Excellent show
by EAD on 10/2/24Bethel Woods Center for the Arts - BethelExcellent show and such a unique experience with the string quartet - intimate venue. ?? ?? ?? ?? ??
Concerts4 Results
- Current location
Concerts in United States
- 10/4/24Friday 07:30 PMLaconia, NHColonial Theatre LaconiaFive for Fighting
Venue
Colonial Theatre Laconia
- 10/6/24Sunday 08:00 PMWaterville, MEWaterville Opera HouseFive for Fighting
Venue
Waterville Opera House
- 10/8/24Tuesday 07:30 PMNewport, RIJane Pickens TheaterFive for Fighting
Venue
Jane Pickens Theater
- 10/9/24Wednesday 07:30 PMRed Bank, NJThe Vogel at Count Basie Center for the ArtsFive For Fighting w/ String Quartet
About
The year 2013 was a back-to-basics year for John Ondrasik, better known by his stage name, Five for Fighting, as he reunited with longtime producer Gregg Wattenberg and released "Bookmarks," his first album in four years. The lead single, "What If," marked a return to the formula that made earlier hits, "Superman" and "100 Years," so memorable. Never reliant on studio trickery, Five for Fighting in concert are just as moving, with an experienced backing band and Ondrasik at the piano, singing in his trademark falsetto. Ticket buyers looking for a little loudness in their rock won't be disappointed, either, as Five for Fighting supply the occasional rock anthem in their repertoire as well. Ultimately, whether he's playing loud or soft, Ondrasik's shows are about intimacy and connecting with each individual. In that sense, they're a natural extension of "Bookmarks," connecting with listeners on his long-explored themes of love and reflection.
Ondrasik started Five for Fighting after trying opera singing in college and graduating with a degree in applied science and mathematics. Wisely choosing the singer/songwriter route, he released his debut album, "Message for Albert," in 1997 and followed up with the album that established him as a force in the industry, 2000's "America Town" and what became a sort of anthem in the wake of 9/11 -- "Superman (It's Not Easy)." He confirmed that success three years later with "The Battle of Everything" and the chart-topping single, "100 Years." Since then, philanthropy has been an increasing part of his activities, most notably with his "CD for the Troops" project, and he's also dabbled in sports writing and public speaking. Though he's scaled back his touring in recent years, music is still his first love, and as the lyrical spectrum of "Bookmarks" shows, the yearning for connection is still there.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Rating: 4 out of 5 Great Show Minus the Politics
by M. L. on 9/21/24I’ve seen John with a symphony orchestra, his rock band, and his string quartet. The quartet one was shorter than I’d hoped, only 90 minutes, but the others were more like 1 hour and 50 minutes, which seems about right. John’s voice is still pretty good as he approaches 60, and he surrounds himself with a great supporting cast. John’s more of a singer-songwriter than a pop artist, so there is a lot of talking. The good news is he’s funny and has good rapport with his crowds. The bad news is that some of it was about political issues at the last two shows I saw (Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Israel). That isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea, especially if you’re more left-leaning. If you can stomach 2-3 political songs, though, the other 10-12 songs are well worth it for any FFF fan. He’ll play the hits and throw in a handful of obscure fan favorites too.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Great!
by Cathy on 8/16/24Lincoln Theatre - Washingtongreat performance. he was great but i wished he talked less lol...
Rating: 5 out of 5 Best show I can remember!
by Snoil54 on 8/13/24Saint Andrew's Hall - DetroitJO - Five for Fighting was one of my favorite shows I can remember. Sound was awesome and music was fantastic! What a great venue!
Rating: 3 out of 5 Weird pro-genocide rant mid-concert
by Brian on 8/12/24House of Blues Cleveland - ClevelandThe music was decent, but the lead signer had a strange 10-minute speech in the middle of the concert talking about why he couldn't understand why people are condemning Israel's ongoing genocide. It totally killed the mood and lost a bunch of people. Very strange.
Rating: 3 out of 5 Politics
by Gato on 8/12/24House of Blues Cleveland - ClevelandU2 was political, CCR was political in their songs. That’s fine. We didn’t enjoy the lengthy prelude to the songs - the political speeches. It felt a bit heavy handed. We know the world is in turmoil. We appreciate that F4F cares, but it just felt so heavy….
Rating: 4 out of 5 House of Blues in Cleveland is always fun!
by Megs on 8/12/24House of Blues Cleveland - ClevelandKevin McCarthy was the opening act, and he was outstanding. I will be keeping an eye out for his next performance.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Perfect match to his recordings.
by Dgleft on 8/12/24House of Blues Cleveland - ClevelandSuch a great easy live show. Even songs that were weren’t familiar were brilliantly sung. Really excellent musician and better story teller .
Rating: 5 out of 5 Excellent Evening
by Krissy on 4/4/24Uptown Theater Minneapolis - MinneapolisWe enjoyed the Marquee Lounge and got to sit in box seats. Great drinks. Nice venue. Amazing performance.
Rating: 5 out of 5 I've loved Five for Fighting since the 1st time
by MusicJunkie on 4/1/24Uptown Theater Minneapolis - MinneapolisI love everything he's done, been to most of the shows in the Twin Cities, except one or two of them. He's awesome and this latest one was close to the best of them all! I have all of his CDs and even the songs that aren't on any CDs. Love Love Love it all!!!