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Rob Thomas  

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Robert Thomas is the recipient of three Grammy Awards, just for the triple-platinum hit single “Smooth” alone. He is a fifth of the band Matchbox Twenty, who have released hit singles consistently since 1995.

After being in the band Matchbox Twenty for ten years, he embarked on his own career, releasing a body of material written by himself. His debut album “…Something to Be” made it to number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, whilst the debut single from the album entitled “Lonely No More” made it to number 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Building on his chart success, he appeared at the Live 8 concert in Philadelphia, singing on his own, and also a duet of “Higher Ground” with Stevie Wonder. He made an appearance on the MTV Katrina Relief Concert, which aired on September 10th 2005. On his first solo tour entitled the Something to Be tour, he was joined by Jewel and Toby Lightman.

His single “Streetcorner Symphony” in fact came from featuring in promotion ads on the network, ABC of its Thursday night lineup. Thomas released the single “Little Wonders” which featured on the Disney film “Meet the Robinsons”. The single reached number 5 on the Mediabase Hot Adult Contemporary chart.

In 2007, Thomas returned to his band Matchbox Twenty to release a brand new album, “Exile on Mainstream”. From the album, they released the three singles “How Far We’ve Come”, “All Your Reasons” and “These Hard Times”.

“Her Diamonds” was the first release from his forth-coming sophomore album “Cradlesong”. He was fortunate enough to perform the track on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. “Cradlesong” was ultimately released on June 30th 2009. It debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200.

Thomas was invited to be a guest performer on Daryl Hall’s concert series, “Live from Daryl’s House”, the pair performed the Matchbox Twenty hit singles “3 AM” and “Disease”, and then his solo songs “Someday” and “Ever the Same”. The rest of their set list consisted of the Hall and Oates hit singles “She’s Gone” Kiss on My List” and Marvin Gaye’s, “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”

Live reviews

I've been following Rob Thomas for almost 20 years with both matchbox twenty and solo tours, and this tour was just as exceptional of the other times I've seen Rob. He puts on a high energy performance everytime. He's very fan friendly and interacts with the crowd often.

Rob's opening act, Vinyl Station, were exceptional too. Hailing from Phoenix, these guys are super talented. I'd equate them of a cross between Radiohead and Coldplay. Their songs are heartfelt and Matthew has a beautiful voice. They are also very fan friendly, taking time both between sets and after to talk to the crowd, sign CDs, and take photos.

The Louisville Palace Theater is absolutely beautiful and coincidentally, the theater I saw matchbox twenty in during their North Winter Tour 2013.

The Set list:

Rob Thomas set list 10/27/15 - Louisville, KY

Fallin' to pieces

Lonely no more

Mockingbird

It's getting late with That's alright momma cover

Her diamonds

The great unknown

Let's dance

Little wonders

Ever the same

Hold on forever

Fire on the mountain

Streetcorner symphony

Rocket man with Vinyl Station

Heaven help me

I am an illusion

This is how a heart breaks

He also did Blue Moon of KY I think and some song called shine on but I can't remember when.

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Matchbox Twenty was a hugely successful 90s rock band and frontman Rob Thomas used that momentum to launch his successful solo career. But in all honesty, Matchbox Twenty was successful because of Thomas, and it wasn’t so much a solo career as an extension of what he was already doing. He had established himself so well by writing songs for the band, as well as for various other pop-stars like Tom Petty and, more recently, Taylor Hicks. The guy is so multi-talented, playing sold-out shows at huge venues to a crowd that absolutely goes mental when he sings.

I caught him at the Red Rocks Amphitheater’s summer performances, which is quite possible the most beautiful setting you could possibly ask for. The set-up for the show made them really small due to the massiveness of the stage, but the sound was perfect and I never had a moment where I couldn’t hear his distinctive voice. The added feature of having a live band really kicked his songs up a notch. He played an hour long set, in which “we’re going to cram as many songs as we possible can before they kick us off the stage,” resulting in the crowd going wild. Solid show from beginning to end!

Rob Thomas, best known as the primary vocalist and songwriter for Matchbox Twenty. He is an incredibly critically esteemed artist due to lending his songwriting to the likes of Tom Petty, Willie Nelson, Mick Jagger and Santana, the collaboration with the latter saw him win three Grammy awards.

