311 rolled into town with their Unity Tour on Sunday evening and brought some friends with Awolnation and Neon Trees opening the show. The bands performed at the Seminole Hard Rock Event Center in Tampa, FL, and are once again proving that they’re not just surviving but thriving as they have been for three decades. The crowd? A delightful mix of parents with their kids all adorned in 311 merch, die-hards that lined up early to get a front row spot on the rail, and some high rollers that won big gambling at the tables before the show. 311 has an eclectic sound of rock, reggae, and rap vibes that draws from several influences that can’t be pinned into just one genre – they do it all. So it makes sense that they teamed up to tour this summer with the likes of Awolnation and Neon Trees.
The Seminole Hard Rock Event Center in Tampa, FL, served as the perfect backdrop for 311’s Unity Tour with an intimate experience that felt more like a private party than a concert. With a capacity of just 1,500 fans, the venue managed to create an atmosphere where every attendee felt like they were part of the band’s inner circle. The acoustics were nothing short of spectacular, with the sound system delivering each note with crystal clarity, allowing the positive vibes and pulsating bass lines to resonate through the crowd without overwhelming the senses. This smaller setting not only enhanced the connection between the band and the audience but also made the event feel exclusive as if 311 had curated a special evening just for their most dedicated followers.
With the hot and humid Tampa summers, outdoor concerts can be unpredictable with weather patterns and surging temperatures. So we welcomed a change of pace with dining, gaming, and the live show in air conditioning at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino and Event Center. We played a few rounds of roulette and blackjack before the show and decided to dine at “Rise”, which is one of the many restaurants located within the casino. It was the perfect “pre-game” before the concert, and made for quite a memorable night! They have some big shows coming up with everyone from pop stars John Legend and Meghan Trainor to country music all-stars like Carly Pearce, Parmalee, and Randy Houser. View the full schedule of shows coming up on their official site!
Neon Trees kicked things off with frontman Tyler Glenn’s dynamic stage presence that could make even the most stoic security guard tap their foot. They kicked off with “Losing My Head” followed by the new single “El Diablo” for their upcoming album release of “Sink Your Teeth” which is coming out September 20th. Their breakout hits “Animal” and the anthemic “Everybody Talks” had the crowd engaged and singing along. Neon Trees teased us with new tracks from their upcoming album and even added an interpolation of 3EB’s “Semi-Charmed Life” during the set closer, “Bad Dreams”. They had a shorter set of about 30 minutes but took advantage of every second on stage.
Next up, Awolnation, the frenzy before the feast with Aaron Bruno bouncing around like a pinball in a machine that’s just been given a good shake. Since 2009, they’ve mixed rock, electronic, and alternative vibes, creating a live experience that’s not only a concert, but also a sonic adventure. Bruno’s stage charisma is magnetic, blending raw energy with calculated flair, pulling you into his musical realm. “Soul Wars” started their set along with “Kill Your Heroes” which are both from their debut release “Megalithic Symphony”. His energy was infectious and the crowd responded by fist pumping and even a few crowd surfers!
Their set of 10 songs ran the gamut of soundscapes, from the crowd jumping to “Hollow Moon (Bad Wolf)” to the reflective “Handyman,” showing off their sound’s evolution over the years. Awolnation is releasing their 6th studio album “The Phantom Five” on August 30th with the band performing the new single “Panoramic View”. They also surprised fans with a cover of Blur’s “Song 2” for good measure, because what’s a concert without a good “woo-hoo”? “Sail” was the climax of the show, leaving everyone feeling like they’d just been on a musical voyage. Pre-order the new record and get tour dates here.
After a quick break, it was time for the headlining set from Omaha, Nebraska’s 311. The lights went down, and the crowd roared with excitement and anticipation. Lead guitarist Tim Mahoney started the opening lick to the iconic “Beautiful Disaster” and we were off to the races. One of the aspects that keeps 311 fans coming back for more are the setlist surprises. They mix in deep cuts along with hit songs, ensuring every 311 show will be a unique experience. We met a die hard fan in attendance that had gone to close to 270 311 shows! He’s touring with the band and has been to every 311 Day Festival and cruise since they started which is a testament to the power of 311’s live show and impactful music. They danced through their hits like “Freeze Time” and “Sunset in July,” making you wish every day could be a 311 day. 311 also played their latest single “You’re Gonna Get It” and it’s a sneak peek into what’s next with new music coming soon.
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When 311 cranks up “Applied Science” live, you’re in for a treat and it never gets old! It’s like watching a drum-off at a family reunion where everyone’s a professional. The song morphs into a drum solo by Chad Sexton. And he’s not just playing drums; he’s having a conversation with them. Then, as if summoned by the beat, the rest of the gang—Nick Hexum, SA Martinez, Tim Mahoney, and the one and only P-Nut—waltz in with their own percussive toys. It’s like watching a percussion parade, but instead of floats, they’ve got tambourines, congas, and whatever else they could find in the rhythm section of a music store. It’s a drum circle with rockstar vibes. They’re not just playing; they’re syncing up like they’ve got some kind of telepathic drummer’s union. It’s not just a song; it’s an event, a celebration of rhythm, and a testament to why 311’s live shows are the stuff of legends. To close out the show, the encore was an old school 311 fans dream with the set ending on “Omaha Stylee” and “Down”.
This tour isn’t just about music; it’s a celebration of 311’s enduring legacy, where fans of all ages come together in unity (get it?). If you missed it, check their socials for more dates on the Unity Tour and gear up for the legendary 311 cruise to the Bahamas! 311 isn’t just playing music; they’ve fostered a unique relationship with their fans, spreading positive vibes, and playing the long game in the rock world. And trust me, they’re winning. Check out the full setlist and the music video for “You’re Gunna Get It” below!
CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL 311 WEBSITE
311 Setlist – Tampa, FL
Beautiful Disaster
Do You Right
Sunset in July
Jackpot
Come Original
8:16 A.M.
Freeze Time
All Mixed Up
Bass Solo
What Was I Thinking
I’ll Be Here Awhile
You’re Gonna Get It
Don’t Tread on Me
Applied Science (with drum solo)
Don’t Stay Home
Random
Amber
You Wouldn’t Believe
Creatures (for a While)
Encore:
Omaha Stylee
Down
