By William Schexnayder
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

The 11-year-old alternative rock group known as LIVE rocked a packed house Sept. 22 at the Verizon Wireless Theater.

The group played a collection of hits from their last five albums, four of which have achieved platinum or multi-platinum status in the United States. Their 1994 album entitled "Throwing Copper" sold more than 12 million copies worldwide.

Having recently completed a world tour that included stops in Australia, Brazil, Canada, New Zealand and Europe, the group is showing no signs of slowing down during their 2002 U.S. tour.

Over the years, band members Edward Kowalczyk (vocals and guitar), Chad Taylor (lead guitar), Patrick Dahlheimer (bass), and Chad Gracey (drums) have evolved the sound of their music, yet have retained their distinct flavor fashioned by early albums. Fans familiar with the 1991 platinum album "Mental Jewelry" would likely recognize newer songs currently receiving radio play.

"I have seen this group in concert twice before and they always have a great show," said Glen Holt, audience member. "They get better every time they go on tour."

LIVE opened the 17-song set with Simple Creed, the first track off the groups 2001 album "V." Songs from the group's extensive collection were interwoven with slight variations from their original form, showing that the band is always willing to experiment with their winning formula.

Kowalczyk thundered through past number one hits including Lakini's Juice, Selling the Drama, The Dolphin's Cry and All Over You with incredible energy and enthusiasm. At one point, during All Over You, Kowalczyk turned his microphone toward the audience and invited the hundreds of fans singing along with the song to become part of the performance.

During the emotional ballad Lightening Crashes, the audience fell nearly silent. The song is dedicated to a close friend of Kowalczyk, Barbara Lewis, who died at the young age of 20 while in childbirth. The song encompasses both the emotions experienced by the band after her untimely death and also celebrates the cycle of life. Taylor's mastery of the guitar complimented the emotionally powerful delivery of Kowalczyk's lyrics perfectly.

Societies' need for understanding and tolerance among different people of the world seems to be the message LIVE wants to spread with their music.

Kowalczyk repeatedly turned his back to the audience during the classic song They Stood Up for Love to display the words "Life, Nature, Love" written on his shirt.

LIVE finished their performance by dedicating their 2001 hit song Overcome to U.S. military forces all over the world. As he sang "even now, the world is bleedin' but feelin' just fine, all numb in our castle" tears came to the eyes of many in the audience as Kowalczyk's voice, accompanied by the warm melody of the keyboard, provided a fitting and emotional close to a great performance by one of the most influential music groups of alternative rock.

Upon finishing the current U.S. tour, LIVE plans to work on their next album.

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