Few bands from the ‘90s hit quite like Bush. Rising out of London’s grunge scene in the mid-90s, they became one of the defining rock acts of their era, with a signature mix of raw emotion, heavy guitars, and Gavin Rossdale’s unmistakable voice.
Their breakout came in 1994 with Sixteen Stone, an album that captured the angst and intensity of the time, riding the wave of grunge dominance alongside bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden. But unlike their American counterparts, Bush infused their music with an unmistakable British edge—moody yet anthemic, aggressive yet poetic.
The album spawned multiple hit singles:
- “Everything Zen” – Their explosive debut single, filled with cryptic lyrics and a driving alt-rock riff.
- “Little Things” – A slow burn that built into a wall of distortion, showcasing their ability to blend melody and aggression.
- “Comedown” – One of their biggest hits, dripping with post-grunge melancholy and heavy guitar work.
- “Machinehead” – A stadium-worthy banger, made for blasting at full volume.
- And, of course… “Glycerine.”
Glycerine: The Song That Won’t Let Go
Unlike the rest of Sixteen Stone, “Glycerine” stripped everything back. No pounding drums, no crashing guitars—just Gavin Rossdale’s aching voice, a haunting, reverb-drenched guitar, and lyrics that felt like a gut punch. The song was a slow, emotional build-up of heartbreak, regret, and longing, standing out as one of Bush’s most iconic tracks.
It wasn’t just a hit—it became one of the defining ballads of the ‘90s, capturing the raw vulnerability that made grunge so powerful. Played on every rock station, featured in movies, and covered by countless artists, it’s the song that even casual fans know by heart.
So when Bush announced their 2023 tour, we knew we had to be there to hear that song—and the rest of their legendary catalog—live. The plan was simple: Boston, August 25th, Leader Bank Pavilion. Rock out, sing along, and finally experience Bush the way they were meant to be heard.
It started as one of those perfect nights. A reunion of old friends, the kind that picks up right where it left off, no matter how much time has passed. Bush in Boston was the excuse, but the night was about more than just the concert—it was about the experience.
We kicked things off with drinks (because, of course), catching up over cold beers and reminiscing about old stories that felt like they happened just yesterday. Boston, in all its late-summer charm, was the perfect backdrop. We wandered the streets, taking in the lively buzz of the city, stopping for some damn good food that hit just right, and walking along the Boston Harbor, where the breeze off the water made everything feel even more alive. Did I mention the drinks?
The anticipation built with every step toward the Leader Bank Pavilion. The night was ours. The plan? Rock out, sing our lungs out, and live in the moment.
That was the plan, anyway.
And then… things got a little hazy.
Let’s just say, our concert experience took an unexpected turn.
One minute, we were on top of the world, drinks in hand, ready for an epic set. The next? **A “rapid unscheduled early dismissal” had us experiencing the show from a slightly different location—**the bar across the street.
Yeah. That happened.
Instead of being in the thick of the crowd, we were outside, listening as “Glycerine” floated through the night air, teasing us with the moment we had waited for—but not quite the way we imagined it.
Not exactly how we planned it. But hey, at least we still heard the song.
The rest of the night? A fever dream of neon lights, some classic Uber confusion, and a triumphant return to a hotel room that, to the best of our knowledge, was actually ours. If you asked any of us exactly how we made it back… well, that’s a mystery lost to the streets of Boston. And honestly? Some things are better left unsolved.
Second Time’s a Charm—Bush at Proctors, May 12
Boston may have had other plans for us that night, but this story isn’t over. We’re getting our redemption.
May 12. Proctors Theatre. Schenectady, NY.
This time, we’re seeing the full show. No early exits, no detours, and no hearing the encore from outside the venue. Just a night of pure, unfiltered rock.
Boston was the warm-up. Schenectady is the main event. And this time, we’re staying for the whole damn thing.
