One Republic at the Phoenix - Toronto

Last night, Thursday, I went to the Phoenix in Toronto to see One Republic. I gotta tell ya - Ryan Tedder is one brilliant showman. In the 70 minute set - he nailed it!

LIFE 100.3 plays a couple of their songs. They are one of the bands with Christian roots but not recognized by most Christian radio stations. I don't know if you have a problem with that - I don't think every Christian band has the gifting to preach about Jesus from the stage. Just like not every pastor is called to be a worship leader.

The Houston Chronicle interviewed Tedder in 2009

Q: You were raised by an extended family of missionaries and pastors. Has that played into your music?

A: I got offered a Christian record deal. I'm Christian, I grew up in the church. But I'm not going to tour churches. I was raised in Oklahoma. Tulsa's like the buckle of the Bible Belt. I grew up in that environment.

I was in Nashville for two years, (and) I quickly became friends with
probably half a dozen of some of the biggest Christian recording artists. Every
single one of them was absolutely miserable with the fact that they were
"Christian" recording artists. I saw some stuff in Nashville that turned my
stomach.

"Stop and Stare", "Say (All I Need)" are two of the songs you might recognize on LIFE. We did not play "Apologize" because of the key line "It's too late to apologize - it's too late". Some people confuse apologizing with forgiveness - it's never too late for forgiveness, but as life moves forward, I agree, apologizing can expire. Sorry for the preaching.

Ryan Tedder was a fabulous frontman. He wore a fedora, deep v-neck black t and danced around the stage, juggling 3 mics depending on his position on the stage, jamming with the band, talking to the Toronto crowd, making us all feel like we knew each other.

Ryan says One Republic is touring with U2 in October - great gig!

I can't believe, that a band with only two full albums, are this polished!


Best songs: "All The Right Moves", "Stand By Me" (encore), "Stop and Stare".