So with an impressive solo discography, a successful band and a host of collaborators one may wonder exactly what Thomas would play during his live performance. This curiosity sees his shows continue to sell out globally and keeps the man onstage doing what he adores. The crowd cheers loudly as he steps into view and proudly takes the microphone for 'Mockingbird' and 'Sunday Morning, New York Blue'. The audience remains responsive to the artist and Rob enjoys interacting with them throughout his show, the biggest cheer of the night thus far is for 'Disease' by Matchbox Twenty which Rob has stripped back to a more acoustic shell.

This reinterpretation means the gig has a nice level of consistency and the crowd cheer, sing and applaud in equal measure for his own hits such as 'Lonely No More' as well as Matchbox Twenty's 'Bright Lights'.

With his backing band bringing the roof down behind him and the flashing strobe lights bouncing of all the walls, Rob Thomas’s concert was as spectacular as I had imagined it to be, if not more so. The whole stage was a spectacle of light, sound and colour that added to the crazy and electric atmosphere of the show, allowing the audience to really be thrust into Thomas’ music and his world. We were all there to see the man himself, and amongst all the craziness he stood out as only he knows how. Thomas is the recipient of an incredible three Grammy Awards after all, not to mention the lead singer of hit 90s band Matchbox Twenty, a band that achieved huge success and largely because of Thomas’ song writing and vocal skills. Thomas took to the stage like a dolphin in water, at ease in his natural habitat. He put his years of experience to good use and delighted the crowd all night, performing hit singles such as ‘Smooth’ and ‘Lonely No More’ which he knew would have us begging for more.

Although he was ill, had some sort of cold and he could barely talk, Rob Thomas killed it! He is absolutely amazing and a complete trooper. I love when a musician still performs a show, instead of cancelling which is what he was going to do, and it sticks in your mind forever.

Artists like Rob Thomas truly love what they do, and it shows. Poor guy was so sick! But he did NOT disappoint! He played extra songs just for us. The entire audience was on their feet for the majority of the show, didn't leave early or start packing up until he was done.

This was truly a concert I will never forget! And I will definitely see Rob Thomas (and Matchbox 20) again and again!

xo and thanks Rob!!!

Rob Thomas knows how to entertain a crowd. From his opening song off his new album CHIP TOOTH SMILE, I LOVE IT got the audience screaming to his end song, THIS IS HOW A HEART BREAKS, where the fans were bouncing in unison with this energetic man. His undulating moves throughout kept unending screams of adulation just proving how hypnotic and sexy this guy can be. Thank you Rob Thomas and your band for a concert to remember. The new addition to the band of the goo goo dolls saxophonist is a well worthy addition whatever the cost. A sax added into the mix was great. Again. Thank you Rob Thomas and your band, outstanding night in Salt Lake City!

What an amazing show! The venue was smaller than most which made it very intimate. Our seats were some of the best value for the distance. We could almost touch him if we wanted to!

The actual song choice was great. Thomas chose a lot of his hits from his early solo career along with his time in Matchbox. There was hardly a song where everyone wasn't dancing to or singing along.

On one of his songs, he jumped off stage and began running around the crowd and the audience went nuts!. Overall, an amazing intimate performance which made for a memorable experience. Would highly recommend!

Rob of course was amazing like usual ,I been to probably a dozen shows between Rob and matchbox 20 ,and last night was right up with the rest for a great time to forget what's going on in this crazy world.Rob really connected with the audience like he always does.his time singing away from the stage about halfway into crowd was for sure a highlight.( could reach out and touch him!! I just love his music he gives it his all . since the first time I seen Matchbox in 98 till now and sure beyond .He is my favorite singer/ song writer..can't wait till next time!!!

Wow not only a great songwriter and believe me i am very critical as i am also a songwriter, but also a uniquely genuine person who made me feel like i was the only person in the room during the performance i felt he noticed me there, even though i was in the back, his performance of his songs lacked nothing it may as well have been in Madison square garden. this was a birthday present to my lovely wife Lori, man she was stoked.

Thanks Rob and the whole crew from SongKick

we love you guys

peace Jeff Denny

Wow! I’ve seen many concerts in my time but this has to have been one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. Rob Thomas is an incredible performer and musician. He engages the audience, sounds amazing live, and performed more songs than any other act I’ve seen live.

