Some nineties legends simply refuse to fade away, burning bright long into the night. Seattle alt-rock icons Candlebox brought their explosive Can’t Quit You tour to Pittsburgh for an unforgettable night at the Roxian. Rising out of the booming grunge scene of the early nineties, the band captured massive mainstream attention with their quadruple-platinum self-titled debut album. Decades later, their melodic grit and soulful riffs continue to draw packed crowds of dedicated rock purists. On this particular evening, the venue was electric, filled with long-time followers eager to see if the group could still deliver their signature raw intensity.
Opening the night was Detroit alt-rock powerhouse Sponge, who wasted no time kicking the energy into high gear for the roaring crowd. Vinnie Dombroski was all over the stage with his trademark gravelly vocals. The band ripped through a energetic setlist that featured timeless hits “Molly” and “Plowed,” inspiring massive singalongs throughout the floor. They just released their 13th and final album Recuerda Tu Muerte, translating to Remember Your Death, a very fitting finale for them. They played “Self Inflicted Loss” from it, and it got the crowd stirring with thick chuggy bass and a really catchy hook. Dombroski reassured everyone that even though Sponge is done making new music, they’ll still be touring for a while so that everyone can enjoy their irresistible jams.
When Candlebox took the stage, the sheer presence of the band instantly set the room on fire, the unmistakable rapidfire riffs of “Arrow” blazing the way. Frontman Kevin Martin led the charge with grungy vocals and a magnetic charisma that has only grown sharper with time. Founding guitarist Peter Klett, returning after a decade away, played soaring lead lines with effortless precision, carving out classic tone after classic tone. Rhythm guitarist Island Styles anchored every track, laying down heavy chords that gave the songs their deep weight. Bassist Adam Kury kept the low end pumping seamlessly, bridging the gap between melody and power. Drummer BJ Kerwin drove the entire performance forward, hitting with the kind of thunderous precision that kept hearts pounding in the front row. With Klett back with the band, Candlebox felt whole.
The set was a hard rock dream that celebrated the absolute best of Candlebox’s 33 year history. Fans were treated to a diverse journey that hit nearly every major milestone of their rich catalog. Early nineties anthems “Change” and “Far Behind” echoed through the Roxian with immense power. “Believe in It” got a moment to shine, very rarely played live, same with newer track “My Weakness.” They played “My Sense,” with Kevin Martin stating he likes this one and that they don’t play it enough. Candlebox’s set had a little bit of everything from across their three decades together, balancing blistering hard rock numbers with soulful acoustic moments. Early in the set, Martin took the time to shake the hand of every person in the front row, and even personally handed a drumstick to possibly the youngest Candlebox fan. This is what the music really is about, bringing people together.
What made the evening truly special was seeing how the return of Peter Klett has completely reignited Candlebox’s collective spirit on stage. His reunion with Kevin Martin brought back the original creative spark that started it all, fueling an exciting new era for the veteran band. That renewed passion shines bright on their recent track “I Remember Everything,” which sounded crisp alongside their classic material. The chemistry between the two founding members generated an undeniable spark that resonated through every inch of the Roxian. It felt like a band that’s found its second wind, leaving fans completely convinced that Candlebox is nowhere near ready to stop, and Martin confirmed this, teasing that when they return to Pittsburgh next year, they’ll be armed with brand new music!
October 22nd, 2026
