Hootie & the Blowfish at Hersheypark Stadium

The sweet scent of chocolate and the echoes of ’90s college rock nostalgia filled the air at Hersheypark Stadium on June 28th, 2024, as Hootie & the Blowfish brought their “Summer Camp with Trucks” tour to town. For a band that once redefined the soundscape of American rock with their multi-platinum debut Cracked Rear View, this tour stop was a testament to their enduring appeal and the timelessness of their music.

As the sun just began to set, Hersheypark Stadium buzzed with anticipation. Fans of all ages, many sporting vintage Hootie tees, filled the venue. The opening acts, Collective Soul and Edwin McCain, did their part to warm up the crowd, delivering solid performances that reverberated back to the golden era of alternative rock.

Edwin McCain kicked off the evening with a heartfelt set that reminded everyone why he’s been a mainstay in the music industry for over three decades. His husky voice filled the stadium as he opened with “Gramercy Park Hotel,” setting the tone for a performance that elicited nostalgia and raw emotion. The crowd swayed in unison as McCain delivered a stirring rendition of his hit “I’ll Be,” which has become a staple of ’90s love song compilations. His interaction with the audience was genuine and warm; sharing anecdotes between songs and demonstrating the same commitment to craft that has defined his career.

Building on the energy McCain had cultivated, Collective Soul confidently took the stage next. A band soon celebrating their 30th anniversary, their set was a masterclass in ’90s rock. They kicked it off with “Mother’s Love” and seamlessly transitioned into fan favorites like “Heavy” and “Shine.” The crowd roared with approval as Ed Roland’s vocals soared through the night, backed by the tight instrumentation of his band mates. The highlight of their set was undoubtedly “The World I Know;” a song that resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom sang along with every word.

The band’s performance was a reminder of why they remain a staple in the rock genre. Their energy was palpable, and their musicianship was impeccable. Even their cover of AC/DC’s “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” was met with enthusiastic cheers, showcasing their versatility and ability to keep the crowd engaged.

When Hootie & the Blowfish finally took the stage, the stadium erupted. Darius Rucker, clad in his signature laid-back attire, led the charge with a voice that has only grown richer with time. The band kicked things off with a cover of 54-40’s “I Go Blind,” setting the tone for a night filled with both nostalgia and unexpected twists.

As the set progressed, the energy in the stadium continued to build. The crowd erupted when the opening chords of “Hannah Jane” rang out, transporting everyone back to the mid-’90s. The band’s decision to include covers like Led Zeppelin’s “Hey, Hey, What Can I Do” and their latest release, Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth,” showcased their versatility and kept the audience on their toes.

A particularly poignant moment came when Edwin McCain joined the band on stage for a rendition of his song “Solitude,” a nod to the camaraderie among ’90s rock contemporaries. The mashup of “Old Man & Me” with snippets of hip-hop classics “Mo Money Mo Problems” and “Big Poppa” was an unexpected highlight, demonstrating the band’s willingness to push boundaries and have fun with their material.

The emotional peak of the night arrived with “Let Her Cry,” as thousands of voices joined Darius Rucker in perfect harmony. This was followed by a surprisingly fitting cover of R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion,” which seamlessly blended with the band’s own sound.

As the main set drew to a close, the stadium erupted with “Hold My Hand,” the song that launched Hootie & the Blowfish into stardom. The crowd’s fervor reached new heights, their voices merging into a nostalgic chorus that echoed through the night.

The encore brought even more surprises, with a cover of Stone Temple Pilots’ “Interstate Love Song” serving as a fitting tribute to the ’90s rock era. However, it was the final punch of “Only Wanna Be With You” that sent the crowd home with smiles on their faces and memories to last a lifetime.

In the end, that’s what rock ‘n’ roll is all about – and on this night in Hershey, PA, the sweet taste of nostalgia was as satisfying as any chocolate bar.