Incubus Ignites The Stone Pony: A Night of Unforgettable Music

Incubus, Badflower & Paris Jackson Bring The Summer Vibes To The Jersey Shore

Summer concert season is winding down, and we’re not happy about it but boy has it been a good one. The last few years have been quite the whirlwind but one thing is for sure, Summer 2023 was a special one for music tours. While we are winding down, it’s not quite over yet and it was time for one of our most anticipated summer tours to storm the beach in Asbury Park, NJ.

Incubus joined by Badflower and Paris Jackson took over the legendary Stone Pony Summerstage Tuesday night. Fans lined up early to catch Paris Jackson who went on around 6 pm. As the sun began setting, the music began.

If the name Paris Jackson sounds familiar to you, it probably is. Paris who is the daughter of Pop music Icon Michael Jackson is also quite musically inclined. Paris herself is more of a rocker, one of my favorite things to see, she isn’t using her father’s name to get ahead in the industry he towered over for decades. 

Instead, Paris is carving her own path and putting in the work from the very beginning. Joined by a full band, Jackson takes to her mic stand belting out song after song. Like her father, she is a great songwriter, her live set is mostly a collection of originals like her tracks “Lighthouse” and “Hit Your Knees”, while throwing in a few covers of her favorite bands Blind Melon’s “No Rain” and “My Friends Marcus” by Manchester Orchestra.

Paris, who both sings and plays guitar during the set, delivers something that hits the nostalgia nerve, in a good way that is. Her music feels 90s, bringing a sort of dangerous side that’s been missing from music in the past few years. I would most definitely say she’s one to watch, as she has the “it” factor necessary to create her own legacy in the music industry. 

As the sun dipped low on a breezy evening, the legendary Stone Pony Summer Stage in New Jersey came alive with an electric energy that only a rock concert in Asbury Park could muster. The anticipation in the air was palpable as fans waited for Badflower to hit the stage.

Badflower burst onto the rock scene in 2019 with their breakout album titled OK, I’M SICK. Fans of rock and grunge were hooked by the refreshing choruses and relatable subject matter. Then in 2021, they did it all over again with the follow-up This Is How The World Ends. From the very first note that resonated through the air, it was clear that this night would be one for the books. Badflower took the stage with a raw intensity that instantly connected with the audience. 

The lead vocalist Josh Katz’s gritty yet soulful voice echoed through the open-air venue, drawing us into their world of emotion and raw authenticity. The setlist was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing Badflower’s versatility as they seamlessly navigate between heart-wrenching ballads and high-octane rock anthems. Hits like “Ghost” and “Heroin” left the crowd singing in unison, their voices mixing with the band’s performance in a moment of unity.

The chemistry between the band members was undeniable, their energy radiating from the stage. Basslines throbbed, and the drums reverberated through the air, creating a sonic masterpiece that engulfed us all. The energy was infectious, spreading like wildfire from the stage to every corner of the venue. The fans on the rail screaming the lyrics back at the band. There was an unmatched excitement in the air. 

As the set came to a close, the crowd’s collective voice echoed the chorus of one last song “30”. Cheers and applause filled the air as Badflower bid their farewell. The Stone Pony Summer Stage had been transformed into a haven of music, emotion, and unforgettable moments and the best was yet to come. 

As a die-hard fan, I had been eagerly counting down the days to this moment, and when the time finally arrived, it exceeded every expectation. Of course, I’m talking about Incubus’s return to the Jersey Shore which if my calculations are correct is the band’s first time back in Asbury Park since they headlined Sea.Hear.Now Festival back in 2017 which we had the pleasure of covering. 

The atmosphere was electric even before the first chord resonated through the air. As Incubus took the stage, a wave of excitement swept over the crowd, and a sea of raised hands and cheers greeted the band. From the very first note, it was clear that this was no ordinary concert,  it was a journey into the heart and soul of their music. It was also great to see them joined by a new face on stage, none other than bassist Nicole Row who you may know from her time in a little band called Panic At The Disco.

Lead vocalist Brandon Boyd‘s voice was a mesmerizing instrument, effortlessly shifting from hauntingly melodic to powerfully raw. The band’s seamless fusion of rock, funk, and alternative elements created a sonic structure that drew us in and refused to let go. Hits like “Drive,” “Wish You Were Here,” and “Anna Molly” resonated with the audience, taking us on a nostalgic trip down memory lane while simultaneously giving us a renewed sense of energy.

 The band members were undeniably having the time of their lives, each instrument harmonizing with the others in perfect synchrony and telling its own musical story. The rhythm section held the heartbeat of the performance steady and strong. The stage itself seemed to come alive, bathed in an enchanting light show that danced in harmony with the music and the members appearing on a colorful screen in the back of the stage.

One of the pleasant and totally welcomed parts of the setlist was the Beatles’ Cover of “Come Together” which was beautifully done. Incubus shows are just different, they always have been. Incubus shows on a beach or near the water are just unexplainably next level though. The show carries a completely different vibe than seeing it in a venue. I’ll always recommend going out of your way to catch an Incubus show and I know my fellow staffers at Shutter 16 would agree.

 

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