I was pleased with both opening acts and am now tuned in to performers I may have never listened to otherwise. If you have an opportunity to see Rob Thomas live, do not pass it up. You will not be disappointed!

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Past concerts

Premier Theater, Foxwoods Resort Casino

The Wind Creek Event Center

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

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Rob Thomas tour dates and tickets 2024-2025 near you

Want to see Rob Thomas in concert? Find information on all of Rob Thomas’s upcoming concerts, tour dates and ticket information for 2024-2025.

Rob Thomas is not due to play near your location currently - but they are scheduled to play 2 concerts across 1 country in 2024-2025. View all concerts.

Next 2 concerts:

• Washington, DC, US
• Lincoln, CA, US

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• Philadelphia (49)
• New York (NYC) (24)
• Los Angeles (LA) (17)
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The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino Resort | Lincoln, CA

Rob thomas: special performance benefitting sidewalk angels foundation, latest setlist, rob thomas on april 12, 2024.

Premier Theater at Foxwoods, Mashantucket, Connecticut

Rob Thomas Profile

Rob Thomas is an American musician, famous for being the lead singer of Matchbox 20. Matchbox 20 was a radio rock band active from 1996-2002 (they also released an album in 2012). The group was popular on the radio and had hits such as “3am”, “Bent”, “Unwell”, and “How Far We’ve Come”.

As a single artist, Chip Tooth in 2019 will be his fourth release. Rob’s musical style as a solo artist is more pop and pop-rock and lighter than with his band. He’s come out with solo hits such as “Lonely No More” and “Her Diamonds”.

On tour, Rob Thomas has mostly played his solo songs. The Matchbox 20 songs he has performed are often reimagined or acoustic and lighter than before.

Rob Thomas Upcoming Events: How to Buy Rob Thomas Tickets

Rob Thomas Chip Tooth tour dates and locations are listed below! Use the links under the "Buy Tickets" heading to purchase your Rob Thomas seats from Ticketmaster or StubHub.

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All Rob Thomas ticket links offered on our site, both official through Ticketmaster and resale through SeatGeek are 100% guaranteed and legitimate. Scroll further down this guide for Rob Thomas presale codes and latest Rob Thomas setlist 2024.

We have no VIP or special packages information for this tour yet! Get in touch with us on social media or comment below if you have more information.

How Do You Buy VIP Packages on Ticketmaster?

VIP Packages can be accessed by pressing the ticket icon on the same menu that shows ticket quantity, pricing, and wheelchair toggle. Simply select all of the VIP ticket options and deselect all regular options.

Rob Thomas Setlist For Chip Tooth Tour

Rob thomas presale codes: chip tooth presale tickets.

All of the latest Rob Thomas presale codes for the Chip Tooth tour are listed below. Check out the Ticketmaster or StubHub pages for this tour to find out the onsale date and time for tickets.

How to Find Standard Live Nation & Other Presale Codes

Rob thomas live nation presale code.

Live Nation changes their presale code monthly and all concert dates for that month have the same presale code. The LN Mobile code has been the same since the start of 2018.

Live Nation Presale Code = SINGLE LN Mobile Presale Code = COVERT

You can learn more about standard Live Nation presale codes in our guide.

Rob Thomas American Express Presale Code

American Express, Chase and/or Citi cardmembers can get exclusive concert presale access to some shows (see the on sale dates below). These codes are the same for every concert and are as follows:

American Express Presale Code = 8003272177, 8002973333, or 8778770987 (the support number on the back of your card)

Rob Thomas Fan Club Presale Code

You must be a member of the Rob Thomas fan club in order to get a presale code. Membership costs $25 to join and you can find out more information on the official Rob Thomas fan club page .

VIP/Platinum Package Presale Information

There is no presale codee required to buy VIP packages. Refer to the video in the VIP Packages section for details on how you can purchase these special tickets when they go on sale.

Unique Concert Presale Codes

The following presale codes are unique for this tour:

Artist Presale Code = TOOTH

Rob Thomas Merchandise & Media

Save money by buying your t-shirts and artist merchandise before you go to the show! Check out the most popular Rob Thomas merch on Amazon below.

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Rob Thomas Tickets: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much are rob thomas tickets.

Rob Thomas tickets to the Chip Tooth tour start at $79.95 and go up in price from there. VIP tickets can cost as much as $219.95 or more.

