*This article is from our September 2025 issue – scroll down to flip through the issue for free or order a print copy here. The article also appeared in All’s Fair in Love & Writing – a blog by Sandy Lo.*
Adam Sandler’s You’re My Best Friend Tour kicked off in Jacksonville on September 5th, and my husband and I—along with thousands of others—were treated to a night of comedy, music, crude but ridiculous jokes that somehow weren’t offensive, and plenty of heart. It honestly felt like hanging out with an old friend. And as a bonus, we got to see some other familiar faces, too.
Opening the show was Joseph Vecsey, who has produced some of Sandler’s films, like Hustle, and recently appeared as a caddy in Happy Gilmore 2. Following Vecsey was, of course, Rob Schneider, whose set had a mix of hits and misses, leaning heavily into humor that appealed to Florida’s Trump-leaning crowd. The last comedian before Sandler came on was Kevin Nealon, who nailed his set and was reminiscent of the kind of comedy you’d see on Johnny Carson.
With the crowd warmed up, Adam Sandler took the stage in a hoodie, khakis, and sneakers, surprisingly not opting for his signature basketball shorts, especially given the Florida heat. Behind him were guitars—hinting that music would be part of the night—and Dan Bulla sat at a keyboard.
The first half of Sandler’s set focused more on stories and anecdotes, gradually transitioning into a more musical direction. Some material was familiar from the 100% Fresh Netflix special, while other bits were brand-new. My husband, who only knew Sandler from movies, and didn’t grow up on his comedy albums like I did, was surprised by how crude some of the act was, but wasn’t offended by it. One story—about Sandler’s daughters, his wife, and his genitalia (or lack thereof, as he emphasized)—was clearly included for shock value, but it didn’t ruin the fun.
One of the night’s biggest highlights was when Sandler picked up a bass guitar and started strumming a familiar beat. Suddenly, Vanilla Ice appeared on stage and launched into “Ice Ice Baby,” with Sandler, Bulla, and a DJ backing him. If that wasn’t wild enough, Kevin James and Michelangelo from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles came out as backup dancers. It was pure entertainment magic.
The rest of Sandler’s set included audience participation. Instead of roasting people’s appearances like some comedians do. He’d shine a flashlight into the crowd and say things like, “Any couples here?” He’d then pick a couple and invent a silly backstory—not to insult them, but to create some playful, voluntary fun. He repeated this with prompts like, “Any middle-aged women here?” or “Is there a redheaded guy out there?” and every time, the humor came from his absurd imagination rather than mean-spirited digs.
To close the show, Sandler performed his tribute songs to Chris Farley and to comedy itself. Hearing those songs live felt like an honor. His love for his friends and mentors is so pure and evident in everything he does. Finally, he ended with a reworked version of “Grow Old With You” from The Wedding Singer, rewritten for his wife, Jackie. All three closing numbers brought tears to my eyes, and I’ll bet I wasn’t the only one.
I waited 30 years to see Adam Sandler live, and he did not disappoint! If you have a chance to see him live, don’t miss it!
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Sandy Lo is an author, blogger, journalist, and digital strategist. Her personal story is inspiring. Sandy started StarShine Magazine, an online publication in 2001, at the age of 18. She wrote her first novel in 2009, “Lost In You,” followed by the “Dream Catchers” Series. She was the first person ever to professionally interview Taylor Swift and has received personal endorsements for her books from members of boy bands Backstreet Boys and 98 Degrees.
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