Alternative rock band Neon Trees hit the Agora Stage Sept. 29 with incredible talent and energetic beats, playing ten of their most popular songs for an hour-long show.
As a fairly new group with an incredibly strong following, an estimated 200 students were in attendance in front of the stage, with many students stopping by in between classes to hear the roaring musicians at the free show.
The synth-pop band displayed great magnetism and charisma on stage, confidently entertaining the crowd and appealing to their college fan base.
Their music was infused with slamming drums by Elaine Bradley, tough guitars by Chris Allen and Branden Campbell and the amazing growl-like vocals of lead singer Tyler Glenn, as the successful group magnetized the student body and surprised many to see such a popular band play on campus.
“I’ve never been to college in my life,” said lead vocalist Glenn to the crowd. “Thanks for letting me come to class with you.”
The band, who received nationwide exposure when they opened for The Killers’ “Hot Fuss” tour, and whose next stop has them touring with Duran Duran in Las Vegas, said they not only enjoyed the show, but were glad to see the students enjoying themselves as well.

“We like doing college shows,” said Glenn. “It’s a different element for us, but it was definitely fun. I enjoyed it, I really did.”
Bantering about Morissey after the show, and the alluring mysticism of rock and roll, the band commented they are inspired when others are inspired by their music, and their eagerness to entertain their fans was clearly noted throughout their performance.
“It feels good to know we have people out there who wanted to hear us,” said Glenn. “It’s awesome to think that people recognize we’re a good band and we love to play music for people who love music.”
Bassist Campbell, who mentioned in the show he has a “PhD in rock and roll,” expressed afterwards they appreciated students leaving class to see them, and said students should tell their professors to contact him if they need a doctor’s note to be excused from class.
Throughout the show, Glenn was alluring and constantly appreciative, dubbing the day as “Pioneer Day” and tweeting with students who complained about being stuck in class.
CSUEB students as well as those who heard about the event from friends and Facebook crowded the stage, often times breaking out into small “mosh pits,” playfully pushing and slamming into each other to the 80s enthused music.
“We’re extremely excited to be here, and really excited that our daughter Zoe gets to see such an awesome band,” said the Light family, who drove all the way from Roseville, California.
The band started the show with their prom-ballad “Your Surrender,” a passionate romantic song with a U2-styled sound through great drums and an up-tempo bass.
“1983” was played towards the middle of the set, their popular second single dedicated to the year of Glenn’s birth, where he cleverly changed the lyrics to 1993 because of the much younger fans in presence.
Neon Tree›s first hit single «Animal,» which climbed to #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Alternative rock chart after its release, was tactfully played at the end of the show, as Glenn said it was done so because people want to hear what they can recognize.
“Animal” drew in even more fans towards the end, as the distinctive song that has overflowed radios across the country made students realize what a great band they are.
The thrilling band left the crowd wanting more, as their music seemed to energize the student body with their healthy dabs of 80s alternative influences and Glenn’s notorious crowd techniques and iridescent personality.
“Thanks for the support and thanks for the love,” said Glenn. “We had a great time and we’re glad we came out to rock for them.”