Ever since last year’s Veishea 2008 concert lineup was announced, criticism has rained down on Eve 6. However, in the year since that dismal wintry night, students have all but forgotten the other groups who played with them. I ask you, Blessid Union of what? Congress of who? It is ironic Eve 6 was branded “Veishea fail” for their unpopularity when they were the most recognizable act in ’08.

Eve 6 has had three Top 40 hits and charted eight times on the U.S. Modern Rock top 40. Of their three albums, one was certified platinum, and another went gold. The song that most current college students recognize them for — 2001’s “Here’s to the Night” — was not even their biggest hit. That would be 1998’s “Inside Out.”

Ah, 1998. Last year’s freshmen and sophomores — those who can’t go to the bars, and are more likely to attend the concerts — were soundly in elementary school in 1998. In addition, Eve 6 has not released an album since 2003, and had not toured together for more than three years when they were announced to play at Veishea.

One-hit-wonders? No! Has-beens? Unfortunately, yes.

I love Eve 6, but I completely understand how underwhelming they must have been for others. However, Eve 6 is simply the most-visible target, a scapegoat representing the angst students felt toward 2008’s botched wristband policy, poor weather and lack of complementary entertainment. Don’t blame Eve 6 for Veishea 2008’s less-than-successful run. If they had been invited five years sooner, it would have been another story altogether.

Ben Bjork

Senior

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