Third Eye Blind. A reunion with the band that carried me through paralysis, and a night I’ll never forget…

Words & photos by James Crisp (@james_taking_pictures) | Oct 06, 2025

---

Third Eye Blind Islington Assembly HallWhere do I even begin with this one?

Before diving into the show itself, I feel compelled to explain just how deeply personal this band is to me.

I owe far more to Third Eye Blind than words could ever express but words are all I have right now. Years ago, I spent nearly a year in the hospital with full-body paralysis. During that time, my brother brought me a stack of CDs to help pass the endless days, and among them was Third Eye Blind’s self-titled debut album. No exaggeration, I listened to that record 10 to 20 times a day, every single day. It became a lifeline, a source of strength and comfort during one of the hardest periods of my life. That album and the band behind it helped pull me through. So before anything else, thank you, Third Eye Blind.

Now, onto the incredible night at hand.

Taking the stage to thunderous applause at London’s sold-out Islington Assembly Hall, it was immediately clear how much this band means to so many people. You could feel it, the love, the nostalgia, the shared history in the room. This wasn’t just a concert, it was a collective celebration of how much their music has shaped our lives.

With a mighty 21-song setlist, the band wasted absolutely no time. They kicked off the night with 1997’s Thanks a lot, instantly igniting the crowd into a euphoric frenzy and that electric energy never let up for the rest of the show.

The set was a perfect blend of old and new, but given that this was their only full-band UK date, the crowd was treated to plenty of classics. Many came from that iconic debut album I mentioned earlier, Narcolepsy, Graduate, Losing a Whole Year, and Jumper each one met with roaring singalongs. Then came the emotional gut punches: Motorcycle Drive By and the night’s closing song, God of Wine, both of which left more than a few of us fighting back tears.

The show as a whole was flawlessly executed, though that’s hardly surprising from a band who’ve been perfecting their craft for nearly three decades. Even with a few newer faces in the lineup, the chemistry was undeniable. Frontman and bona fide legend Stephan Jenkins sounded every bit as good, if not better, than he did back in 1997. His voice carried the same youthful edge and emotion that defined the band’s early years. You could tell every member on stage was giving it their all, and that dedication didn’t go unnoticed it was felt and appreciated by every single person in the room.

And as for the rest of the set? We were spoiled. Wounded, London, Crystal Baller all absolute gems. And then there was the unexpected highlight, a cheeky, very London-specific chant that had everyone laughing and shouting along. I can’t recall every word, but I’m pretty sure it went something like, “Oi Oi London, fish and chips and shepherd’s pie!” Or something like that.

As the night drew to a close, the band had a few final treasures in store and of course, we all knew what was coming. How’s It Going to Be, Semi-Charmed Life, and finally, the heart-wrenching closer I mentioned earlier, God of Wine. Hearing those songs live, surrounded by people who felt just as deeply as I did, was nothing short of transcendent.

I could go on and on about this show and honestly, part of me wants to, but I’ll end it here. As I type this, I can’t help but smile. I still can’t quite believe I had the chance not only to watch, but to photograph a band that will forever be a literal lifesaver for me. Some nights stay with you forever and this was one of them.

Thank you again Third Eye Blind.