The much-anticipated “Last Summer On Earth 2025 Tour” promised a nostalgic journey back to audiences’ younger days, featuring iconic ’90s music acts at Blossom Music Center. However, for many attending the Barenaked Ladies’ performance, the evening delivered a surprisingly muted experience that struggled to recapture the vibrant energy of their heyday.
From the outset, the Canadian band’s set suffered from an undeniable lack of momentum and a somewhat uninspired, “cruise control” delivery. This pervasive issue became unfortunately evident early on, even afflicting fan favorites like “Old Apartment,” which failed to ignite the expected spark among the crowd, shaping the overall concert review.
Despite their legacy as keen songwriters renowned for high-energy, improv-friendly live shows, Barenaked Ladies’ power-pop affair on this particular evening lacked the requisite punch. This created a notable disconnect for long-time attendees who recalled the band’s historically fun, hilarious, and thoroughly entertaining performances, especially for a band synonymous with great live music.
Further missteps were observed, such as guitarist Kevin Hearn taking lead vocals for the simplistic “Big Back Yard.” The song’s elementary nature led some to question if it was more akin to a children’s anthem rather than a fitting inclusion for a rock concert, adding to the evening’s uneven flow.
Interspersed with these moments were quirky band introductions by a rapping Ed Robertson, proudly sporting a Superelectric Pinball Parlor t-shirt, and a brief, heartfelt homage to the late Ozzy Osbourne with a snippet of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs.” These lighter touches offered fleeting glimpses of the Barenaked Ladies’ characteristic humor amidst the tour’s run.
A frenetic medley of pop hits, a signature BNL element, provided some high points, featuring diverse tracks such as Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” and “Hot to Go!,” Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em,” and Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler.” This segment culminated with drummer Tyler Stewart’s captivating cover of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” as the pre-encore closer, injecting a much-needed surge of energy into the Blossom Music Center venue.
The nostalgic evening commenced with performances from one-hit-wonder Fastball, known for “The Way,” followed by the alternative pop group Sugar Ray. Their lead singer, Mark McGrath, stood out for his infectious enthusiasm, repeatedly expressing his joy at being on stage and engaging with the audience, contrasting sharply with the headliner’s demeanor.
Adding an unexpected dynamic throughout Barenaked Ladies’ entire performance was the perpetually energetic Mark McGrath. He was frequently seen jumping and dancing animatedly side stage, often displaying more vitality than the headlining act itself, eagerly anticipating the grand finale where all three bands united for a celebratory rendition of Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ’69.”
Ultimately, while the promise of a nostalgic trip to the ’90s drew a considerable crowd to Blossom Music Center, Barenaked Ladies’ performance on the “Last Summer On Earth 2025 Tour” struggled to fully deliver on that promise. This concert review highlights how even beloved acts can sometimes miss the mark, leaving some fans yearning for the vibrant punch of their earlier days and the pure joy of ’90s music.
