BY: RICK LANCASTER Sunday October 6th Hatebreed's 30th Anniversary tour rolled through Chicago at The Concord Music Hall. The tour features Opening acts: Crypta, Harms Way and Carcass. The ladies from Brazil in Crypta started the night off and set the mood. Their devastating vocals and crushing riffs got the crowd amped up. Up next we had Chicago's own Harms Way. Their in your face no holds barred attitude seen the mosh pit explode with energy. Now unfortunately I didn't photo either of them. Then we had England's own Carcass come out and playing songs such as "Buried Dreams", "Kellys Meat Emporium" and "Exhume To Consume". Their last song was the title track from their 1994 masterpiece "Heartwork". Finally the moment we've been waiting for Connecticut's own Hatebreed takes the stage. They came out strong opening with "Tear It Down" into "Live For This". They played songs spanning their entire career including "Smash Your Enemies" from their 1994 7" vinyl "Under The Knife". The energy didn't slow with songs such as "Destroy Everything", "Perseverance", "Everyone Bleeds Now" and they even played a cover of Slayer's "Ghosts Of War". Their last song was the crown sing-a-long "I Will Be Heard". This tour just started out and goes through October 27th. It criss-crosses all over the US and I highly recommend you not sleeping on this and go catch a show if it comes near you! CARCASSHATEBREED
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MISSIOI always enjoy covering shows at the Fillmore Auditorium, it’s a really nice venue with a solid sound system, and a roomy pit to shoot from. I was asked to cover the opening band, Missio by their pr people. This is always a treat for me when I am asked to cover a show. I was not familiar with Missio and I checked out their music before the show and really liked what I heard. Missio kicked the night off by starting their set with, “The Higher You Climb” from their 2024 newly released album, I Am Cinco and they captured the crowd's attention right away with their energy which only grew throughout their set. Their music has been described as Alternative/Indie, Rock but also, I would add electronic and Industrial in the mix of their music. This is what I found so interesting as they moved through their set. The crowd was really into them as many would be dancing and moving about. Matthew and David moved about the stage keeping the energy alive with the crowd. 5 out of the 8 songs they played were from their new album and they topped off the set with “Good Vibrations” from the album. The crowd reacted to their set with loud enthusiastic cheering and I thought it was a great start to the evening. Missio are: Matthew Brue – vocalist/songwriter/producer (2015–present) David Butler – songwriter/producer (2016–present) Setlist: The Higher You Climb new album I Am Cinco Twisted Fuck It Aztec Death Whistle Everybody Gets High Fall Into A Black Hole Sing To Me Good Vibrations SLOTHRUSTThe way the Fillmore had the stage set up for the 3 bands, made it easy for them to prepare for each band. Slothrust was another band I was not familiar with and checking them out I found sound having some grunge mixed into their alternative/indie sound. Opening their set with “Like a Child Hiding Behind Your Tombstone” from their 2016 album, Everyone Else. Leah Wellbaum vocals sounded meditative, thoughtful and her guitar work was something to hear and watching her play could be mesmerizing. Throughout their set you see the crowd swaying back and forth like they were getting lost in the music and her vocals. Leah would sing and at times step to the side so you clearly see her work her magic on the guitar. But, touring bassist Annie Hoffman was on the move jumping, spinning around in contrast to Leah being a little more reserved. It was fun though watching Annie. Slothrust finished their set with "Crackpot” which the audience really enjoyed. A different contrast in the 2 opening bands but I really enjoyed them both. Slothrust members: Leah Wellbaum – lead vocals; guitar Will Gorin – drums Annie Hoffman – bass (touring, 2022–present) Setlist: Intro @Info[From their 2012 album "Feels Your Pain"] Like a Child Hiding Behind Your Tombstone The Next Curse Double Down Baby One More Time @Cover Cranium Planetarium Once More for the Ocean Pony @Cover Crockpot BADFLOWERThe energy was about to reach a fever pitch as Badflower took the stage and opened their set with “Teacher Has a Gun”, their new single which was released this past June that had their fans screaming, cheering, and jumping. The stage was filled with fog and the lights changed colors for each song to start. From green to yellow to purple and add the red flood lights from along the back of drummer Anthony Sonetti. Lead singer Josh Katz was pouring out his emotions throughout each song with raw intensity. Throughout their show, bassist Joey Morrow and guitarist Alex Espiritu along with Josh would move about the stage interacting with each other and their fans. It’s always fun to watch when band members interact with their fans and to see the reactions from both going back and forth.
