P.O.D. live at Canes, 9-25-99
Homecomin' Record Release Concert
You could almost feel the anticipation as P.O.D. was setting up. The
band has been touring relentlessly since they first kick off their tour at
Canes two months ago. This hometown crowd was definitely showing signs of
P.O.D. withdrawal. They opened the show with the “Warrior” anthem “Outkast”.
The crowd shouted, “I’m Outkast, but don’t count me out” so loud that it was
even drowning out the band. Sonny showed no signs of fatigue, jumping in the
crowd and singing with them almost every song. He led the crowd in such a way
that he could have mistaken him for a pastor giving a Holy Spirit-inspired sermon!
The past five months have been huge for P.O.D. since the release
of “The Fundamental Elements of Southtown” in August. They have done
everything from filming a video that is currently being played on MTV,
appearing on nationally televised talk shows, and recording tracks for the
highly anticipated new Oliver Stone Movie “Any Given Sunday.” But the boys
still put it down with just as much energy and style as ever. You could tell
they were glad to come home. Taking time on each song to jam an extra minute or
two. They played an hour + set in which they played almost every song from
their latest release, from “Tribal” to “Southtown”. And also took time to play
the classic tracks, “Draw the Line”, “Selah”, and “Full Color.” The band fed
off the crowd and the crowd fed off the band. Jesus was definitely present
within everyone. After an exhausting set, the band came back on for an encore
playing “Full Color” and “Bullet the Blue Sky”. The crowd’s action spoke
louder than music being played or words being spoken.
“The sky rips open, the Word comes down, with visions of love, God’s people all
over the World run into the arms of America…”
Sonny Sandoval, Canes 12-11-99
A review by Michael C. Paquette
After opening with "Breathe Babylon", P.O.D. kept the hometown crowd going
till the end of the set. This being the first time that I have experienced
P.O.D. live, I have to say that I was more than impressed. They played cuts
from all of their albums pleasing old and new fans. This was a big step
down from playing at Fiddler's Green with Kid Rock but you could tell that
P.O.D. was right at home.
Their set consisted of :
Breathe Babylon
Lie Down
Draw the Line
Hollywood
Selah
Rock the Party
Set your eyes to Zion
Southtown
Punks Rock
Full Color
Outkast
Bullet the Blue Sky
To see a show in a small club like Canes and to experience it on a much
smaller level makes it all the more personal. Every song had a new feel and
energy that it never stopped. Although "Rock the Party" got the whole crowd
to jump up and down and "Set your eyes to Zion" was more of a spiritual
meditation, the most powerful moment of the show was definitely "Outkast".
Sonny had hundreds of kids professing their faith at the top of their lungs.
It was powerful to see such a display of emotion throughout the crowd.
They closed the show with an encore of U2's Bullet the Blue Sky and left the
crowd uplifted, but physically and emotionally drained.
On a more personal note, This show was the most unique than any I have
seen. This music is so intense and full of energy, but with a positive that
makes all the more powerful. The crowd was as wild and crazy as any I have
witnessed, but everyone had a certain respect for each other (except maybe
the security, but you know how that is). It really is a testament to what
this "Warrior" movement is all about. When a band showers the crowd with
love and respect it makes a difference. For a fan who may not share the
same beliefs as the band it would really give them something to think about.
To touch someone with just your presence on stage is a big statement.
P.O.D. "practices what they preach" and that is why they make such a
difference! What a Show!
- Michael C. Paquette
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