Witnessed something very special last night - the closing night of Candlebox's farewell tour, as members of 3 Doors Down and the crew joined them on-stage to bid Kevin Martin and Candlebox a fitting farewell!! And he chose a very special song for the occasion too, the 1993 superhit from their quadruple platinum blockbuster debut album, which he wrote in memory of Andrew Wood, his friend and the lead singer of Seattle supergroup Mother Love Bone, who died from a heroin overdose in 1990....and he took the opportunity to also pay tribute to the other great voices to come out of the 90s grunge movement - Chris Cornell, Kurt Cobain, Layne Staley, Scott Weiland and Mark Lanegan....all of whom are now gone....which makes it extra special!!
The story is, Kevin Martin, the sole remaining member, leader, songwriter and composer of the original Candlebox, is retiring from music to spend more time with his wife and kids.....but at age 54 only, with the kind of voice he still has (case in point, check out his incredible 17 seconds howl from 5:25 - 5:42 in this clip)...that doesn't make sense!!
In my opinion, he is among the top 3 voices to come out of the 90s, along with Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder.....and I definitely hope to see more of him (in fact, much much more), whether it be with a reunited Candlebox or one of his other ventures - The Gracious Few, Hiwatts or some other project!! Keeping my fingers crossed!! Until then, enjoy this very very special piece!!