In between songs Josh thanked the fans for their support and shared moments of reflections that were heartfelt. Badflower closed out their night with a 3 song encore featuring, “Detroit”, “30”, and “Girlfriend”. This was a fun night for me because I was seeing these bands for the first time and it was a really good time. The only sad part was, it wasn’t a big crowd but, it was a very enthusiastic crowd. BadFlower members: Josh Katz - singer/guitarist Joey Morrow - bass Anthony Sonetti - Drums Alex Espiritu - guitarist Setlist: Teacher Has a Gun Don't Hate Me 2021 Johnny Wants to Fight Fukboi White Noise Move Me Snuff @Info[unreleased song] Stalker Promise Me Adolescent Love The Jester Heroin Ghost 2019 Machine Gun Family Detroit 30 Girlfriend BEASTO BLANCOLord of the Lost returns to Denver after 10 years to the Summit Music Hall September 24, 2024 Last night I had the pleasure of crossing a band off my bucket list. Lord of the Lost. I arrived at the Summit Music Hall a little early and talked with some of the security folks who I really enjoy because as a concert photographer they make me feel welcomed and at home. As I made my way into the venue, I had to work my way around the long line that had formed at the merch tables. Touring with LOTL was Beasto Blanco, a band I had heard of but did not know much about until I saw they were on this tour. To my pleasant surprise Calico Cooper, daughter of Alice Cooper was a vocalist along with Chuck Garric lead vocal and guitarist who had toured with Alice Cooper. Beasto Blanco took the stage to a cheering crowd and opened their set with, “Run for Your Life” from their newly released album, Kinetica. With the lights dancing through the fog, the energy from the band was high right from the start. Calico’s outfit (see photo gallery) is a little hard to describe with her knee high boots, a studded belt around her waist, hand and forearm brace and carrying a baseball bat with spikes in it stalking the stage. But it was the contact lenses she was wearing that looked ghostly under the lights. The crowd immediately got into the music and were moving about head banging and pounding the air with their hands. As the band moved through their set, there was no slowing down as the members moved about the stage interacting with each other and the crowd. Calico would join Chuck on vocals and at times she sang alone and made her way toward the crowd as if she was stalking them. Occasionally she pointed her bat at the crowd with an evil look in her eyes and at me as well. The band finished their set with “Breakdown” from their 2013 album, Live Fast Die Loud. As the band was saying good night, Calico asked the crowd who was seeing them for the first time, a lot of hands were raised and Calico said, Welcome to the family! That includes me and I'm happy to do so. Beasto Blanco members: Chuck Garric: Co-founder, frontman, lead vocalist, and guitarist Calico Cooper: Vocalist and daughter of Alice Cooper Jan LeGrow: Bass Sean Sellers: Drums Setlist: Run for Your Life Bad Thoughts Freak Feed My Frankenstein @Cover Machine Girl Grind Lowlands Beg to Differ Nobody Move Breakdown LORD OF THE LOSTThe crowd was ready for LOTL and there was a mix of young and old but leaning more towards the older side. One by one LOTL made their way on stage starting their set with “The Curtain Falls” as Chris Harms made his way on stage. Dressed in a black vinyl outfit and with the mic in hand poured out vocals as he moved about the stage. Right from the beginning, Chris was on move back and forth along the front of the stage as he sang. The crowd was loving the songs dancing and moving around, singing with the music. The energy level I watched on stage after I was photographing was amazing. Not only did their 19 set of songs cover over 20 years of their music, I was wondering how the band, especially Chris moving so much, carried this energy show after show.