When do Rob Thomas tickets go on sale?

The first Rob Thomas tickets to the Chip Tooth tour are on sale as of March 1, 2019.

How do you buy cheap Rob Thomas tickets?

In order to get the cheapest Rob Thomas tickets, compare prices on multiple platforms. Check out Ticketmaster and Stubhub links for Rob Thomas and pay attention to the prices for each section. You will be able to save money on Rob Thomas tickets by comparing prices before you buy.

Why are Rob Thomas Chip Tooth tickets so expensive?

Rob Thomas ticket prices are caused by a number of factors, including the demand to see Rob Thomas live, number of shows on tour, venue rental prices, and the amount of stage equipment, crew, and staff involved in making the Chip Tooth tour happen.

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Latest News

Just Added: SWA Presents Rob Thomas in Bethlehem, PA & Mashantucket, CT

Sidewalk Angels Foundation invites you to these very special performances by Rob Thomas at the Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, PA on April 11th and…

Just Added: SWA Presents Rob Thomas in Atlantic City, NJ

Tickets on sale Friday, October 6th Sidewalk Angels Foundation invites you to a special intimate performance by Rob Thomas at the Hard Rock in Atlantic…

Just Added: SWA Presents Rob Thomas in Bensalem, PA

Tickets on sale Friday, August 11 Sidewalk Angels Foundation invites you to a special intimate performance by Rob Thomas at the Parx Casino Excite Center…

10th Anniversary Sidewalk Angels Benefit Livestream

Concert tickets for the Sidewalk Angels 10th Anniversary Celebration at the Borgata may be SOLD OUT, but for the first time ever, you can watch…

Win a Rob Thomas Signed Epiphone Les Paul Classic Guitar

DONATE TO SIDEWALK ANGELS AND SUPPORT ITS MISSION TO PROVIDE NEEDED SUPPORT AND FUNDING TO MORE THAN 20 NO-KILL ANIMAL SHELTERS GivingTuesday is November 29th,…

Just Added: SWA Presents Rob Thomas in Bethlehem, PA

Tickets on sale Friday, November 4 Pre-sales kicking off tomorrow! Sidewalk Angels Foundation invites you to a special intimate performance by Rob Thomas at the…

10th Anniversary Celebration at the Borgata Event Center

ONE NIGHT ONLY!! ROB THOMAS & VERY SPECIAL GUESTS! Tickets on sale Friday, Sept 30th Pre-sales kicking off tomorrow! Rob Thomas returns to the Borgata…

Rob and Matchbox Twenty Back in the Studio

Rob and the band have announced that album #6 is coming!

Rob Thomas to Appear on The Song

Musically Diverse Hit Show THE SONG TV Season III To Premiere January 8, 2022 THE SONG – Recorded Live @ TGL Farms nationally syndicated television…

2nd Annual Bowie Celebration

Join me this Saturday, January 8th for the 2nd annual A Bowie Celebration, an all new concert livestream on what would have been David Bowie’s…

The Kelly Clarkson Show – December 10th

Catch Rob’s performance of “Small Town Christmas” on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Airs Friday, December 10th at 2pm EST/PST on NBC. Watch the Episode

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ROB THOMAS: A Special Performance Benefitting Sidewalk Angels Foundation

The show at agua caliente casino rancho mirage.

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• January 13, 2024 Setlist

Rob Thomas Setlist at Hard Rock Live at the Etess Arena, Atlantic City, NJ, USA

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Tour: Sidewalk Angels Foundation Benefit Tour statistics Add setlist

• Queen of New York City ( Matchbox Twenty  song) ( acoustic; dedicated to Rob’s wife, Mari; false start/restarted ) Play Video
• I Love It Play Video
• Real World '09 Play Video
• Her Diamonds Play Video
• Mockingbird Play Video
• One Less Day (Dying Young) Play Video
• Something to Be Play Video
• Little Wonders Play Video
• Can't Help Me Now Play Video
• Fire on the Mountain Play Video
• Streetcorner Symphony ( with band intros/jam ) Play Video
• Let's Dance ( David Bowie  cover) Play Video
• 3 A.M. ( Matchbox Twenty  song) Play Video
• Someday Play Video
• I Am an Illusion Play Video
• Pieces Play Video
• Lonely No More Play Video
• Smooth ( Santana  cover) Play Video
• This is How a Heart Breaks Play Video

