The Queen of Orange County returned to the 714 this past weekend to play the final two shows that Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre will ever see. Gwen Stefani who was born and raised in Fullerton, we couldn’t think of a better performer to say Goodbye to such an iconic venue. Gwen Stefani played the final two shows of her This is What The Truth Feels Like Tour to two sold out crowds.
Fans flooded into the venue to get their seats before Gwen hit the stage. As Gwen took the stage the energy between her and fans was electric.Gwen at one point yelling to the crowd “I’M OBSESSED WITH YOU ORANGE COUNTY”. Fans sang along word for word as Gwen performed several of her hits including Hollaback Girl,Cool, Baby Don’t Lie, Misery, Used to Love You, What Are You Waiting For, Rich Girl and Truth. We all know Gwen spent time in a band called No Doubt for several years and played Irvine Meadows 26 years ago as they opened up for Ziggy Marley. It was a bittersweet ending for Gwen who has played the venue multiple times over the years when she brought her tour The Sweet Escape in 2007.
For everyone who attended this past weekend it is something for the history books to remember. Irvine Meadows was Orange County’s first big venue with 16,000 capacity there is not a bad seat in the entire place. Gwen played several songs from her days in No Doubt including Hella Good, Don’t Speak, Just a Girl and Underneath it All. Gwen did not stop there she even brought out two surprise guests including Blake Shelton on the first night and Eve the final night. Blake and Gwen performed their duet Go Ahead and Break My Heart.Gwen brought out Eve to perform Let Me Blow Ya Mind and the entire venue sang along. Gwen’s final song was non other than the song that launched her solo career The Sweet Escape. It was a bittersweet evening filled with memories and tears. We could not think of anyone who could have sent off Irvine Meadows with such a bang other than Gwen Stefani.
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Photos/Review: Amy Wolff