Songs going back to 2010 with, “Dry the Rain”, “Sex on Legs” from 2011, “Destruction Manual” from 2022. At times Chris would talk with the fans and engage them while he sang and the crowd loved it and kept moving right along with the music. Late in the set, Chris spoke out about the reason they were here and that it helped with their success over the years and said it “was because of you” our fans! The crowd roared in appreciation and the LOTL broke into the song I was waiting for, 2016’s, “Drag Me to Hell”. This was the song in the video I watched on YouTube so many years ago. The band finished their evening with, “One Last Song” from 2023. It was not a real big crowd this night but you couldn’t tell by the volume from the cheering fans that could have listened to a lot more from Lord of the Lost as they said good night. I waited many years to see LOTL and I was blown away by their show, their stage presence and the selection of songs they played. Add to that, the pleasant surprise from the Beasto Blanco show as well. There are only 3 shows left in the tour, I hope you can make one of them. Lord of the Lost Members: Chris "The Lord" Harms – lead vocals, guitars, cello (2007–present) Klaas "Class Grenayde" Helmecke – bass, backing vocals (2008–present) Gerrit "Gared Dirge" Heinemann – piano, keyboards, percussion, guitars, theremin (2010–present) Pi "π" Stoffers – guitars, backing vocals (2017–present) Niklas Kahl – drums (2017–present) Benjamin "Benji" Mundigler – guitars, keyboards, backing vocals (2024–present) Setlist: The Curtain Falls The Future of a Past Life Dry the Rain Loreley Destruction Manual For They Know Not What They Do Raining Stars Sex on Legs Six Feet Underground Live Today (snippet) Die Tomorrow Black Halo Forevermore Drag Me to Hell Blood for Blood Unstoppable @Cover We're All Created Evil Blood & Glitter One Last Song JIMMIE'S CHICKEN SHACKEverclear with special guests pack the Gothic Theater in Englewood Colorado September 22nd, 2024 I greatly appreciate it when I am asked by a band's pr people to cover a show for them, especially when it’s a band I have covered before and enjoy. Add to that, it was at one of my favorite venues to cover shows at, the Gothic Theater. Arriving at the venue it was no surprise to see the line of fans stretching down the block and more coming from all directions. I was not familiar with the two opening bands and I did not do my usual by checking them out before the show. I thought, maybe I’ll be surprised, and was I! Guitarist, lead vocalist, and founding member Jimi Haha made his way on stage with his guitar and was getting settled in as the other members followed him out doing the same. They are known as Jimmie's Chicken Shack, a rock band from Annapolis, Maryland. They started their set with, “Dropping Anchor” from their 1997 album, Pushing the Salmanilla Envelope, and the fun began. Jimi greeted everyone with, “Welcome to our encore”! The energy level rose in a hurry as the band members would move about and interact with each other and the crowd. Between songs Jimi would talk with the crowd and at one point as he was quietly making an adjustment on his guitar he said, “I’m tuning my guitar” and laughter and cheering came from the crowd. Their music has been described as Rock, Alternative rock, Post-grunge, Funk metal, and Funk rock. With my ears I would add Rockin Blues. As their set was winding down, before the last song Jimi asked the lighting guys which he appreciated, to bring up the house lights and then asked the crowd to turn their backs to the stage and applaud them. It was quite the sight to see. They finished their set with “High” and taking their bows the crowd roared showing their appreciation for a great show. Jimmie's Chicken Shack members: Jimi Haha Island Styles Christian Valiente Jerome Maffeo Matt Jones Setlist: Dropping Anchor Seconds Slip Lazy Boy Dash Sunsets For Sale / Retrieving Stars Simple Concept Do Right High MARCY'S PLAYGROUNDNext up was Marcy Playground, a three piece Alternative/Indie band from Minneapolis, Minn. Guitar and lead vocalist John "Woz" Wozniak along with Dylan Keefe, bassist and backing vocalist created Marcy Playground in 1994 and in 1995 they signed to Capitol Records. The band opened their set with Poppies from the 1997 self-titled album. The band moved through their set at a pretty good pace with “Rock and Roll Heroes”, “Special” all the while bassist Keefe was very animated throughout the night. The crowd was into the music as I would see people rockin out in tight quarters with such a packed house. When fans want to move, just give them a few inches, they will do their thing. Though Marcy Playground's sound was a little different, that did not slow down the energy pouring out from the stage and the crowd. When the band played their big hit, “Sex and Candy” the crowd was singing along and moving along with the band. Finishing the set with, “Sex and Candy” the threesome thanked the crowd and they poured it back to them. Marcy Playground members: John "Woz" Wozniak – guitar, lead vocals (1996–present) Dylan Keefe – bass, backing vocals (1996–present) Shlomi Lavie – drums, backing vocals (2009–present) Setlist: Poppies Pigeon Farm Rock and Roll Heroes Special Saint Joe on the School Bus Rebel Sodville Good Times Bye Bye Wave Motion Gun Punk Rock Superstar Sex and Candy EVERCLEARAs the stage was being turned over for Everclear, I got to thinking about the 2 bands I did not check out before the show. They were 2 very pleasant surprises! I might have to do this more often.
