Alt-Rock Icons Third Eye Blind Ignite NJPAC for New Jersey’s Annual North to Shore Festival
Third Eye Blind lit up NJPAC in Newark on June 20, 2025, with a dynamic set that blended nostalgia with fresh energy. Kicking off the night with the bittersweet “Thanks A Lot” and the newer, brooding “Dust Storm,” the band wasted no time establishing their emotional and musical range. Frontman Stephan Jenkins, as magnetic as ever, led the crowd through a rollercoaster of moods—from the punchy pop of “Never Let You Go” to the dreamy haze of “Narcolepsy,” before launching into the high-octane “Kids Are Coming,” which had the audience jumping in unison. The band sounded tight, with guitarist Kryz Reid’s shimmering tones and Brad Hargreaves’ drumming giving both old favorites and newer tracks renewed vitality.
The middle stretch of the show was a highlight for die-hard fans, packed with deep cuts and emotional resonance. “Graduate” and “Wounded” reminded everyone of the band’s gritty, raw honesty, while “Losing a Whole Year” had the entire venue shouting every lyric back at the stage. “Crystal Baller” glimmered with optimism, contrasting the darker storytelling of “Motorcycle Drive By,” which Jenkins delivered with aching intensity. Slowing things down with the delicate “Like A Lullaby,” the band gave the audience a moment to catch their breath before launching into the powerful crowd sing-along of “Jumper,” a timeless anthem that never fails to unite the room.
As the night reached its peak, the band leaned into their legacy with a mix of surprise and satisfaction. “Shipboard Cook,” a fan-favorite oddity, showed off their willingness to dig deep into the catalogue, while “Semi-Charmed Life” turned NJPAC into one big party, with fans dancing in the aisles. Jenkins praised the crowd for their energy throughout the night, claiming they felt like they were playing an arena in this 3,000 cap venue—in true Jersey fashion. The night ended on a poignant note with “The Background,” a fitting closer that left the crowd in reflective silence. It was a performance that showcased not only the staying power of Third Eye Blind’s music but also their continued passion and connection with their fans—a night that felt as relevant and emotionally charged as any in their 30-year career.
