CANDLEBOX – CAN'T QUIT YOU TOUR 2026 – Concert Review
PARAMOUNT THEATER – SEATTLE, WA - 9/25/2026.
There are concerts you attend, and there are concerts that take you back to a time, a place, and a feeling.
On September 25, 2026, the Paramount Theatre in Seattle became exactly that kind of place as Candlebox
brought their Can’t Quit You Tour to their hometown, with two
incredible bands, Sponge and Sweet Water, setting the stage for a night deeply connected to the music
of the1990s.
The night began with Sponge, the Detroit alternative-rock band whose music immediately brought the
atmosphere of the ’90s into the room. Songs like “Plowed” and “Molly” carried that unmistakable sound of an era
when alternative rock was changing the music landscape. Their performance ignited the energy and reminded
everyone that some songs don't simply belong to a decade — they stay with us. Then came Sweet Water, a band
with deep roots in Seattle's own early ’90s music scene. Their performance continued to build the energy inside
the Paramount. Bassist Cole Peterson was impossible to ignore, jumping across the stage with an infectious
energy, while Adam Czeisler brought that same intensity to the performance. Guitarist Rich Credo and drummer
Chris Friel completed a performance that had the audience fully engaged.
And then it was time for Candlebox.
For me, the night became even more special before the first note was played. I found myself in the photo pit with
two incredible photographers when I suddenly saw someone who represented a piece of the history, I was there
to photograph: Karen Blair Maison. For me, seeing her there was one of those unexpected moments that makes
you stop for a second and appreciate where you are. Karen has photographed Candlebox since the 1990s and
has spent years documenting musicians and moments that helped define that generation. She recognized me,
and we shared a very special moment in the pit. Standing there together, with Candlebox about to take the stage,
felt like a connection between two generations of concert photographers.
Then the lights went down. The atmosphere was already set.
Kevin Martin walked onto the stage with an unmistakable identity.
From the beginning, his presence was energetic, restless and completely connected to the songs.
There is something unique about watching a singer who doesn't simply perform a song, but brings his own
personality and attitude into it. That connection between the music and the person delivering it is something that
rock ’n’ roll has always been able to create.
Unfortunately, the night also had an unexpected technical problem. For several songs,
an issue with the speakers made Kevin's vocals difficult to hear from where we were standing. You could feel the
frustration spreading through the audience, especially because everyone had been waiting for this night and was
excited to see one of Seattle's own bands back on its home stage.
Thankfully, the problem was resolved, and Kevin didn't allow it to define the night.
His energy remained there, and once the sound was back where it needed to be, the audience answered him by
singing along. That connection between the stage and the crowd became one of the most memorable parts of
the evening.
There were also moments when Kevin stepped away from the songs themselves and spoke about the artists who
helped shape the Seattle music scene and the generation that Candlebox came from. His appreciation for
legends such as Chris Cornell and Andrew Wood was a reminder that the music of that era was never created in
isolation.
These musicians were part of a community, a movement and a moment in music history that reached far beyond
Seattle.
Another highlight came when Kevin showed another side of his musicianship, joining drummer BJ Kerwin for an
exciting drum-focused performance that brought a different energy to the stage. It was another reminder that
Candlebox's identity goes beyond simply reproducing the songs people remember, and, of course, the songs
were there.
“Change,” “Cover Me,” “Simple Lessons,” “Into the Sun,” “Far Behind” and “You” were among the moments that
connected the audience with memories that have lived with many of us for decades. There was even a quick and
unexpected jam of Guns N' Roses' “Sweet Child O' Mine,” another little reminder of just how deeply the music of
that generation is woven into our collective memories.
The setlist moved through different chapters of Candlebox's history, but the emotional
connection remained constant.“Don't You,” “Change,” “Blossom,” “Arrow,” “Simple Lessons,” “Tyha,” “Punks,”
“Sometimes,” “Cover Me,” “Supernova,” “Into the Sun,” “Elegante,” “Far Behind,” “You” and “Stone's Throw.”
Walking away from the Paramount that night, I kept thinking that this wasn't simply about photographing another
concert.
It was about having the privilege of standing in front of musicians who were part of a generation that helped
change the music scene forever.
Sponge brought the Detroit side of the ’90s alternative-rock movement.
Sweet Water brought Seattle's own history and energy.
Candlebox brought us back to the music that became part of so many people's lives.
These are songs that have accompanied us through relationships, road trips, difficult days, celebrations and
ordinary moments. They became part of our personal soundtracks without us even realizing it.
And maybe that's what makes nights like this so special.
Years later, the songs are still there.
The musicians are still creating.
The audience is still singing.
And photographers are still standing in front of the stage, trying to capture a fraction of that feeling so the
moment can live a little longer. On this night in Seattle, I was fortunate enough to be one of them.
