Stick Figure • The Hip Abduction• July 3, 2025 • MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater – Tampa, FL • Photos by Randy Cook — instagram.com/horns_raised
Stick Figure • The Hip Abduction• July 3, 2025 • MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre - Tampa, FL • Photos by Randy Cook — instagram.com/horns_raised
STICK FIGURE LIVE REVIEW
Stick Figure, Stephen Marley & The Hip Abduction | July 3, 2025 | MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater
Review by Spencer Storch
The summer of 2025 heats up with another fantastic lineup coming to the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheater in Tampa. Stick Figure shares the stage with Stephen Marley and The Hip Abduction for a night of top-notch reggae. It’s part of a stacked summer lineup that includes The Offspring on July 12, Big Time Rush on July 13, and Toto, Men At Work, and Christopher Cross on July 19!
MIDFLORIDA Amp is still rockin’ after being damaged by Hurricane Milton in October of last year. They’ve removed the damaged roof, and this convertible concert space is still one of the best in Florida. The extra air movement is a big help for a cooler overall experience—and with little to no rain in the forecast, it should be a great night.
I arrive just as The Hip Abduction takes the stage. Representing the ‘Burg, this Florida-based collective formed over a mutual appreciation for West African and early Jamaican reggae/dub music. Guitarist Justino Walker has on bright red pants and brings amazing energy as they play “We’ll Be Alright.” Drummer Matt Poynter high-sticks and shows off his skills as they set the stage for a great night of reggae music.
They welcome percussionist extraordinaire Will Phillips from Stick Figure to sit in on their 2021 hit song “Garden Grove.” Suddenly they all have little percussion kits, and a drum circle breaks out—accompanied by whistles! David New can sing, play guitar, and drums! The sounds transform into a lively, full-blown jam. These guys are great!
Stephen Marley is next, and he’s ready to go. Continuing the legacy of his father, Bob Marley’s eldest son takes the stage to huge applause. I told you he was ready—but oh wow, so is this crowd! He’s backed by a full band as he stands and sings the reggae anthems we all know and love. “Funky Reggae Party” leads the way, followed by a fun “Stir It Up,” where keys player Llamar Brown drops a nice solo. These Marley fans can’t be contained as they sing out every word of “Is This Love.” Saxophonist Nicholas Laraque takes his turn in the spotlight during “Jammin’” and “Iron Lion Zion.”
The vibes have me so high as they run through hit after hit from Marley’s amazing catalog of unforgettable songs. Guitarist Ranoy Gordon has a great little burst during “I Shot the Sheriff” before my favorite song of the night, “Sun Is Shining.” I like its pops of funky disco—and who doesn’t love a tempo change? It’s also fitting, since the summer rains didn’t hinder the show at all. They finish the stellar set with “Could You Be Loved,” as the crowd sings louder than the band. I can’t say enough about good things about the great Stephen Marley.
Stick Figure takes the stage and everyone is on their feet. Screaming and shouting, Tampa’s ravenous reggae fans are rolling out the red carpet for one of my favorite bands. “Shine” is the first song of the set. Singing while they sway, the crowd and band instantly become one. Keys player Kevin “KBong” Bong doesn’t waste any time hyping the crowd—throwing his arms up and immediately launching a bucket of water into the pit! Whoa!
They ignite the lasers for “Above the Storm” as Cocoa the tour dog patrols the perimeter of the stage carrying his toy. So cute! A few songs later, drummer Kevin Offitzer and percussionist Will Phillips take over with an explosion of drums at the end of “Regal Dub.” Our second moment of drum stuff tonight! Afterwards, Lead singer Scott Woodruff retakes center stage as they spark their hit song “Smokin’ Love.”
The haze descends upon the Tampa Amp as the crowd and band elevate together. Then out of the mist, Stephen Marley joins them onstage for “Natural Mystic” by Bob Marley & The Wailers. It’s so amazing to see these titans of reggae music on one stage together. Stick Figure keeps it going as we move from “Choice Is Yours” into “Time” by Pink Floyd, and even a little “Fire on the Mountain” by the Grateful Dead. This band can do it all!
Next, they play their newest hit, “What a Feeling.” they’re intoxicating. Sound causes me to hallucinate. I can still hear the music, but I’m not in Tampa anymore. Now I’m sitting on the beach at sunset with a drink in my hand. Crispy from an afternoon in the sun with my friends. Getting ready to go inside, clean up, take a nice shower and get ready for an amazing dinner. They have vacation vibes on lock.
It’s here that Woodruff hops the rail and enters the pit to sing the verse in “Easy Runaway.” Posing for multiple selfies and videos while staying perfectly in time with his band is no easy feat—but Scott is so chill it all seems effortless. A few songs later, they welcome their best bud TJ O’Neill to the pool party for the swim-up bars in “Weight of Sound” to finish out an amazing set.
Tampa’s ferocious applause has the power to bring them back to the stage for three more songs! Finally, they play “Paradise” before shooting 20-foot-tall flames onstage during “World on Fire!” Their massive joint, “Fire on the Horizon” wraps up a spiritual and transformative night of reggae music. Such a great show!
My concert cup overflows with heady vibes and afeeling of hope and peace as we head back to the car and home for the night.
