Live Review: SMASHMOUTH @ Eatons Hill

Somebody once told me that Smashmouth was coming to town and I nearly wet myself with excitement. Seeing ‘Allstar’ live on stage is every 2000 kids dream come true. The night was teaming with potential and excitement as crowds piled in, got their drinks and formed a crowd around the stage.

Finally, once the anticipation had overcome everyone in the room they entered, their energy radiating as the crowd cheered in excitement. They immediately broke into song, opening with their track ‘Can’t get enough of you Babe’ from their classic 1999 album ‘Astro Lounge.’ The crowd was immediately engaged as singer Steve Harwell bounced around the stage. They then addressed the crowd and got the night underway. Not long after this they played their classic cover of ‘why can’t we be friends,’ another one they made their own with their classic bouncy 90’s twist on it. It was hard not to rock out to this tune.
After more than two decades of performing these guys sure showed their talents on stage, lead singer Harwell showed that he loved to interact with the crowd as he reached out and touched their hands and talked to them throughout the night. He also showed his confidence on stage as he strutted around and sang to almost every member of the band. They burned through their repertoire of bangers and classic pulling out all the stops for fan favourites like ‘Then the morning comes’ and ‘Diggin’ your scene.’

An hour of singing and dancing later and it was time for the big finale. Smashmouth performed their song’s from everyone’s favourite Dreamworks movie ‘Shrek.’ Starting with their Neil Diamond cover of ‘I’m a believer’ and immediately following with the reason half the crowd was there, and iconic song ‘Allstar.’ When playing this song it seemed every single person in the audience knew every word; to be honest, I’d expect nothing less from the crowd.
What a concert it was, filled with euphoria and nostalgia. If you haven’t seen Smashmouth perform ‘Allstar’ live on stage I 100% recommend it, even if it is purely for bragging rights.