Smash Mouth traveled to Waco this Tuesday and headlined a performance at the outdoor venue The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill. The popular 2000s band, made up of five male members, hit the stage ready to entertain and attract different walks of life. Local band Honest Men began the concert as the opening act.
Smash Mouth’s fan base ranges from dedicated fans to those who only know their popular hits, “All Star” and “I’m a Believer” from the 2001 movie soundtrack in “Shrek.” Nonetheless, the band’s energy lifted up the vibrant crowd as they sang along to their favorite songs.
Colorado senior Sam Sahli enjoyed the concert with a group of friends.
“I listened to All Star all the time when I was growing up, so it’s a song that resonates with my childhood,” Sahli said. “I’m excited to get out and sing it with the band that made so many of my childhood memories.”
The band didn’t disappoint as they played their popular hits, “All Star,” “Walking on the Sun,” and their wildly catchy cover of “I’m a Believer.” Concertgoers flooded the outside concrete dance floor, and they brought their best moves with them.
Harker Heights freshman Sam Walker was enjoying the live music with a group of friends who admittedly only bought tickets because of the proximity and convenience of the show.
“I’m only here because they are in Waco, and it’s a Tuesday,” Walker said. “I would love to see less well-known bands come through Waco, it would give me something to do, especially on weekdays.”
Amongst Walker’s friends was San Angelo sophomore Cheyenne Elliott.
“I probably wouldn’t have traveled to see them, but its something fun to do, so why not?” Elliott said about attending the concert.
Rex Prather, a manager at The Backyard, said they need Baylor student’s help in order to keep bringing bands in for concerts. Prather has been working at The Backyard for two years–since the day it first opened.
“Bands who have a smaller following than Smash Mouth, and bands who are mediocre, don’t draw in crowds,” said Prather.
Check out Smash Mouth’s upcoming performances here.
