Friday night at Hershey Theatre felt like stepping straight into the 90s. The April 3 Collective Soul show wasn’t just nostalgia. It was a reminder of why this band still connects three decades later.
Before the music even started, the renovated Hershey Theatre made an impression. The updates are modern, but the historic elegance is still fully intact. It feels refreshed without losing the character that makes the room special.
Jay Psaros opened the night with a stripped down set alongside Steve Davis on stand up bass. The vibe was intimate and warm. Singer songwriter energy filled the room as the crowd settled in. It was the kind of opener that wins people over slowly. After the set, both were out in the lobby meeting fans and selling merch.
Then Collective Soul hit the stage and the energy flipped instantly. The crowd jumped to their feet. Ed Roland commanded the room from the first moment, moving constantly and making the 1,904 seat theatre feel surprisingly intimate.
“Heavy” landed with punch, but “Shine” turned the night into a full blown singalong. The iconic “Yeah” chorus echoed through the entire theatre. Everyone was in. “December” featured a unique arrangement, teasing parts instrumentally before launching into the full version.
The set flowed naturally between rockers and reflective moments. No downtime. No filler. Just a tight performance from a band that clearly still enjoys being onstage together.
They closed with the emotional “Run,” with Roland thanking both the band and the Hershey crowd. The audience responded with one last wave of energy.
This wasn’t just a nostalgia show. It was a reminder that Collective Soul still delivers.
