy was high with excitement, but also a bittersweet happiness about the show coming to an end.
Sixpence None The Richer's show in Eugene was one I'll never forget, especially because of the kindess and care that band presented themselves with. It was a beautiful and heartwarming performance.
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