RALEIGH — When 311’s self-titled third record, known simply to devotees of the Nebraska outfit as “The Blue Album,” dropped, the timing was perfect. In 1995, MTV, FM radio and a blossoming internet wielded the most power and influence over an entire generation. While “grunge” bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam had gifted suburbanite teens license to be mopey and angry, emerging onto the mainstream, the likes of Sublime and 311 offered a streetwise skater ethos that melded punk rock, rap and occasionally reggae. A new generation of fans were taken by 311’s breakout hits “All Mixed Up” and “Down,” both of which dominated MTV.
Thirty years later, Nick Hexum (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards), Aaron “P-Nut” Wills (bass), Chad Sexton (drums), Tim Mahoney (lead guitar), and Doug “SA” Martinez (lead vocals, turntables)—have kept millions of devoted fans, often referred to as “311 Nation,” while attracting younger audiences.
311’s return to Raleigh’s Red Hat Amphitheater last Wednesday proved to the letter that the quintet hasn’t slowed down or missed a beat. Sweltering heat and torrential downpouring early in the day forecasted either a cancellation or a miserable night; still, a diverse crowd spanning Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z showed up in droves. Fortunately, for all in attendance, the clouds parted, the sun came out, and with the cooled weather, 311 hit the stage and gave the people what they’ve come to expect year after year: a high-octane, visually stunning performance.
While the set was packed with fan favorites, including “Beautiful Disaster,” “Come Original,” “All Mixed Up” and “Amber,” tracks from 311’s latest record Full Bloom — whose title track has surged into the top 20 on the alternative charts — also stood out. Fusing alt-rock, reggae, rap-rock and funk, 311’s alluring sound and style are all their own. The enthusiasm between the band members and fans was contagious. Picture a jumping Nick Hexum thrashing his hair while playing guitar and sharing vocal duties with DJ Doug “S.A.” Martinez. The raw enthusiasm in their performance translated into their music, giving every song an irrefutable stamp of energy.
The Omaha, Neb., band — which began making music together in 1988 — turned its stop in Raleigh into a celebration of 311’s enduring legacy and its ability to unite fans across generations through the power of music.
For those who showed up, it was a night that proved 311’s staying power — and why they still matter after all these years.
