Concert Review: Lifehouse and Matt Nathanson featuring honeyhoney LIVE in Knoxville at the Valarium
Well my summer concert season kicked off on Friday, April 11th, in Knoxville, TN at a new venue called The Valarium. We arrived at the old looking building around 6 pm knowing the doors opened at 7. I was accompanying my best friend, Mike, his girlfriend, Haley, and her best friend, Karli. The show was billed as Lifehouse and Matt Nathanson with honeyhoney. I feel almost ashamed to say that I had never heard of Nathanson or honeyhoney, but I certainly know them now.
We entered into the theatre like joint a little after 7 and I ran to get close to the stage (our tickets were general admission). I was quickly pursued by Haley and we found ourselves in what was virtually the 2nd row. Honeyhoney was up first, coming on at 8. Led by a chick lead singer, this rock country group gave us a good feel for what the night was going to be like. Making jokes and playing a fiddle and a banjo, this group really has talent. No doubt about it. The problem is that radio isn’t really looking for a country rock group, so I, unfortunately, don’t see this group really becoming super famous. Sad but true, but what do I know.
Matt Nathanson came on next. The guy was nothing short of amazing. He was just as funny as he was talented in music. He sung, danced, played guitar, and made jokes so seamlessly, it was brilliant. He also played several covers (Jesse’s Girl; We’re The Kids In America; Don’t Stop Believing) with his really catchy originals. He closed his hour set with a song called Answering Machine that was perhaps the catchiest tune I’ve heard in a long time. Turns out this Nathanson guy has been trying to break into the mainstream since the 90’s and just hasn’t caught his big break. He has quite the underground following though and I see him catching his break in the near future. Mike bought his album and it’s really good. Plus he’s a really great performer, which is a real plus in the music business.
Haley’s favorite band was up next. Lifehouse hit the stage rocking hard. I’ll admit, I’m not a huge fan of the band, but they really did a good job of getting me interested. High point of the set was the fourth song, and their biggest hit, Hanging By A Moment. Really got the crowd pumped and singing along. We were right in front of the shredding lead guitarist who continuously threw picks our way, one that hit Haley right in the face! (Mike and I found it hilarious) He even threw a towel that I almost was able to get, but it was just out of my reach. Lead singer worked the stage on about two songs, but of course Haley’s dream came true… she touched his hand, actually, she practically held it!! Karli got jipped though, he just missed her. You And Me sounded great. Absolutely amazing song. First Time closed the set and people started leaving, allowing us to get right up on the rail, front row; closest I’ve ever been. Encore rocked hard and sent us out on a really good note.
We walked out and we were all extremely pleased with the night. Lifehouse was good, but it was Matt Nathanson that caught my attention. He was the best for the night. Not leaving honeyhoney out, they also were good enough for me to go after their music. Overall, it was a wonderful night. Thanks to Haley for finding the gig and letting us know, I owe you.
Ratings
Honeyhoney- 5/10
Matt Nathanson- 8/10
Lifehouse- 7/10
We entered into the theatre like joint a little after 7 and I ran to get close to the stage (our tickets were general admission). I was quickly pursued by Haley and we found ourselves in what was virtually the 2nd row. Honeyhoney was up first, coming on at 8. Led by a chick lead singer, this rock country group gave us a good feel for what the night was going to be like. Making jokes and playing a fiddle and a banjo, this group really has talent. No doubt about it. The problem is that radio isn’t really looking for a country rock group, so I, unfortunately, don’t see this group really becoming super famous. Sad but true, but what do I know.
Matt Nathanson came on next. The guy was nothing short of amazing. He was just as funny as he was talented in music. He sung, danced, played guitar, and made jokes so seamlessly, it was brilliant. He also played several covers (Jesse’s Girl; We’re The Kids In America; Don’t Stop Believing) with his really catchy originals. He closed his hour set with a song called Answering Machine that was perhaps the catchiest tune I’ve heard in a long time. Turns out this Nathanson guy has been trying to break into the mainstream since the 90’s and just hasn’t caught his big break. He has quite the underground following though and I see him catching his break in the near future. Mike bought his album and it’s really good. Plus he’s a really great performer, which is a real plus in the music business.
Haley’s favorite band was up next. Lifehouse hit the stage rocking hard. I’ll admit, I’m not a huge fan of the band, but they really did a good job of getting me interested. High point of the set was the fourth song, and their biggest hit, Hanging By A Moment. Really got the crowd pumped and singing along. We were right in front of the shredding lead guitarist who continuously threw picks our way, one that hit Haley right in the face! (Mike and I found it hilarious) He even threw a towel that I almost was able to get, but it was just out of my reach. Lead singer worked the stage on about two songs, but of course Haley’s dream came true… she touched his hand, actually, she practically held it!! Karli got jipped though, he just missed her. You And Me sounded great. Absolutely amazing song. First Time closed the set and people started leaving, allowing us to get right up on the rail, front row; closest I’ve ever been. Encore rocked hard and sent us out on a really good note.
We walked out and we were all extremely pleased with the night. Lifehouse was good, but it was Matt Nathanson that caught my attention. He was the best for the night. Not leaving honeyhoney out, they also were good enough for me to go after their music. Overall, it was a wonderful night. Thanks to Haley for finding the gig and letting us know, I owe you.
Ratings
Honeyhoney- 5/10
Matt Nathanson- 8/10
Lifehouse- 7/10
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