Blow out Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati, Ohio Wednesday, August 3
writer: James Nichols/Traci Tottle
Once, I got my credentials in order, I found my seat and got ready to rock. No Address took the stage at around 6:30pm. The Tallahassee-based band includes: Ben Lauren (vocals), Phil Moreton (guitars,vocals), Justin Long (guitars), Randy Lane (drums), and Bill Donaldson (Bass). They performed about a 30 minute set with songs coming from their debut album Time Doesn't Notice. Their set included, but was not limited to "Perfect," "Sadie," and "Walk Away." The crowd was still arriving during their set, probably due to Cincinnati traffic. Ben Lauren puts a unique spin on the lyrics and when combined with the modern rock sound delivers a very aggressive, original, soulful show. No Address did an awesome job of getting the crowd pumped up for the next act.
Breaking Benjamin came out around 7:10pm. The band's members include: Aaron Fink (guitarist), Mark James Klepaski (bassist) , Ben Burnley (vocals) and drummer, Jeremy Hummel. They continue to back last year's We Are Not Alone, which debuted at No. 20 on The Billboard 200.
These guys, deliver , a kick ass, alternative rock show. They opened up with "Natural Life," and as the crowd continued to make their way in, Breaking Benjamin continued to rock. Ben Burley seemed to be speaking out to the crowd with his hands as well as his voice. Some of the other songs in their set in their set included: "Polyamorous," "Breakdown," "Sooner or Later," "Home," and "So Cold." These are not in exact order.
At 8pm, the band I had been waiting for , took the stage. Staind hit the stage, rocking and never looked back. They started off the show with the song, "For You," which the crowd really seemed to get into. They sang along with, Aaron Lewis who is the singer for this multi-platinum Massachusetts-based band. From this, they went straight into "Crawl," and their special lighting effects made the crowd raise their arms, while some were pumping their fists. The guitarist, Mike Mushok, and bassist Johny April were in constant movement, never missing a beat along with the assistance of drummer, Jon Wysock.
Their set included some of their older songs, like, "So Far Away," "Yesterday," "Fade," "Epiphany," "Outside," and "It's Been Awhile." Staind might just be the perfect rock band for the 21st century. The next numbers were from their upcoming album, Chapter V, which hits stores on August 9. Chapter V is in my opinion, Staind at their best. As a band , they are extremely tight, and prove it on their new single, "Right Here." Aaron's vocals along with the rest of the band send this song over the top. I will be surprised if it doesn't hit #1 on the charts.
"Paper Jesus," had a rather heavy rock sound with soaring guitar riffs and top notch vocals. Aaron took a moment to dedicate a song to "Layne Staley," who was with Alice In Chains. They played "Nutshell," in his memory and Aaron also made mention to Dimebag Darrell. The song was an acoustic number which brought things to a much slower pace.
They ended their set with "Mudshovel." I think all in all they put on the best show of the evening and everyone seemed to know their songs. It was just a great great show and we all had a great time. There was a break following Staind which shifted everyone in 3 Doors Down mode. Little did we know what was about to occur.
3 Doors Down had barely got started and were into their 4th song when all of a sudden everything went black. The crowd thought it was part of the show and proceeded to turn on lighters. Five to ten minutes passed and finally emergency lights came up. A couple of the members tried playing with what might have been juice from a generator, but unless you were in The Pit you could not here them. Shortly after that, the crew started packing up and the show was over. I later learned it is believed a car hit a telephone pole and knocked out electricity in 3 counties. We do hope 3 Doors Down reshedules their show. Riverbend said this has never happened since they have been having concerts. It was a definite night to remember.