Note: Benefit Concert for Sidewalk Angels Foundation; also streamed on VEEPS.com

Edits and Comments

21 activities (last edit by kfinch , 15 Jan 2024, 01:38 Etc/UTC )

Songs on Albums

• Fire on the Mountain
• Her Diamonds
• Little Wonders
• Mockingbird
• Real World '09
• I Am an Illusion
• Lonely No More
• Something to Be
• Streetcorner Symphony
• This is How a Heart Breaks
• 3 A.M. by Matchbox Twenty
• Let's Dance by David Bowie
• Queen of New York City by Matchbox Twenty
• Smooth by Santana
• Can't Help Me Now
• One Less Day (Dying Young)

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Rob Thomas Gig Timeline

• Mar 05 2023 Four Seasons Resort West Palm Beach, FL, USA Add time Add time
• Nov 04 2023 Xcite Center, Parx Casino Bensalem, PA, USA Add time Add time
• Jan 13 2024 Hard Rock Live at the Etess Arena This Setlist Atlantic City, NJ, USA Start time: 8:40 PM 8:40 PM
• Apr 11 2024 Wind Creek Event Center Bethlehem, PA, USA Add time Add time
• Apr 12 2024 Premier Theater at Foxwoods Mashantucket, CT, USA Start time: 8:15 PM 8:15 PM

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<div style="text-align: center;" class="setlistImage"><a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/rob-thomas/2024/hard-rock-live-at-the-etess-arena-atlantic-city-nj-53af5f5d.html" title="Rob Thomas Setlist Hard Rock Live at the Etess Arena, Atlantic City, NJ, USA 2024, Sidewalk Angels Foundation Benefit" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.setlist.fm/widgets/setlist-image-v1?id=53af5f5d" alt="Rob Thomas Setlist Hard Rock Live at the Etess Arena, Atlantic City, NJ, USA 2024, Sidewalk Angels Foundation Benefit" style="border: 0;" /></a> <div><a href="https://www.setlist.fm/edit?setlist=53af5f5d&amp;step=song">Edit this setlist</a> | <a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/rob-thomas-53d6bff5.html">More Rob Thomas setlists</a></div></div>

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[url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/rob-thomas/2024/hard-rock-live-at-the-etess-arena-atlantic-city-nj-53af5f5d.html][img]https://www.setlist.fm/widgets/setlist-image-v1?id=53af5f5d[/img][/url] [url=https://www.setlist.fm/edit?setlist=53af5f5d&amp;step=song]Edit this setlist[/url] | [url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/rob-thomas-53d6bff5.html]More Rob Thomas setlists[/url]

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Upcoming Rob Thomas Festivals Appearances

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Attack in Moscow: What role does the band Picnic play?

A t least 137 people have been killed in the attack on the "Crocus City Hall" in Moscow. The Russian rock band, Picnic, was due to perform on stage on Friday. What does their performance have to do with the attack?On the evening of Friday March 22, at around 8 p.m. local time, the Moscow concert venue, Crocus City Hall, became the scene of a bloody attack -- the exact background of which is still the subject of speculation. At least 137 were killed in the massacre, while many others are in critical condition. They were all awaiting a concert by the Russian rock band Picnic, which was due to start at 9 p.m.

'Wash yourself with your own blood'

Russia has been in a state of shock ever since. While the whole world is expressing its sympathy, rumors and false information are doing the rounds. Four suspects have been brought before a court in the Russian capital. The four Tajiks were formally accused of involvement in a terrorist attack by the Basmanny district court on Sunday evening. They face possible life imprisonment. At the same time, people are wondering why the terrorists chose this particular event. Was the attack also aimed at the band Picnic?

"Fear nothing, fear nothing -- no fire, no ringing shadow. You are no longer a rosy child. Wash yourself with your own blood in the morning. And shake the blossoming day." These are some of the lyrics of Picnic's new song, which was released on March 7 on the band's YouTube channel.

Those lines sound almost prophetic, especially now in Russia. A message posted on the band's website reads, "We express our deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the victims. We pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. We are deeply shocked by this terrible tragedy and mourn with you." The band's musicians were unharmed because they were able to hide in the dressing room.