The lights dropped and the crowd roared as Art Alexakis headed to the mic at the front of the stage with his band mates of Everclear following right behind. Taking the mic Art yells out, “Denver we are so happy to be back”, with that the band started their set going back to 1997 with “So Much for the Afterglow” from the album of the same name. The venue was electric with the crowd cheering and singing and the animation from the band was in full swing. The crowd of young and old were lost in the music and the stage presence of the band. There were 3 of us covering the show from the pit and we moved about in a tight pit with smoothness and courtesy for each other. That makes for a great time because watching and following the Everclear members move a round stage was a journey of its own. Art again would talk with the crowd asking, “how many of you were here last year”? A deafening roar came back from the crowd. Everclear went back and forth through time with songs, “Unemployed Boyfriend” from 2000, “Heroin Girl” from 1995 and “I Will Buy You a New Life” from 1997. Bassist and backing vocalist Freddy Herrera seems to be in a world of his own as he moves about raising up his bass and meeting in the middle with Art and guitarist Dave French. Sitting back and watching the show, the energy between the band and the audience was amazing to watch as they would interact with their fans. Everclear finished their evening with “Brown Eyed Girl” and “Santa Monica”. The appreciation from the crowd and the band flowed back and forth for a great show. There are still 23 more drops on the Everclear tour, I highly recommend that you catch this tour. The bands were outstanding, you will not be disappointed! Setlist: So Much for the Afterglow Everything to Everyone Unemployed Boyfriend 2000 Heroin Girl 1995 You Make Me Feel Like a Whore Otis Redding 2000 Learning How to Smile 2000 I Will Buy You a New Life 1997 Strawberry AM Radio 2000 Father of Mine Heartspark Dollarsign 1995 Wonderful 2000 Brown Eyed Girl @Cover Santa Monica KK’s Priest and Accept bring their Full Metal Assault Tour to the Oriental Theater in Denver, Colorado 9-3-2024 A night of old school metal was on tap at the Oriental Theater in Denver and a band that has been around for 45+ years started the night to a much older crowd or better yet, a bunch of old school head bangers. From Germany, Accept took to the stage to get a night of metal off to a great start. Opening their set with “The Reckoning” fired things up right away and the crowd was head banging and throwing up the horns. Though there had been many changes in band members over the years, it was great to see Wolf Hoffman, one of the founding members of Accept in 1976 on lead guitar and backing vocals. Working through their set with songs, “Princess of the Dawn” and “Teutonic Terror”, their stage presence interacting with each other and their fans was fun to watch as the band would line up together and rock back and forth playing hard to the delight of the crowd. Accept couldn’t have finished their 13 song set with a stronger song than, “Balls to the Wall” which had the crowd moving and singing along with the band, it was something to see and hear. Accept members: Wolf Hoffmann – lead guitar, backing vocals (1976–1989, 1992–1997, 2005, 2009–present) Mark Tornillo – lead vocals (2009–present) Uwe Lulis – rhythm guitar (2015–present) Christopher Williams – drums (2015–present) Martin Motnik – bass, backing vocals (2019–present) Philip Shouse – guitar (2019–present) Setlist: The Reckoning Humanoid Restless and Wild Straight Up Jack London Leatherboys Midnight Mover Demon's Night / Starlight / Losers and Winners / Flash Rockin' Man Princess of the Dawn Metal Heart Teutonic Terror Fast as a Shark Pandemic Balls to the Wall ACCEPTKK PRIESTThe stage now turned over the video screen in back of the stage lit up with different characters and then KK Downing exploded onto the stage in the fog and bright lights, guitar in hand and shredding to the opening song as his band members joined him on stage the CO2 clouds of smoke filled the air as the song “Hellfire Thunderbolt” rang throughout the venue to their cheering, head banging fans. Considered one of the most influential guitarists in metal, a former founding member of Judas Priest, KK’s legend lives on with his creation of, KK’s Priest. Powering through their set with images moving across the video screen and the CO2 clouds that would rise up, KK’s Priest keep their fans on their toes and moving with their music.
