I’m typically protective of what would be considered spoiler territory, but given that Third Day has advertised this tour as “all the hits,” there’s really not much to spoil from a setlist perspective. And honestly, that’s a good thing.
My family and I were able to attend the April 10 show in Chicago, Illinois, not our typical stomping grounds, but we already had a trip booked and Third Day just happened to be playing. The entrance lines were long and the vibe in the arena was electric. The crowd full of elder millennials were singing along to classic CCM blasting over the speakers. We’re not just talking about the heavy hitters. Of course you’d hear In the Light, but it was counterbalanced with deep cuts like Supertones Strike Back and Bleach’s Super Good Feeling. The tone was set, and we were ready.
Zach Williams opened the night right at 7 PM on the dot, and put on a wonderful show with an incredible band. He’s an arena level artist in his own right, and he absolutely thrived. I know for some of the younger audience members he may have been the draw and everyone was locked in for his set. He could’ve done this show himself, but it felt like a show of respect to be supporting the tour.
Still, I was ready for the main event.
Before the show, we had the chance to say hello to the guys and share how excited we were. Around 8:25, the intro began. The video opener felt very reminiscent of the oasis live 25 reunion. You had a collage of headlines, social posts, and a ripping guitar line building the anticipation. Keep an eye out for some original CCM Magazine covers that I personally scanned for the band earlier this year.
After more than a decade, the original four, Mac Powell, Mark Lee, Tai Anderson, and David Carr, took the stage, joined by longtime touring member Scotty Wilbanks and Trevor Morgan on guitar.
The next two hours was a nonstop bus ride through more than 20 hits, with some fun medleys mixed in, including classics from the first album and even a nod to Rich Mullins with “Creed,” which also appeared on one of my personal favorite worship records, Offerings II.
I’ve seen Third Day many times, and I can say without hesitation they’ve never sounded better, never felt more genuine, and seemed to fully embrace this special moment. No new songs, just familiar classics that get your hands up in worship (“Show Me Your Glory”), get your ’90s rock neck moving (“Consuming Fire”), or bring you to tears (“Cry Out to Jesus”).
My favorite moment of the night came when the band stripped things down for an acoustic set. They worked through some deeper-cut medleys before moving into I Have Always Loved You, which brought the room to a fever pitch emotionally, only to turn right back around and ignite the arena again with Revelation, Come Together, and of course, a galaxy-opening version of God of Wonders.
We’ve also got to give a shoutout to the merch. I spent more than I have on a band in a long time. The “This Ain’t My First Third Day Show” jacket will be in rotation for years.
Without spoiling it, there are physical set design elements that break away from the LED-heavy mold we’ve gotten used to. Incredible work. And the sound was phenomenal, especially for an arena.
Individually, these guys have all been doing their own thing. Mac Powell has been touring solo for years. Tai Anderson has been in real estate and embracing tech, I’ve even seen his AI clone. David Carr has become a talented photographer. Mark Lee has been working in music education. They’re all great on their own.
But when the four of them are on stage together, it’s nothing short of magic. There is also a grit to a real rock ’n’ roll band. Go see Paul McCartney, then go see The Rolling Stones. I’m more of a Beatles guy myself, but live, you feel the difference between incredible studio musicians backing a legend and the chemistry of a true band. Even when it’s imperfect, it somehow makes it better. It’s real music.
Seeing Mac turn to Mark and laugh, watching David reinterpret classic parts, and watching Tai take the reins as an entertainer again, I had forgotten just how much presence he brings. The cowboy returned, attitude and all, but it’s balanced with a humility that only comes from a band that’s lived a full journey and come out the other side still proclaiming the name of Jesus louder than ever.
That may have been the most refreshing part of the night. A band 30 years in that still speaks with real conviction.
My only gripe? Someone yelled for “Conspiracy No. 5.” Mac laughed it off, “you like Conspiracy? Oh, you were the one.” Mac, he wasn’t the only one. There are a lot of us ready for you to embrace that era a bit more. One song from that album would’ve been nice, but when you have dozens of arena-sized hits, it’s hard to complain.
I also loved hearing Mac give credit to Mark Lee’s songwriting, which has shaped so many of the songs people hold onto.
After the show, I texted Mac and told him I hope they take a step back and realize what they’ve done, an over two-hour set of nothing but massive songs, all pointing to one message. Really, the only message that matters.
They may joke about their age, but it doesn’t show. And the thousands of voices singing every word back at them don’t feel it either. These songs are as relevant today as they’ve ever been.
To sum it up: go see this tour.
There are no guarantees this happens again. And even if it does, it won’t be the same as seeing a band come together like this for the first time.
Third Day Cover Story
When the reunion was first announced, we didn’t just cover it, we went all in. Cover story, full shoot, performances, the whole thing.
CCM Magazine Third Day Cover Story
Tour Dates
