Sixpence None The Richer delivered an unforgettable performance during their Dec. 14 concert at the Constellation in Santa Ana, leaving fans across generations spellbound. Their music, which defined an era, continues to evoke a sense of nostalgia while bridging the gap between the old and the new.
I first discovered Sixpence None The Richer in my 20s, falling in love with their timeless hit “Kiss Me,” which was prominently featured in the movie She’s All That. The song became an anthem of the 90s, alongside their other hits like “Breathe Your Name” and their iconic covers of “Don’t Dream It’s Over” and “There She Goes.” These tracks, though distinct from the grunge rock genre that dominated the decade, carved out their lasting legacy.
The band’s 50-date “We Are Love Tour” strikes a perfect nostalgic chord, reminding fans of simpler, cherished moments in life. Having interviewed the band over the phone in October, I was eagerly anticipating this night, not just for the music but also for the opportunity to meet them in person.
When I finally got to chat with the band members in the green room, they were incredibly personable and engaging. For about 15 minutes, I spoke with Matt Slocum, Leigh Nash, Dale Baker, Justin Oscar Cary (JOC), and the rest of the group. It was a surreal experience and the perfect prelude to an epic evening.
The audience that night was an interesting mix of millennials, Gen Xers, and surprisingly, many teens. Curious about how the younger crowd knew the lyrics, I asked a few teens, who told me they’d heard the music from their parents and quickly became fans themselves. It was heartwarming to see them singing along even to tracks from the band’s new EP.
As the 49th stop of their 50-show tour, the energy at the Constellation was electric. When Leigh Nash stepped on stage, the crowd erupted into cheers. After the opening song, Leigh shared a bit of the band’s history: “We are a Texas-based band, and we started in 1993. We made a lot of connections here for many reasons. There were churches out here, and we have some history in this area. I can feel it in this room. We got to know a lot of bands from Orange County and this area in general. It’s really cool to be here.”
Leigh also reflected on the tour’s demanding schedule, saying, “We started this tour knowing we had 50 dates within 60 days. At first, I thought there was no way we could do it. Every night, I’d wonder, what if nobody shows up? But every night has been amazing,” she said, adding that the Santa Ana show was sold out.
The concert featured a perfect blend of new music and classic hits. Leigh remarked, “We just put out an EP before we left for this tour. It’s called Rosemary Hill. We’re so thankful and excited to have new music out after all these years. We’re doing really cool stuff, and we don’t intend to stop.”
Leigh’s voice remains as enchanting as ever, showcasing her range and confidence. Her stage presence was captivating as she shared stories and connected with the crowd. The band members were equally impressive, delivering a flawless performance that had the audience singing along to both old favorites and new tracks.
When the band played “Kiss Me,” the atmosphere turned magical, with the crowd erupting into cheers. After “Kiss Me” the crowd shouted “One more time!” “Breathe Your Name” was another highlight for me; Leigh’s voice sounded even more beautiful and powerful than I remembered.
Towards the end of the concert, Leigh expressed her gratitude: “It’s been such a fun tour. I can even say no awkward moments, no fights—it really has been just full of joy.” Her heartfelt words resonated with everyone in the room, adding a warm and personal touch to the evening.
After the concert, my friends and I couldn’t stop singing “Breathe Your Name.” The band’s music continues to resonate deeply, proving that their tracks, both old and new, have the power to connect with audiences across generations. The Santa Ana show was not just a concert—it was an emotional journey that reminded us of the enduring magic of Sixpence None The Richer.
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