The story of Imagine Dragons and their rise in popularity is an inspiring one. They're a band that put out a 4.5 star album (Night Visions) and toured religiously until it finally caught on. They played small clubs and were on the bottom of lineup posters just three years ago. Now they're one of the biggest bands around, headlining festivals and performing in arenas every night.
I was lucky enough to see Imagine Dragons when they were just getting going. I saw them play The Metro in Chicago (one of my favorite venues) in what ended up being one of the best shows of 2013. I also love Night Visions. It would have been the best album of 2012, if not for Mumford and Sons Babel being released that same month.
So when Imagine Dragons announced their summer tour, I was excited to see a Tampa stop included. I was not happy however, to see the show was at the 18,000 capacity Amalie Arena. This was quite the change from their first show in Tampa at the Ritz Theater with a capacity of 1,100.
I also wasn't as excited as expected for the show because the tour is in support of the groups much anticipated second album - Smoke and Mirrors. The record was put out in February of this year, and I was extremely disappointed. In my opinion, the Las Vegas rockers abandoned their alternative roots and made a poppy record that would just get radio play.
That record was on full display for their Friday night Tampa show. Imagine Dragons performed 12 songs from Smoke & Mirrors, essentially playing the album in full. Now I know this was the 'Smoke & Mirrors Tour,' but how about a nod to the album and the fans that got you to where you are today?
Instead, the guys just gave minimal nods to Night Visions. They played the four most popular songs from it ('It's Time,' 'Radioactive,' 'Demons,' and 'On Top of the World'). They also played one acoustic verse each from 'Nothing Left to Say' and 'Bleeding Out.' It was nothing close to the attention that album deserves and fans were hoping for. I would have loved to have heard just one of the following: 'Hear Me,' 'Amsterdam,' 'Nothing Left to Say,' 'Round and Round,' or 'Selene.'
Instead, I was listening to a poppy album in a half empty arena. That's right, sales were weak for this Friday night show in the music friendly community of Tampa. The floor was only at about half capacity. Maybe the $90 price point for a floor ticket was one reason, but it's never easy to get into the show when the band is playing at a venue much too large for their popularity.
Another negative of the night was the formation and style that the band chose to lay out. Lead singer Dan Reynolds played 80% of the show from an extended part of the stage that ran down the middle of the floor. At times, it seemed like a solo show for him, rather than a full band experience. I couldn't even tell you any highlights from the other contributing members of Imagine Dragons.
Lastly, one of my favorite things from the first three years of touring for ID, was their unique and constant use of rhythmic drums. They used to have drums of all sounds and sizes scattered across the stage. Each member would go to their drum station constantly throughout the set, and the beats and rhythms they came up with were addicting to watch. With the exception of 'Radioactive,' that fun portion of the show has completely disappeared from their live set.
Overall, this show was a disappointment. There was a great band that put out a superb debut back in 2003 entitled 'Songs about Jane.' That band (Maroon 5) went on to release 4 more albums, with each being worse than the album before it. At the same time though, their radio play and recognition in the top 40 community has increased with each release. I think Imagine Dragons might be the next Maroon 5.
CONCERT RATING: 2 Stars
SETLIST:
1. Shots
2. Trouble
3. It's Time
4. Forever Young (Alphaville cover)
5. Smoke and Mirrors
6. Polaroid
7. I'm So Sorry
8. Thief (acoustic)
9. Gold
10. Nothing Left to Say / Bleeding Out / Warriors (acoustic)
11. Demons
12. Hopeless Opus
13. Release
14. On Top of the World
15. Friction
16. I Bet My Life
17. Radioactive
Encore:
18. The Fall
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