With a retro, soulful swagger Matthew Curry took the stage and made it his own when the guitar enthusiast opened for Peter Frampton and The Doobie Brothers at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre on Thursday July 17. With Curry’s dynamic presence and blues heart he played songs off his Electric Religion and If I Don’t Have You albums. Curry’s sound is very reminiscent of a young Johnny Lang, both mature beyond their years. Curry performed “Love Me Right,” “Set Me Free,” “Storm’s A Brewing,” “If I Don’t Got You” and ended with “Down the Line.”
Peter Frampton took the stage next with nothing but a smile as he enchanted the crowd. There is nothing like seeing Frampton live, absolutely nothing. His energy is evanescent as he not only commands the stage, but at the same time he has the audience on the edge of their seats as he highlights and showcases his raw talent. With images of the past scroll across the backdrop screen alternate with psychedelic patterns.
This living rock god delighted all ages with his hits as fans recorded everything from snippets of their favorite songs to the entire show on their phones and iPads. Frampton’s ease on the stage is easily seen as he enraptured the thrall of fans, getting them up out of their seats clapping and hollering at the end of each song. Frampton even egged the crowd on by saying “this is fun (pause). Are we doing okay for you?” Frampton even gets cheeky with the crowd as he discussed about having a tailgate smoking party and even asking if it’s legal in this state, all the while chuckling.
Frampton started the night off with “You Had to Be There” then transitioned into “Doobie Wah,” “Lines on My Face,” “Show Me the Way,” “(I’ll Give You) Money,” “Black Hole Sun” (Soundgarden cover), “Baby I Love Your Way,” the highly infectious “Do You Feel Like We Do” and ended on the powerfully evocative “While My Guitar Gently Weeps (The Beatles cover).
The Doobie Brothers wrapped the night up as they took stage and made it their own as the ‘70s rock band revitalized it’s hits and made them golden again, as they played “Jesus is Just Right” (The Art Reynolds Singers cover), “ Rockin’ Down the Highway,” “Dependin’ On You,” “World Gone Crazy,” “Neal’s Fandango,” “South City Midnight Lady,” “Eyes of Silver,” “Takin’ It to the Streets,” “Don’t Start Me Talkin’” (Sonny Boy Williamson cover w/Peter Frampton), “Black Water, “ “Long Train Runnin,” “China Grove, “ “Road Angel” and ended with “Listen to the Music.” It was like a musical tapestry, all the hooks, choruses and chords coming together to create a perfect evening at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre.
This is a show that I would want to see again. Highly entertaining from start to finish.
Full Photo Gallery of The Doobie Brothers
Full Photo Gallery of Peter Frampton
Full Photo Gallery of Matthew Curry
