Ocean’s Calling has always been a festival with a distinct identity: not just a gathering of bands and fans, but a full-on tribute to one band’s enduring legacy. In 2025, that band is O.A.R. (Of A Revolution), and from the moment the first chord rang out on this sun-soaked stage, it was clear that this festival was, in essence, built around them. While Ocean’s Calling may host a variety of acts over the weekend, the heartbeat of the event is unmistakably O.A.R., whose sets are both the lifeblood and the magnet for this loyal fanbase.
This year’s festival was no different. For the opening set, O.A.R. delivered a performance that was pure, unadulterated, and entirely their own. Unlike later sets where friends would join for spontaneous cover jams, this set was O.A.R. in their purest form: unfiltered, heartfelt, and fully committed to their catalog of originals. For longtime fans, it was an evening that felt both familiar and exhilarating, a reminder of why the band has cultivated such a dedicated following over more than two decades.
The set began with “The Element,” a song that immediately set the tone for the evening. It’s a track that balances the band’s signature improvisational tendencies with a structure that’s undeniably accessible. From the first notes, the audience was hooked, moving and singing along, the festival grounds already vibrating with energy. The song embodies what O.A.R. does best: pairing thoughtful lyrics with engaging, melodic instrumentation that invites participation without demanding it. The way the band eased into their groove allowed everyone present to feel like part of a collective experience, an instant connection that’s difficult to manufacture but comes naturally when a band is in its element—pun entirely intended.
Next up was “About Mr. Brown,” one of the band’s more reflective tracks. Here, O.A.R. demonstrated their knack for storytelling through music. The song is a narrative gem, and live it takes on an even more vivid quality. The audience hung on each word, the vocals conveying a sense of sincerity and depth that has become synonymous with O.A.R.’s sound. It was a gentle reminder of why their songwriting resonates: it’s personal, it’s introspective, and it’s delivered with an authenticity that few bands achieve even after decades in the business.
From there, the band shifted gears with “Turn It Up Slow.” The title itself is almost ironic in the festival setting, where the energy was already mounting. Yet, it’s precisely this dynamic contrast that makes O.A.R.’s live shows so compelling. They understand the ebb and flow of a concert, how to pace a setlist so that moments of reflection are interwoven with bursts of energy. By the time “Love and Memories” came around, the crowd was completely absorbed, the song’s narrative of longing and nostalgia hitting hard in the open-air environment. The melodies were rich and resonant, and for those who know the lyrics, the singalong portions were cathartic, a communal release that only a band with a deep connection to its audience can create.
“Black Rock” followed, one of the more upbeat entries in the set. This song has always been a fan favorite, and live it really shines. The band’s instrumentation is tight yet loose, a paradox that works beautifully in a live setting. The guitar riffs, bass lines, and percussion interplay create a textured soundscape that invites both dancing and introspection. By this point, the festival was fully in motion. Fans were swaying, jumping, and raising their hands in unison, a sea of humanity responding to the call of O.A.R.’s music.
“Anyway” and “Hey Girl” continued the momentum. Both tracks highlight O.A.R.’s ability to traverse emotional territory seamlessly. “Anyway” has a reflective, almost meditative quality, while “Hey Girl” brings a warmer, more intimate feel to the stage. The band’s chemistry was evident in every note, every pause, every flourish of guitar or keyboard. The subtle interplay between the members, the way each musician knows when to shine and when to support, is what allows O.A.R. to elevate live performances beyond mere replication of their studio work.
A highlight of the set came with “Shattered (Turn the Car Around).” This song, with its driving rhythm and emotionally charged vocals, became an anthem for the evening. Fans chanted along, caught in the song’s infectious momentum. It’s a perfect example of O.A.R.’s ability to craft songs that feel both personal and communal, a paradox that lies at the core of their enduring appeal. The band navigated this mid-set peak effortlessly, blending technical skill with raw energy to create a performance that felt as spontaneous as it did rehearsed.
From there, the set took a more contemplative turn with “Peace,” a song that slows the pace and allows for introspection. It’s moments like these that define O.A.R.’s live identity: they know how to manipulate energy in a way that keeps the audience engaged without ever feeling pressured. The harmonies were lush, the instrumental textures delicate yet powerful, and the audience responded in kind, swaying gently and singing softly along with the chorus.
The second half of “Delicate Few” provided one of the most emotional peaks of the set. Starting mid-song, O.A.R. delivered the latter portion with a mix of reverence and exuberance. There’s a spiritual quality to this song, a shared sense of memory and experience that resonates in a festival environment where fans have often followed the band for years. The chorus swelled, voices joined, and for a few minutes, the music transcended the stage, becoming a collective celebration of connection and community.