Picnic is one of the veterans of the Russian music scene, with origins in progressive rock. Founded in 1978 in St. Petersburg, which was still called Leningrad then, the band initially called itself Orion before changing its name to Picnic in 1981. Both monikers go back to the typical Soviet rock scene trick of choosing names that sound Western but cannot be banned.

In the 1980s, however, Picnic ended up on the list of bands that were denied major public appearances. The musicians and their audience therefore lived out their love for role models such as Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones in rock clubs, sometimes underground. Singer and songwriter Edmund Shklyarsky has been the band leader since 1982. The son of a renowned scientist and a concert pianist, Shklyarsky attaches great importance to his Polish roots and his Catholic faith. From an early age, his sources of inspiration were not only the Rolling Stones and The Animals, but also Russian avant-garde poetry.

Picnic members are considered war supporters

In May 2023, Russian writer and nationalist activist Zakhar Prilepin praised the band's leader. According to Prilepin, Shklyarsky actively supported the "special operation" in Ukraine, among others through monetary donations. Prelepin further presumed that this was the "normal position of a Russian man and a Russian musician" -- a statement that has neither been denied nor confirmed by the members of Picnic.

Their being booked to perform in venue as renowned as the Crocus City Hall in Moscow can be seen as proof of the band's loyalty to the Russian state -- which had demanded a clear commitment from the country's rock and pop scene, especially when the war against Ukraine began. Musicians and bands who positioned themselves against the war -- including Russian stars such as Boris Grebenshchikov (Aquarium), Yuri Shevchuk (DDT) and Zemfira -- had to leave the country and suffered career setbacks. Russian pop diva Alla Pugacheva has also sharply criticized the Putin regime from abroad.

On the other hand, stars loyal to the regime are rewarded with lucrative performances and awards. The approximately 6,200 tickets for the Picnic concert on March 22 were almost sold out, as was the planned second gig on Saturday. Ticket prices ranged from E100 to E300 and the band was to be accompanied by a symphony orchestra and a "spectacular stage and light show," at least according to advertising.

Even before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Picnic was added to the list of artists unwelcome in Ukraine. The reason for this was the band's repeated performances on the occupied Crimean peninsula, including in Sevastopol.

The day after the tragedy, numerous interview requests, including from DW, were met with nothing but expressions of grief and shock. On Sunday, March 24, Edmund Shklyarsky released a video message. "I would like to express my condolences to all the victims and relatives of this terrible and senseless tragedy," he said, adding that no words have yet been invented that could resurrect people and comfort their fellow human beings.

Whether there's any special significance in the terrorists' choice to attack a concert by this particular band remains a matter of speculation -- as does the question of whether Crocus City Hall plays any special role as the target of the carnage.

A concert venue of superlatives

Crocus City Hall is a state-of-the-art concert hall on the grounds of an exhibition complex and is probably the most prestigious stage in Moscow among musicians. With an audience capacity of 5,000 to 10,000 people, it is much larger than a traditional concert hall and only slightly smaller than a soccer stadium. In short, a superlative venue in Moscow with no competitors.

Completed in 2009, Crocus, as it is known for short, quickly became one of Russia's most important concert halls. Located some 20 kilometers from the Kremlin, the venue can be reached within 30 minutes from the city center, depending on Moscow's notorious traffic congestions. It's faster for residents of the affluent suburbs in the west of the city, who prefer to attend the concerts there.

The excellent public transport links could have been an argument for the terrorists to choose Crocus City Hall for their attack. In addition, security precautions on the outskirts of the city are not as strict as in the center of Moscow.

Cultural events canceled in Russia

The concert hall belongs to the group of companies owned by the Azerbaijani-Russian construction tycoon and oligarch Aras Agalarov and his son Emin, a businessman and singer. There were rumors when the Crocus opened that Aras Agalarov had built his son a stage.

In recent years, however, Emin Agalarov has put his pop career on hold and concentrated primarily on the development and marketing of Crocus City Hall. Over the years, internationally renowned bands have performed here: Scorpions, Smokie, Pet Shop Boys, Nazareth and A-ha, as well as Sting, Elton John, Thomas Anders, Vanessa May and many others. In 2013, Donald Trump even strayed onto the stage, as a special guest at the final of the Miss Universe competition. But those days of cosmopolitanism are long gone.