With a mix of original songs came a mix of Judas Priest covers, “Night Crawler” and “The Green Manalishi” to the delight of their fans. At 72, KK’s energy level was that of a 20 year old. Moving about the stage interacting with the crowd and his bandmates while working his magic on the guitar. As their set was winding down the band started the song, “Breaking the Law” and the crowd cheered and sang along with them. Finishing their night with “Raise Your Fists” topped off a night of old school metal that will never get old to listen to! KK's Priest members: K. K. Downing – guitars (2019–present) Tim "Ripper" Owens – lead vocals (2019–present) A.J. Mills – guitars, backing vocals (2019–present) Tony Newton – bass, backing vocals (2020–present) Sean Elg – drums (2021–present) Setlist: Hellfire Thunderbolt Strike of the Viper One More Shot at Glory The Ripper @Cover Reap the Whirlwind Night Crawler @Cover Sermons of the Sinner Burn in Hell @Cover Diamonds & Rust @Cover Hell Patrol @Cover The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown) @Cover Before the Dawn @Cover Breaking the Law @Cover Sinner @Cover Powerwolf sells out the Ogden in Theater in Denver, Colorado months before their show with special guests Unleash the Archers August 31st 2024 I arrived at the Ogden Theater about 45 minutes before the doors opened and the line which started hours before was around the block with excited fans that managed to get tickets for this show. It was the first show to sell out for Powerwolf’s 2024 US tour. A larger venue when hopefully they return again. Looking throughout the crowd waiting for the show, there were many people with painted faces, others with tour shirts from last year's show and even a few people with tour shirts from other cities. You could feel the excitement in the air and I too was excited to see Powerwolf, a band I waited years to see. Once inside I headed down to the pit as I always do and say hi to the security guys and put my gear down. My first question is alway, can we shoot around the venue after our first 3 songs in the pit, the answer was yes. The venue filled up quickly and the line for band merch was longer than I have ever seen. The atmosphere was electric. The house lights dropped and the roar from the crowd was deafening as Unleash the Archers made their way onto the stage. The band started their set with “Abyss” as Brittney Hays (a.k.a. Brittney Slayes) moved front and center and filled the venue with her powerful vocals and the very enthusiastic crowd was head banging and throwing up the horns. It was tight for the band to move around but that didn’t stop them from interacting with the crowd and each other. Their next three songs were from their 2024 album, Phantoma released this past May and the response from the crowd brought big smiles to the band members faces. The Archers finished their set with the cover of “Northwest Passage” and the crowd thanked them with a loud roar of appreciation. Unleash the Archers members: Brittney Hayes (a.k.a. Brittney Slayes) – clean vocals (2007–present) Scott Buchanan – drums (2007–present) Grant Truesdell – guitars, unclean vocals (2011–present) Andrew Kingsley Saunders – guitars, clean vocals (2014–present) Nick Miller – bass (2021–present, 2018–2021 touring musician) Setlist: Abyss Ghosts in the Mist Green & Glass Gods in Decay Tonight We Ride The Matriarch Awakening Northwest Passage @Cover UNLEASH THE ARCHERSPOWERWOLFI watched the turn over of the stage with interest because you could see high up the covers on the drum kit and keyboards. Behind them was a large backdrop that would change throughout their set. There was a stairway in the center and on either side of the stage were backdrops with wolves on them. It was a great set up all around and fit Powerwolf’s stage atmosphere perfectly.
