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SPICEWOOD, TX- Oh man, talk about reliving my youth! Nothing sends me rocketing back to my glory days quite like a killer soundtrack and seeing The Toadies live at Luck Reunion hit every nostalgic nerve with a power chord.
Formed in 1989 in the heart of Fort Worth, Texas, The Toadies epitomize the raw, unfiltered essence of ’90s grunge rock. Their debut album, *Rubberneck*, released in 1994, was a seismic event in the rock world. With gritty, powerful tracks like “Tyler,” “I Come From the Water,” and the unforgettable “Possum Kingdom,” The Toadies quickly cemented their place in the pantheon of great rock bands of the era. “Possum Kingdom,” with its dark, enigmatic lyrics and driving riffs, was a staple on every mixtape I crafted during my high school years. I may not have fully grasped the song’s eerie narrative back then, but that didn’t stop me from belting out the chorus with unbridled enthusiasm. That track is an undeniable classic.
Their journey wasn’t without its hurdles. After *Rubberneck*, the band faced a tumultuous period. Their follow-up album, *Feeler*, was scrapped by their label, leaving fans in suspense. It wasn’t until 2001 that they released *Hell Below/Stars Above*, an album that showcased their evolving sound but came just as the band was about to take a lengthy hiatus. This hiatus included the departure of original bassist Lisa Umbarger, signaling a significant shift for the band.
Fast forward to the present, and while the band’s lineup has seen some changes, the voice of The Toadies, Vaden Todd Lewis, remains as sharp and intense as ever. The current lineup, featuring long-time drummer Mark Reznicek, guitarist Clark Vogeler, and bassist Doni Blair, has a chemistry that electrifies the stage. It’s almost surreal watching these rockers, now in their mid-to-late 50s, absolutely shred the stage. Their energy was infectious, and as they launched into the “classics” from *Rubberneck*, I felt adrenaline surge through my veins, making me feel younger with every note.
I’ve got to admit, *Rubberneck* was the last Toadies album I owned. The lengthy hiatus between “Rubberneck” and “Hell Below/Stars Above”, and certain the industry struggles may have dampened my loyalty during college. But after experiencing their electric performance, I’m determined to dive into their more recent releases, including “No Deliverance” (2008), “Play.Rock.Music.” (2012), and “Heretics (2015), each one expanding their sonic landscape while staying true to their roots.
The Toadies reminded me why I fell in love with grunge in the first place. God bless The Toadies.
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