Collective Soul, Centre In The square
Seeing Collective Soul live at Centre in the Square was a memorable trip back to the heart of ’90s and early-2000s rock. From the moment the band struck the first chords, the energy in the room was infectious a mix of longtime fans belting out classics and newer listeners soaking in the experience.
The set drew heavily on their beloved catalogue, delivering hits like “Shine,” “The World I Know,” “Heavy” and “December,” with a solid run of fan-favourites that kept the crowd engaged throughout. Several attendees also noted the band’s willingness to stretch into a longer set, even including rarer or newer material in other shows a treat for die-hards.
Frontman Ed Roland’s vocals still carry that signature grit that defines the band’s sound, though like many bands with decades on stage, there were moments where his voice took on a rougher edge something some fans embraced as character, others noticed compared to studio recordings. Across the set, the band demonstrated tight musicianship, and the rhythm section’s drive gave those anthems a punch that sounded great in Centre In The Square’s acoustics.
Speaking of the venue Centre in the Square lived up to its reputation as one of the region’s best live performance spaces. Comfortable seating, great sightlines from almost anywhere in the house, and attentive staff made attending a rock concert feel like a polished experience (complaints about parking aside). The sound quality was impressive overall, with the room’s acoustics helping the band’s guitars and vocals land clearly, though, as with any large live show, placement in the hall affected how crisp the mix felt for some.
What really stood out was the crowd a mix of ages all united by songs they’ve lived with for years. At “Shine” and “The World I Know,” you could hear nearly every word from the audience, a reminder of how deeply their catalogue resonates. Those shared moments where everyone seemed to sing as one were the highlight of the night.
Collective Soul at Centre in the Square delivered a satisfying blend of nostalgia and rock energy. Whether you came for the hits or to enjoy the live vibe, it was a night marked by strong performances, enthusiastic fans, and the kind of communal singing that only a band with deep roots can inspire.