The lights came down and the crowd started chanting, Powerwolf, Powerwolf, Powerwolf! From the left of the stage keyboardist Christian "Falk Maria Schlegel" Jost came out on stage, from the right side vocalist Karsten "Attila Dorn" Brill appeared. Facing each other they made jesters toward each and then moved into their places as the other members made their way onto the stage. They started their set with “Bless ’em With the Blade” from their newly released album, Wake Up The Wicked, which they are playing live for the first time on this tour. The power from the band resonated throughout the crowd and the crowd was head banging with their arms in the air. Throughout their set, the band moved back and forth in time with some of their greatest classic hits, “Incense & Iron” from 2018, 2013’s “Amen & Attack” and mixing in new songs, “Sinners of the Seven Seas”. When the band would finish a song, the chanting from the crowd would start again and from the smiles, facial expressions from the band it was easy to see how appreciative they were. As the band members moved about the stage interacting with each other and with their fans, I couldn’t help noticing the facial expressions from keyboardist Christian "Falk Maria Schlegel" Jost. I was wondering what was going through his mind as he moved at times jestering with arms here and there. (see photo gallery) The energy level from Powerwolf’s fans in the now very warm venue was high as ever when the band finished their 16 set. After a short break, the band returned to chanting crowd with a 3 song encore that took you way back in time with, “Sanctified With Dynamite” from 2011, “We Drink Your Blood” from 2011 and “Werewolves of Armenia” from 2009 to close out their amazing show! This was just the second stop on their tour and this is a must see show not only for their fans but to anyone who loves metal combined with a great stage show. Powerwolf members: Benjamin "Matthew Greywolf" Buss – lead guitar (2003–present) David "Charles Greywolf" Vogt – bass, rhythm guitar (2003–present) Christian "Falk Maria Schlegel" Jost – keyboards (2003–present) Karsten "Attila Dorn" Brill – vocals (2003–present) Roel van Helden – drums (2011–present) Setlist: Bless ’em With the Blade new Incense & Iron Army of the Night Sinners of the Seven Seas new Amen & Attack Dancing With the Dead Armata Strigoi 1589 new Demons Are a Girl's Best Friend Stossgebet Fire and Forgive We Don’t Wanna Be No Saints new Alive or Undead Heretic Hunters new Sainted by the Storm Blood for Blood (Faoladh) Sanctified With Dynamite We Drink Your Blood Werewolves of Armenia Train, REO Speedwagon, and Yacht Rock Revue Rock at Fiddlers Green Amphitheatre in Greenwood Village CO 8/28/24 by Terrell Stewart This night has a firm place in my memory banks as one of the amazing shows I have seen in my lifetime, let alone having the opportunity to cover the show. This was a night of classic rock cover songs, classic rock, and just great rock YACHT ROCK REVUEKicking off the night was Yacht Rock Revue from Atlanta Georgia. Bringing energy to the stage with classic covers from the 70’s and 80’s from artist’s like, Steely Dan, Hall and Oates and Kenny Logins. It didn’t take much for the crowd to start singing and moving along with the band as they moved through their set. With solid musicianship and great classical song covers, Yacht Rock Revue set the tone for a fun energetic night of music. Yacht Rock Revue members: Nicholas Niespodziani: Vocals, guitars, keyboards, and percussion Peter Olson: Vocals, guitars, keyboards, and percussion Greg Lee: Bass and vocals Mark Dannells: Guitars and vocals Mark Bencuya: Keyboards and vocals David B. Freeman: Saxophones, keyboards, flute, piccolo, percussion, and vocals Keisha Jackson: Vocals and percussion Kourtney Jackson: Vocals and percussion Ganesh Giri Jaya: Drums Setlist: Escape (The Piña Colada Song) Peg @Cover You Make Loving Fun @Cover Heart to Heart @Cover Brandy @Cover Tropical Illusion Africa @Cover Baker Street @Cover More Than a Feeling @Cover REO SPEEDWAGONThe stage was set for REO Speedwagon, with a large video screen in the back of the stage, began with a recording from a radio station from back in the 80’s playing the top hits of the time. Along with pictures of the bands they played and showing the top 10 hits at the time. This went on for about 10 minutes and got the crowd moving and dancing. REO had not even taken the stage yet and the energy from the crowd was electric. As REO came onto the stage, the ladies that now covered the barrier were screaming and waving in excitement as the band members took their places. I didn’t see anyone exposing anything buuut then again, I was busy. REO opened their set with, “Don’t Let Him Go” and