The rock band Live [ tickets ] typically eschews any outward displays of excitement during its performances, instead unleashing an aggressive nature that's reflective of its music.

But at the 19th annual Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Block Party in Tempe, AZ, it was a whole new ballgame. Singer Ed Kowalczyk cracked a of couple smiles and seemingly got into the holiday spirit for the band's first New Year's Eve performance.

"You havin' a good time, Phoenix, Tempe? Yeah? Us too," he said shortly after midnight.

By watching the band it was clear. Mohawked guitarist Chad Taylor stomped fervently in a circle during "I Alone." Drummer Chad Gracey bounced as he pounded the skins. Patrick Dahlheimer played the bass with cool abandon to Kowalczyk's right.

As for Kowalczyk, he sang "Lighting Crashes" with his eyebrows raised, hands gripping the microphone, as a smile slowly came across his face.

"God bless you. Happy New Year."

The song--along with "Heaven" and "When Dolphins Cry"--was among many during which he led sing-alongs.

"You wanna do some singing?" Kowalczyk said before the crowd sang, "I can feel it comin' back again/like a roll of thunder chasin' the wind/forces pullin' from the center of the earth again/I can feel it."

"Nicely done."

The hourlong concert wasn't without a political statement from Kowalczyk, however.

"Hey kids, put your hands in the air … for peace in the world, and end to world hunger and all the stuff we need in 2004, baby. Everybody, come on."

At midnight, Live took a break from its show to ring in the New Year with a host of loved ones, local celebrities including radio and television personalities, and Tempe Mayor Neil Giuliano. Underneath a cascade of fireworks, Live's first song of 2004 was a rousing rendition of "Heaven," from their latest album, "Birds of Prey."

The nearly 100,000 people who attended the Block Party made it difficult to jockey a good view of the concert, which also featured performances by BTO and Jackyl.

And although the concert was part of the Fiesta Bowl festivities, Kowalczyk admitted in an interview with the local NBC affiliate that he didn't know who was playing the game. (Ohio State and Kansas State for those keeping record.)

"Absolutely not. But I'm in a rock band so I'm really not supposed to mingle with sports. We're supposed to be hardcore to our own. No offense, but I have no idea."