Bronson Arroyo pitched in the major leagues for 17 years, winning a World Series title in 2004 with the Boston Red Sox. Obviously, baseball has always been a big part of his life. And so has music. Arroyo, who grew up in the greater Tampa area is also a guitar player, singer, and songwriter. He released his first album, Covering The Bases, in 2005. It features covers of Foo Fighters, Stone Temple Pilots, and Pearl Jam – who is listed here as one of Arroyo’s favorite Tampa concert experiences.
Just like taking the mound, Arroyo has also taken to a few stages. He’s rocked with Pearl Jam and he’s jammed with Eddie Vedder at the singer’s solo concerts. He’s also performed regularly at benefit concerts such as Boston’s Hot Stove Cool Music. In fact, Arroyo’s first time performing live was at the Hot Stove Cool Music benefit in 2012. Legendary baseball analyst, Peter Gammons, suggested Arroyo play a song. So he did, performing a cover of Pearl Jam’s “Black.”
Two weeks ago, Arroyo played with his band the ’04 at the Innings Festival in Tampa. This was the second year this unique festival occurred in Tampa. It’s a unique mash-up of mainstream live music and professional baseball.
In addition, Arroyo just released his new record Some Might Say on February 17. This a collection of 10 original songs, some of which were played live at Innings Fest for the firs time.
He’s also a big music fan. The 2023 baseball season is finally here. So, it felt like the perfect time to reconnect with the legend. We spoke with him about his three favorite Tampa concert experiences.
Red Hot Chili Peppers, January 28, 2007 - St. Pete Times Forum
The Red Hot Chili Peppers took their Stadium Arcadium tour to stadiums all around the world. Though this tour lasted almost two years, this was the only stop in the Tampa region. The show consisted of a 20-song setlist (5 Stadium Arcadium tracks), bookended by a Flea, John Fruciante, Chad Smith jam. Red Hot Chili Peppers first Tampa show was back in 1986 at the London Victory Club.
RHCP 2007
The Lumineers, USF Sundome - October 19, 2013
The Lumineers’ first official world tour in support of their debut record comes to the University of South Florida campus. They closed with a cover of “Sweet Virginia” by the Rolling Stones. The Lumineers have only played Tampa proper three times, twice since then (2017, 2022). This Saturday night show was the second to last stop on their U.S. 2013 run. The band did not return to Florida until 2017.
The Lumineers 2013
Pearl Jam, Amalie Arena - April 11, 2016
The home of the Tampa Bay Lightning is also the home to one of Bronson Arroyo’s favorite Tampa concert nights. Pearl Jam started their 2016 tour in South Florida, with show number three in Tampa (formerly named the St. Pete Times Forum). How about a 32 song setlist with two encores that included John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix covers. In total, songs from 10 different Pearl Jam records were performed. R.E.M.’s “It Happened Today” served as the band’s walk up to the plate music. This was the band’s most recent Tampa area show.
