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
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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
FIT FOR A KINGIt had been a few years since I had seen Halestorm and I Prevail and was excited to cover this show. I always look forward to covering a show at Fiddlers Green Amphitheatre but on this night, I made it a point to check the weather forecast. Good thing I took a poncho along with me. Opening the show this night was Fit for a King, a metalcore band from Texas. Right from their first song, “Keeping Secrets”, the band set the tone for a night of great music. Not only did the band pour out the energy through their music but their movement about the stage was fun to watch. Standing on the risers and jumping off and running back and forth, but it was bassist Ryan "Tuck" O'Leary who would jump off the risers with a high kick. He did this numerous times, see the photo gallery. A short set, yes, but a strong opening set for this night. Fit for a King members: Bobby Lynge - guitars, backing vocals (2010-present) Ryan Kirby – lead vocals (2014–present); unclean vocals (2010–2014) Ryan "Tuck" O'Leary – bass, clean vocals (2014–present) Daniel Gailey – guitars, backing vocals (2018–present) Trey Celaya – drums (2021–present); guitars (touring member 2018) Setlist: Keeping Secrets Breaking the Mirror Falling Through the Sky End (The Other Side) Reaper Technium When Everything Means Nothing God of Fire HOLLYWOOD UNDEADThe stage was set for Hollywood Undead but the weather decided to turn ugly and there was a delay. Because of the area where the venue was built, they have a curfew they must adhere to. When the weather cleared Hollywood Undead took the stage but their set was cut short to just 4 songs. Disappointing, yes, but that didn’t hold them back from powering out those 4 songs with their great stage presence. Their fans let them know that with a roar of appreciation as they left the stage. Hollywood Undead members: orel "J-Dog" Decker – vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, programming (2005–present) Dylan "Funny Man" Alvarez – vocals (2005–present) George "Johnny 3 Tears" Ragan – vocals (2005–present); bass (2013–present) Jordon "Charlie Scene" Terrell – vocals, guitars (2005–present) Danny Murillo – vocals (2009–present); keyboards, programming (2011–present); guitars, bass (2013–present) Current touring musicians Matt "The Cat" Oloffson – drums, percussion (2017–present) Setlist: Everywhere I Go Sweet Caroline @Cover Bullet Undead HALESTORMWith the weather no longer a threat, the wide open stage was now set for Halestorm with drummer Arejay Hale set up high in the back as Lzzy made her way to the front of the stage and opened their set with “I Miss the Misery [With “Raise Your Horns” a cappella intro]. With great lighting and yes the proverbial fog as well, Halestorm powered through the set with many of their classic songs to the delight of their fans. “Love Bites (So do I)”, “Familiar Taste of Poison”, and a personal favorite, “I Get Off”. Halestorm has been a powerhouse in the music industry for over 25 years and there is no end in sight for them. Their stage presence is always fun to watch and photograph. Drum solo? Not this night, how about a drum line with all the band members lined up and playing their drums together. Halestorm finished their set with “The Steeple” [With “I Miss the Misery” outro]. The screaming and cheering crowd let them know how much they enjoyed their show. Halestorm members: Lzzy Hale – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards (1997–present), lead guitar (1997–1999, 2000–2001, 2003), bass (1997–1998, 2002–2003) Arejay Hale – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1997–present) Joe Hottinger – lead guitar, backing vocals (2003–present) Josh Smith – bass, keyboards, backing vocals (2004–present) Setlist: I Miss the Misery @Info[With “Raise Your Horns” intro] Love Bites (So Do I) I Get Off @Info[With “Crazy on You” by Heart interlude] Freak Like Me Black Vultures Familiar Taste of Poison Takes My Life Drum Solo/Circle @Info[Lzzy and Arjay’s dad brought out the big sticks] Mz. Hyde Psycho Crazy Here's to Us The Steeple @Info[With “I Miss the Misery” outro I PREVAILI went back into the pit and watched the stage hands building the set for I Prevail. The set was not small at all but to watch the stage hands put it together in an organized manner, was something to see. I Prevail took to the stage and opened their set with “There's Fear in Letting Go” and the video screens lit up with vivid colors that highlighted the stage lighting. The powerful vocal duo made up of Eric Vanlerberghe with his unclean vocals and Brian Burkheiser with his clean vocals create such a balance between them in their music. The band as a whole was on top of their game, what pleasure for me to witness them live again!
I Prevail moved through their set with songs, “Bad Things” which was dedicated to Hollywood Undead, “Deep End” which was dedicated to a Detroit Tigers fan in the crowd, and “Visceral”. With the song, “Break Down”, Brian talked about Mental Health which is becoming a powerful message throughout the music industry with more and more artists opening up about their battles with it hoping it will resonate with everyone. The energy level stayed on the rise as the band members moved about interacting with the crowd and each other. There was one more song that was dedicated, this time to Halestorm, the song was “Hurricane”. I Prevail finished their set with “Gasoline” and the roar from the crowd was deafening in thanks for an awesome night of music. A personal note, I love what I do and it’s shows like this that keep me going. I Prevail members: Brian Burkheiser – clean vocals (2013–present) Eric Vanlerberghe – unclean vocals (2013–present); clean vocals (2016–present) Steve Menoian – lead guitar (2013–present); bass guitar (2014–2015, 2017–present; studio recordings only) Dylan Bowman – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2015–present) Gabe Helguera – drums (2019–present; touring 2017–2019) Current touring musicians: Jon Eberhard – bass, keyboards (2023–present) Setlist: There's Fear in Letting Go Body Bag Self-Destruction Bad Things [Dedicated to Hollywood Undead] Blank Space @Cover Deep End [Dedicated to a Detroit Tigers fan in the crowd] Visceral Breaking Down @Info[With Mental Health talk by Brian Burkheiser] FWYTYK Judgement Day Choke Hurricane [Dedicated to Halestorm] Bow Down Gasoline |
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