A look at the program at Crocus City Hall gives a good insight into the sensitivities of Russian society, which oscillates between denial of reality and resignation: Concerts by regime-compliant musicians alternate with entertainment blockbusters such as Japanese drum shows or women's stand-up comedy. Now all major events have been canceled, not only in the damaged Crocus City Hall, but throughout Russia. Theaters, cinemas and museums will remain closed for the time being.

This article was originally written in German.

Copyright 2024 DW.COM, Deutsche Welle. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Olympics closing ceremony highlights, Ukraine-Russia & more: What’s trending today

• Updated: Aug. 12, 2024, 6:44 a.m.
• | Published: Aug. 12, 2024, 6:44 a.m.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass waves the Olympic flag as IOC President Thomas Bach applauds during the 2024 Summer Olympics closing ceremony at the Stade de France, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) AP

• Mike Rose, cleveland.com

Here’s a look at some of the top stories trending online today, August 12. They include updates on the war between Ukraine and Russia, what happened at the Paris Olympics closing ceremony and much more.

Tom Cruise, Billie Eilish lead star-studded handoff at Closing Ceremonies ( Washington Post )

U.S. wins medal count, ties China for most gold with 40 ( ESPN )

Photos: See what happened at the Olympic closing ceremony ( NPR )

More Russians are urged to flee Ukraine’s cross-border attack as the Kremlin scrambles to respond ( AP )

Moscow vows “tough response” to Ukraine’s push into Russian territory ( Politico )

Nuclear plant fire: Ukraine and Russia trade blame ( Reuters )

U.S. rushes firepower to the Middle East as Israel braces for retaliation from Iran ( NBC )

Other trending headlines

New weather trouble? Tropical Storm Ernesto could form Monday ( USA Today )

‘Scarface’ actor Ángel Salazar dead at 68 ( NY Post )

White House moves to make canceling subscriptions and memberships less hellish ( CBS )

Family of Isaac Hayes sues Trump for playing his song at rallies ( The Hill )

Miley Cyrus Honored as Youngest-Ever Disney Legend at D23 ( Variety )

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Olympics: Phoenix’s Thomas Mars Says He Worried for Overjoyed Athletes Swarming Stage at the Closing Ceremony

By Elsa Keslassy

Elsa Keslassy

International Correspondent

• Olympics: Phoenix’s Thomas Mars Says He Worried for Overjoyed Athletes Swarming Stage at the Closing Ceremony 7 hours ago
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• Olympic Gold Medalist Boxer Imane Khelif Files Online Harassment Complaint After Gender Controversy 11 hours ago

Phoenix frontman Thomas Mars , who performed at Sunday’s concert at the Stade de France for the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics, said that he worried for athletes’ safety during the show.

French indie rock band Phoenix delivered a rousing rendition of their hit “Lisztomania” surrounded by hundreds of athletes.

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“So we continued playing and we tried to not see what was happening,” he said. At some point during the performance, the athletes also came on stage in what looked like a rehearsed scene. But Mars said it wasn’t planned. “We’re a little used to people who invade the stage. As Branco (Laurent Brancowitz, the group’s guitarist) says, ‘It’s a thing that happens.’ But there have been bad situations in the past with people falling through the stage. There, everything went well anyway, but we just had sweaty hands!” he said.

Brancowitz, who was also interviewed by France Inter, said Phoenix was given “carte blanche” for their live show. “The only thing we were asked was to ‘make the concert for the athletes, because they’re the heroes.’ But we didn’t imagine they would be a meter away,” he said, adding that it was a “magnificent experience.”

Phoenix was joined on stage by artists including Air and DJ Kavinsky that are also part of the so-called French Touch, a music wave which kicked off in the mid-1990s and blended electro, dance, jazz and rock beats.

The ceremony, which was orchestrated by artistic director Thomas Jolly, culminated with the handover to LA2028 Games. The segment, produced by the L.A. Games organizers, saw Grammy-award winning superstar H.E.R. sang the U.S. National Anthem with gusto and Tom Cruise jumping off the roof of the stadium to take the Olympic flag from the hands of Team USA champion Simone Biles and L.A. mayor Karen Bass. The performances of Billie Eilish, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Snoop Dogg, meanwhile, were all pre-taped in Long Beach.

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