Closing the set was “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker,” an O.A.R. classic that has long served as a show-closer and fan-favorite. There’s an undeniable magic in how this song functions live: it’s expansive, improvisational, and a perfect platform for interaction between the band and audience. By the time the final notes rang out, the crowd was euphoric, exhilarated by the journey they’d just experienced. The song’s intricate instrumental breaks, paired with singalong sections, ensured that the set ended on a high note that left everyone anticipating the next O.A.R. performance of the weekend.
What makes this Ocean’s Calling set so special isn’t just the songs themselves; it’s the context in which they were played. This was the first of three sets for O.A.R. at the festival, and it served as a pure distillation of the band’s identity. No covers, no guest appearances—just O.A.R. doing what they do best: performing their own songs with heart, precision, and soul. For fans, this set was a chance to reconnect with the music that first drew them to the band, a reminder of why O.A.R. has cultivated such enduring loyalty over the years.
The festival itself reinforces this connection. Ocean’s Calling is designed not as a multi-genre jamboree but as an immersive celebration of a single band’s legacy. Other acts may fill the lineup, but O.A.R. is the gravitational center. Fans come not just for the music, but for the experience of being part of a living community that shares history, stories, and memories centered around the band. There’s a warmth and intimacy to the festival, despite its size, that is rare in the modern festival landscape. The band and audience interact in a way that feels organic, almost familial, and the energy reciprocates back and forth in waves.
What stands out about O.A.R.’s live performance is their ability to balance consistency with spontaneity. While fans know they’ll hear favorites like “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker” or “Delicate Few,” there’s always an element of unpredictability. A guitar riff might be extended, a vocal ad-lib might appear, or a rhythmic transition might morph into a jam. These small moments are magnified in a festival setting, where the collective energy of thousands of fans feeds directly into the performance. At Ocean’s Calling, these dynamics are heightened because the audience is deeply invested. They know the songs, they know the stories, and they know the moments when the band might diverge from the familiar path.
Another element worth noting is the physical and emotional stagecraft. O.A.R. understands how to use space, dynamics, and pacing to maintain engagement across a set that runs over an hour. They build crescendos and allow moments of reflection, creating a narrative arc that mirrors the emotional trajectory of a single, cohesive story. Each song functions both independently and as a chapter within the larger set, a structure that rewards attentive listening and deepens the impact for dedicated fans.
The setlist itself reflects a careful curation of the band’s catalog, balancing older fan favorites with tracks that showcase their continued evolution. Songs like “Black Rock” and “Shattered (Turn the Car Around)” nod to the past while demonstrating the band’s ongoing creative vitality. Tracks like “Turn It Up Slow” and “Love and Memories” highlight lyrical and musical sophistication, offering moments of introspection amidst the festival’s high energy. The pacing is deliberate, with slower, reflective songs interspersed between upbeat numbers to create a dynamic experience that never feels monotonous.
Looking ahead, the rest of Ocean’s Calling promises to expand upon the themes established in this opening set. O.A.R.’s later performances will feature collaborations with friends and peers, incorporating covers that pay homage to the music that has influenced them while adding new dimensions to the festival experience. But this opening set, stripped down and unadorned, serves as a masterclass in what makes O.A.R. a beloved live act: they can command a stage without gimmicks, fill a festival grounds with joy and connection, and deliver a set that is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant.
In conclusion, O.A.R.’s 2025 Ocean’s Calling set was more than just a performance; it was a statement of identity, a celebration of a career, and a gift to fans old and new. From “The Element” to “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker,” the band navigated a complex emotional landscape with grace, precision, and exuberance. They reminded us why Ocean’s Calling is not just a festival, but a pilgrimage for anyone who has ever found meaning, joy, or solace in their music.
For those in attendance, the set reinforced something that longtime fans have known for years: O.A.R. isn’t just a band—they’re a community, a shared history, and a continuing story that you’re invited to be part of every time they take the stage. And at Ocean’s Calling 2025, they delivered that story beautifully, with every note, every lyric, and every beat resonating across the crowd like a chorus of gratitude, celebration, and unshakeable devotion.
Setlist – O.A.R. at Ocean’s Calling 2025
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The Element
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About Mr. Brown
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Turn It Up Slow
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Love and Memories
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Black Rock
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Anyway
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Hey Girl
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Shattered (Turn the Car Around)
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Peace
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Delicate Few (2nd half only)
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That Was a Crazy Game of Poker