The Reunion Fans Prayed For: Third Day's 30th Anniversary Tour

Audio By Carbonatix

Review & Photos by Annette Holloway

Before Third Day’s 30th Anniversary Tour began, it had been more than a decade since the original four members —Mac Powell, Mark Lee, Tai Anderson, and David Carr—had shared a stage together. Yet here they were altogether in Fairfax, Virginia on the last weekend of their reunion tour May 8, 2026 at Eaglebank Arena. 

The journey to this tour was nothing short of miraculous. Mac Powell, lead singer and solo artist, had received a phone call three years ago with an offer to tour again for a reunion. What followed was a scheduling challenge that defied all odds. The other members had established themselves in their individual careers and had to carve out nearly two months from their professional lives, making the logistics of getting everyone back together seem impossible. Not only that, long time keyboardist and backing vocalist Scotty Wilbanks plays for Luke Bryan now. Yet somehow, it happened March 19th through May 10th, 2026. Though a successful headliner himself, Zach Williams chose to open for Third Day because hearing them on the radio first sparked his interest in Christian music.

For a band that had been apart for so long, it’s like they had never taken a break at all. They sounded absolutely amazing, like they all had honed their craft over their years apart. The musicianship was flawless. Powell delivered every note with even more power and feeling that has long defined his voice. Lee's and Morgan’s guitar work was stellar, Anderson's basslines provided the solid foundation, and Carr's drumming drove the songs forward with precision. Wilbanks mastery on keys was stellar, adding layers of sound like a rockstar. The chemistry was undeniable – a testament to their camaraderie and God-given talent.

The production was easily the best light show and best production Third Day had ever mounted. For the first time in their career, they performed a full two-hour set—a feat they'd never attempted before. Their approach was deliberate and focused: all hits, no new Third Day songs, no Mac Powell-only songs. Their goal was clear and profound: leave people encouraged in their faith.

The crowd, a mix of longtime fans who had followed Third Day since the 1990s and younger audience members who grew up with their music, sang along to every word, creating an atmosphere of unity and celebration. The message of faith and hope that had always been central to Third Day's music resonated just as powerfully in 2026 as it had throughout their career.

A special moment happened after the show. Tai Anderson had been gifted a custom cowboy hat from Silverback Rodeo Co. earlier on the tour and was originally going to auction it off for charity. However, there was an enthusiastic fan in a wheelchair at the Fairfax show singing joyfully with every song. This young man encouraged Tai throughout the night and brought him so much joy. The Lord put it on Tai’s heart to give him the hat, and it was a wonderful moment to witness. I happened to be standing nearby and caught photos of this special moment.

Tai wrote on Instagram “… this is what Third Day music is about. Not crowds. Individual moments of connection just like this one. I am so grateful for this young man, who encouraged me far more than he knows. I am grateful for his mom, who has spent a lifetime caring for him with such devotion. I hope this gives you just a fraction of the joy it gave me.” 

At the end of the evening, it was clear this wasn't just a concert—it was a testament to the enduring power of music, faith, fans and friendship. Third Day had returned, not because they needed to, but because they wanted to, and the result was one of the most memorable nights of live Christian music. The 30th Anniversary Tour wasn't just a celebration of thirty years of Christian rock excellence; it was a reminder that some things, like good music and true friendship, only get better with time.

For fans who had waited years to see this lineup again, and for those experiencing Third Day's magic for the first time, the night was everything they could have hoped for and more. The question of whether they would reunite after so many years had been answered definitively: yes, and it was worth every moment of the wait.

If you missed the 30th Anniversary shows, you can catch Third Day on tour with TobyMac and Chris Tomlin Nov 6 – 22, 2026.

Third Day Tour Dates, Tickets, Merch, Music and Social Media: https://linktr.ee/thirddayofc

Follow Annette Holloway Photography: https://linktr.ee/AnnetteHollowayPhotos

Band Members

Mac Powell (lead singer, guitar) 

Mark Lee (guitar) 

Tai Anderson (bass) 

David Carr (drums) 

Scotty Wilbanks (keys) 

Trevor Morgan (guitar) 

Third Day 30th Anniversary Tour Setlist

EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia 5-8-2026

1. Soul on Fire
2. Sing a Song
3. Call My Name
4. Tunnel
5. Show Me Your Glory
6. Your Love Oh Lord
7. I Need a Miracle
8. You Are So Good to Me (Enter the Worship Circle cover)
9. Creed (Rich Mullins cover)
10. Trust in Jesus
11. Cry Out to Jesus
12. I Got a Feeling
13. Consuming Fire
14. Nothing at All (Shortened)
15. Blackbird (Shortened)
16. Take My Life (Shortened)
17. Thief
18. Love Song (Shortened)
19. Born Again
20. Praise Song
21. Mountain of God
22. Saved
23. I've Always Loved You
24. King of Glory
25. Revelation

Encore:

26. Come Together 
27. God of Wonders (City on a Hill cover)
28. Holy Forever (Chris Tomlin cover) (Pre-Chorus and Chorus only)
29. Agnus Dei (Michael W. Smith cover) (Chorus only)