COLLECTIVE SOUL ROCKS NORCAL
REDDING LIFESTYLES, REDDING RECREATION
November 24th, 2008
Feather Falls Casino took a gamble booking this Stockbridge, Georgia alternative rock band for a concert 
at their events center, but it paid off in spades! This band has not achieved the commercial success of many other rock bands, but that is not due to a lack of talent. A legal dispute with their manager derailed the bands early success and resulted in lower record sales, popularity and radio play while they laid low until the lawsuit was resolved. I’ve heard they have refused to participate in the pay for play game common in the music/radio business. Instead, they have allowed word of mouth to build a following that continues to grow and grow. They have one triple platinum album, one double platinum and two platinum albums. I here their music played regularly on non-commercial satellite radio.
The venue accommodated a sold out crowd of 900 for Friday evening’s show. The band flew out from Georgia for this one performance. Third row center seats made this a special treat for half a dozen Redding fans, myself included, that understand the talent this band has to offer in the way of lyrical and musical offerings.
Lead singer Ed Roland is the musical genius that, according to their new drummer Cheney Brannon, continually spouts new songs and deep, thought provoking lyrics. No surprise since his father was a preacher and Ed has incorporated some of those teachings into his songs. Ed’s brother Dean, plays guitar and keyboards. Even the band’s name has an air of theology, but it actually came from a line in the book The Fountainhead.
Make no doubt about it though, this was a hard-rocking, foot-stomping, get out of your seat and sing at the top of your lungs affair. Ed makes a point of telling his audiences there is only one rule-sing along! And the crowd responded! The aisles were crowded with ladies (and a few guys) dancing and swaying to the music. The events center rocked as Collective Soul belted out one hit after another. Check out their video: 
Friday also was the night the movie Twilight hit theaters across the country. Collective Soul contributed one song from their Dosage album-Tremble For My Beloved- to this movie’s soundtrack. They also had songs featured in Scream 2, Jerky Boys and Varsity Blues.
Hollywood, a cut from their last album, included riffs from AC/DC to show their genuine rock n’ roll roots. They also played Georgia Girl from their latest album-Afterwords. Ed said a new album should be out in Spring of 2009.
We asked Cheney to let the band know we would love for them to play Redding and hope they will accept an offer if a local promoter calls! Click here to listen to Collective Soul radio:
http://www.rockridgemusic.com/collectivesoulradio/
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
Collective Soul Rocks!