Gwen Stefani / Eve @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheater, Maryland Heights, MO

Words and photos by Duane Clawson

Describing Gwen Stefani as just a girl would be quite an understatement with total record sales in the millions, Grammy awards, sitting on the panel of The Voice, and a mother, she is far from just an average girl! St. Louis was fortunate enough to be a stop on Stefani’s “This is What the Truth Feels Like” tour. And MTC MAG was more than happy to attend and review this great show at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater!

Opening for Stefani was former recording partner, Eve. The first lady of the Ruff Ryders and part-time actress brought a small troupe of energetic dancers and DJ along for her first tour since 2014. Not lacking in rapping or dancing skills, Eve put together a set that served its purpose in warming up the audience for Stefani.

Gwen Stefani wasted no time introducing St. Louis to her new music, as she opened her show with, “Red Flag” from her latest release, This is What the Truth Feels Like. With superstar swagger, Stefani moved about the stage in her red plaid outfit, with strategically placed fishnet. Her bouncing blonde-dipped, ponytail swayed along as she covered a good mix of No Doubt classics including, “Hella Good” and “Underneath it All”.

Stefani’s group of background dancers filled the amphitheater stage, admirably toiling through their routines on this muggy, mid-August night. The star of The Voice was slow to interact with the small er crowd of an estimated 7000 or so, but when she did, she did it big. Spotting a young girl in the audience wearing a Gwen t-shit, Stefani had her escorted to the stage where she took a couple selfies with the girl, captioned the pic, and posted to Instagram as “My St. Louis Homie”. No Doubt, a memory was made (pun intended).

Some midset highlights included Eve joining Stefani and her tight, backing band for “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” and “Rich Girl”. After a few more costume changes, the 46-year old songstress hit her mark with No Doubt’s, “Don’t Speak” and her mega-hit, “Hollaback Girl”. A three-song encore followed to include, “Just A Girl”.

Earlier in the evening the singer said she was “trying to build memories and tonight should be a memorable night. St. Louis, are you with me?” At the end of the day, the answer to this question was a resounding yes! Thanks to Gwen Stefani’s management for allowing MTC MAG to cover this monumental show. And as always, thanks to Live Nation and Hollywood Casino Amphitheater for taking great care of me! Photos of the show are below:

Eve