The House of Blues in Anaheim, a venue celebrated for its intimate atmosphere and eclectic musical lineup, was vibrant with excitement on Thursday night. The occasion? A rare, seated concert featuring one of alternative rock’s most cherished groups, Blue October. Accompanied by special guest Veers, this sold-out event highlighted the broad appeal of Justin Furstenfeld and his band, extending well beyond the confines of Southern California. The concert was an astounding experience on numerous fronts, leaving fans awestruck long after the final note had been played.
Veers, an emerging band, had the honor of being the opening act for Blue October on Thursday night. Their 40-minute performance was a perfect fusion of traditional and contemporary rock that pushed boundaries and exceeded expectations. Under the leadership of guitarist and lead vocalist Andrew James, Veers demonstrated their musical finesse with tracks from their maiden album, Universe Reversal. Despite their impressive performance, the stage lighting occasionally fell short, casting shadows over their stellar set. However, if you’re on the hunt for a new perspective on rock and roll, give Veers a listen—they could just be the next big thing.
As the star attraction of the night, Blue October was simply spectacular. Renowned for their deeply emotive lyrics and vibrant performances, they lived up to every expectation. Frontman Justin Furstenfeld exuded charisma on stage, forging a deep connection with the audience through his sincere performances of tracks such as “Into the Ocean” and “Hate Me.” Across the span of the 21-song set, Justin enriched the concert experience by sharing memorable moments from the tour and the stories behind his songs, adding an extra layer of intimacy to the performance for the enthralled, capacity crowd of nearly 2,000 attendees.
It’s also essential to acknowledge the remarkable talents and commanding stage presence of the band members as well. Drummer Jeremy Furstenfeld (Justin’s brother) and bassist Matt Noveskey masterfully maintained the rhythm section, while Steve Schiltz, the recent addition to Blue October’s guitar lineup, impressed fans with his precise renditions of the band’s classic songs. And of course, the band wouldn’t be complete without the multi-talented Ryan Delahoussaye. A virtuoso on various instruments including violin, mandolin, guitar, and keys, he is an extraordinary musician.
Blue October’s setlist was meticulously curated to satisfy both their devoted followers and first-time listeners. A particularly poignant moment was the band’s stirring rendition of “Fear,” which filled the venue with its unfiltered emotion and resonant lyrics. The audience’s response was profound, as fans joined in song and swayed to the rhythm, visibly moved throughout the performance. The band concluded their four-song encore with the energetic 2018 hit “I Hope You’re Happy,” providing one last surge of vitality before the curtains drew to a close.
As the echoes of the final notes faded, the concert featuring Blue October and Veers at the House of Blues served as a powerful reminder of the sheer potency of live music. The evening was packed with raw emotions, compelling performances, and moments that will live on in memory. If you didn’t get a chance to experience it this time, make sure to mark your calendar for their next visit to your city. A Blue October concert is an unparalleled experience, tugging at your heartstrings from the first chord, offering a unique musical journey that leaves you breathless.
VEERS