right away their energy just flowed from the stage and they are not spring chickens anymore. They moved about the stage interacting with each other and the crowd as they moved through their set with classic’s like, “Take it on the Run”, “Live Every Moment”, and "Can't Fight This Feeling”. The large video screen in the back was constantly changing with various images that only add to the lighting and the atmosphere on stage. It was such a pleasure to experience a band that has been around for decades and can still captivate a crowd. REO Speedwagon closed out their set with, “Keep On Loving You” and “Roll With the Changes”. REO took their bows to a cheering, screaming crowd who were thanking them for an amazing night! REO Speedwagon members: Kevin Cronin – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, piano, keyboards (1972–1973, 1976–present) Bruce Hall – bass, vocals (1977–present; songwriter 1974) Dave Amato – lead guitar, vocals (1989–present) Bryan Hitt – drums, percussion (1990–present) Setlist: Don't Let Him Go Take It on the Run Keep Pushin' Live Every Moment Tough Guys I Wish You Were There Music Man Can't Fight This Feeling Son of a Poor Man Time for Me to Fly Ridin' the Storm Out Keep On Loving You Roll With the Changes TRAINYou could feel the energy from the crowd after the first two bands, well, hang on, there’s no end in sight for it. Train hit the stage running and started their set with “Calling All Angels” and frontman Pat Monahan’s voice rang out over Fiddlers Green. If there is one thing Pat Monahan and Train do so well, it’s engaging the crowd and making them feel as part of the band. They had the crowd singing along in between the screaming and cheering as Train moved through their set with “Get to Me”, “Meet Virginia / The Joker” and “Marry Me”.
It wasn’t long before the cell phones flew over my head to Pat on stage and he would take selfies with himself and the crowd then returned them. (see photo gallery) One lucky person who threw their phone up to him watched as Pat moved around the stage singing the whole time and included other band members in a video. This was my second time covering Train and to watch how the band members engage the crowd and the response from their fans in return is something to witness. Train closed out their night with a cover of “Hotel California” and “Drops of Jupiter”. What an amazing night of music by all the bands. There are still a number of shows left on the is tour, I highly recommend seeing this tour. It was a great pleasure for me to cover it. Train members: Pat Monahan – lead vocals, percussion (1994–2006, 2009–present), drums (1994) Jerry Becker – keyboards, rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2008–present) Hector Maldonado – bass, backing vocals (2009–present) Matt Musty - drums, percussion (2019–present) Taylor Locke – lead guitar, backing vocals (2021–present) Setlist: Calling All Angels If It's Love Get to Me Save Me, San Francisco Meet Virginia / The Joker Lose Control @Cover Play That Song 50 Ways to Say Goodbye Marry Me Seven Bridges Road / Bruises Hey, Soul Sister / Come and Get Your Love Drive By / Hey Jude Hotel California @With @Cover Drops of Jupiter Five Finger Death Punch brings their After Life tour to Denver, Colorado’s Ball Arena with special guest Marilyn Manson August 22nd 2024 by Terrell Stewart. Heading down to the Ball Arena in Denver, I was thinking about the lineup for the show. Two bands I was familiar with and two bands I recently researched and watched YouTube videos of each one. I had a real positive feeling about this show and I was not disappointed at all. The Funeral Portrait opened the show and right away set the tone for the evening starting with the song, “Suffocate City”. Their energy poured out onto the crowd and the crowd soaked it up. Lead singer Lee Jennings moved about as his voice filled the venue, backed by strong musicianship from his fellow bandmates. Though their set was a short 30 minutes, they made a lasting impression on the crowd and me as well. Setlist: Suffocate City Generation Psycho You're So Ugly When You Cry Blood Mother Voodoo Doll Dark Thoughts Holy Water THE FUNERAL PORTRAITSLAUGHTER TO PREVAILOriginally from Russia but now based in Florida, Slaughter to Prevail made their way onto the stage wearing masks except lead singer Aleksandr "Alex Terrible" Shikolai who was shirtless with a full upper body tattoo. The hardcore metalers started their set with “Bonebreaker” with the deep hardcore growls of Aleksandr and the powerful musicians backing him, their sound exploded throughout the Ball Arena and the crowd was on the move, head banging with the horns up. The onslaught continued throughout their set which again was short but very