Five for Fighting brings heart, hits, and humanity to the Big E on September 21
When John Ondrasik — the voice and songwriter behind Five for Fighting — takes the stage at the Big E on September 21, fans can expect more than just a night of nostalgia. With a career spanning more than two decades, Ondrasik continues to balance his catalog of beloved hits like “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” and “100 Years” with new music shaped by the world around him.
“I think as a songwriter, lately world events have really shaped my songs,” he explained. “But what also keeps me invigorated is touring with incredible musicians and playing for audiences every night. At this point in my career, I have the freedom to write whatever I want without deadlines or expectations, and that kind of makes me feel as excited now as I did when I was 15 years old.”
That sense of freedom has allowed Ondrasik to address issues that reach beyond the personal and into the global, from Afghanistan to Ukraine and Israel. Yet, he’s careful to frame those songs as reflections on humanity, not politics. “In my mind, those are moral issues, not political ones. I don’t really think about who’s going to like a song or not. If you don’t get pushback, you’re probably not doing anything significant.”
Of course, for many, Five for Fighting’s songs aren’t just social commentary — they’re deeply personal milestones. “100 Years” and “Superman” have soundtracked graduations, weddings, memorials, and countless moments in between. “I never get tired of playing them,” Ondrasik said. “When you’re blessed to have a couple of songs that really connect, you owe it to the audience to give your all. There’s always someone who will only see you once, and they deserve to hear those songs like it’s the first time.”
That connection is especially strong in the Northeast, where Five for Fighting’s career first gained momentum. “Our first tour was with David Gray, playing Philly, New York, and Boston — and the Northeast has always felt like a second home,” he shared. “Boston especially is full of energy, but Connecticut has always been great, too. So when this gig at the Big E came up, we were excited. Even my wife is coming along, and she doesn’t usually join me on tour — she just wants to see the leaves.”
This year, Ondrasik is balancing two very different live experiences: a summer tour with his full rock band and an upcoming fall run with a string quartet. “They’re very different vibes,” he said. “With the band, we’re pulling out songs like ‘65 Mustang’ and ‘NYC Weather Report.’ With the quartet, it’s more intimate — songs like ‘Devil in the Wishing Well.’ I even love sitting back and watching my musicians shine, whether it’s Pete Thorn shredding on guitar or Katie Kresek playing a violin solo. In a way, I get to be an audience member at my own shows.”
And for the vinyl collectors in the crowd, there’s more good news. Five for Fighting has recently reissued several of its albums on vinyl for the very first time. “We just released America Town, The Battle for Everything, and Two Lights on vinyl, and we’re almost caught up with the whole catalog,” Ondrasik said. “Fans have been really excited about it, and so am I.”
For fans heading to West Springfield this September, Five for Fighting’s show at the Big E won’t just be about revisiting the past. It will be a celebration of music’s power to inspire, connect, and endure.
Click here to purchase tickets.
Connecticut Day at the Big E is September 17, 2025.
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