very impressive! The crowd with a roar thanked them for a killer set. Slaughter to Prevail members: Aleksandr "Alex Terrible" Shikolai (Александр Шиколай) — lead vocals (2014–present) Mikhail "Mike" Petrov (Михаил Петров) — bass guitar (2016–present) Evgeny Novikov (Евгений Новиков) — drums (2018–present) Jack Simmons — lead guitar (2014–present, studio only from 2017-2020) Dmitry "Dima" Mamedov (Дмитрий Мамедов) — rhythm guitar (2015, 2021–present) Setlist: Bonebreaker Baba Yaga Demolisher Viking Bratva Kid of Darkness Du hast @Cover MARILYN MANSONWith the stage set, it was time for the long awaited return of Marilyn Manson. As the lights came down and the curtain dropped, the screaming from his fans was deafening as Marilyn started his set with, “We Know Where You F***ing Live”. Through the fog and lights dancing across the stage, Marilyn’s stage presence was as strong as ever and the crowd was loving every minute of every song. Moving through a set of older classics like, “Disposable Teens”, “This Is the New S**t”, a personal favorite, along with his newest song, “As Sick as the Secrets Within”. Musicians returning with Marilyn were Gil Sharone on drums and Tyler Bates guitar and backing vocals. New additions were, Piggy D., bass and backing vocals and Reba Meyers, guitars and backing vocals. All adding a great stage presence to the show. But it was Reba Meyers on guitar that proved to be a real shredder along with her great stage presence. (see photo gallery) Marilyn finished his amazing set with “The Beautiful People” and his audience screamed with delight. I have seen Marilyn Manson many times over the years and it was my second time covering his show. I witnessed a man that had not toured in five years, step onto the stage and put on a performance as powerful as I have ever seen him perform. This was a real treat for me, welcome back Marilyn Manson! Marilyn Manson members: Marilyn Manson – lead vocals, guitars, keyboards, programming, drums, percussion, tambourine, saxophone, pan flute (1989–present) Gil Sharone – drums (2014–2019, 2024–present) Tyler Bates – guitars, bass, keyboards, backing vocals (2014–2015, 2015–2018, 2024–present) Piggy D. – bass, backing vocals (2024–present) Reba Meyers – guitars, backing vocals (2024–present) Setlist: We Know Where You Fucking Live Disposable Teens Angel With the Scabbed Wings This Is the New Shit Say10 Deep Six Tourniquet mOBSCENE The Dope Show As Sick as the Secrets Within Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) Cover The Love Song The Beautiful People FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCHIt was time for Five Finger Death Punch, unfortunately for this tour, instead of photographing the first three songs, we were to wait until songs 4, 5, and 6. My understanding was that it was opening like they had not done before. But our turn came and as I headed out to the stage I could see an amazing light show that was happening on stage through the rolling fog. And it was just in time for one of my favorite songs, “Wash it All Away” and as I have witnessed many times, the stage presence of the band is always a sight to photograph. Moving back and forth across the stage, each member would interact with their fans as they always do to the delight of everyone including the photographers. Ivan is always talking with the crowd and at one point he brought a little girl and her mom up on stage and stood with them front and center as the crowd applauded. They then stood off to the side for the next song.
FFDP continued through their set with the cover of the song, “The House of the Rising Sun” which the crowd loved. As the members moved about the stage adding a bit of silliness between themselves and toward their fans. FFDP have been around for a long time and the members of the band look so relaxed and at home on the stage as they pour out their awesome music. The band finished their set with a three song encore topped by the song, “The Bleeding”. There are still many shows left on this tour and I highly highly recommend getting out and witnessing this tour. You will not be disappointed, it’s amazing! Five Finger Death Punch members: Zoltan Bathory – rhythm guitar (2005–present); lead guitar, bass (2005) Ivan Moody – lead vocals, keyboards (2006–present) Chris Kael – bass, backing vocals (2011–present) Charlie Engen – drums (2018–present) Andy James – lead guitar (2020–present) Setlist: Welcome to the Circus Lift Me Up Trouble Wash It All Away Jekyll and Hyde The House of the Rising Sun @Cover Sham Pain Burn MF Wrong Side of Heaven IOU Encore: Under and Over It Never Enough The Bleeding
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October 2024
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