Opening the show was Lakeview! I have never listened to this band before, but I always say that until I hear at least one song and I'll go “OH I know this song! I didn't know it was them!” I was really shocked how good they were honestly. And they were covered in tattoos which I was not EXPECTING AT ALL! Since I never listened to them, I didn't know what songs were being played unless they stated it before they performed the song. I know “Money Where Your Mouth is” was performed because of the lyrics, but I do as a person sometimes have a difficult time understanding lyrics and trying to comprehend what they are saying, but I was able to figure that song out! They played a cover Of “Lips of an Angel” and of course I started to sing along because I love that song! As an opening band; this band had the most energy I've seen in a long time and each member was eye-catching which made it difficult because it made me want to keep shooting shots.
Next up was Daughtry! I never really got into their music before, but his live performance sounded way better than the album in my opinion. I know their two famous songs “It’s Not Over” and “Home”, but besides that I didn’t know any other songs that they performed! Chris Daughtry has one of those voices that lures you in because of the range he has. It was so hot during their set and the sun was at its brightest, so it was so hard trying to get good photos! I was trying so hard to not pass out from the heat during their set. I may have not listened to them, but I would see them again in a heartbeat! During their set; I was standing next to this woman at the barricade and she had a full face of tears while singing along to Chris! I love when music hits all the emotions inside of you and you can feel free during a show!
Breaking Benjamin was next and this band has been one of my favorites since 2001 and I believe this band has never released a bad album. Seeing them live again placed a huge smile on my face for the rest of the night. I couldn’t believe I had this opportunity and being able to listen to my favorite songs while photographing them made me feel like a part of me healed. Seeing a band who kept you pushing throughout the years when you struggled mentally can heal you in ways you will never understand. Seeing them like I said healed me and I wish I was able to explain it in words, but my soul was very happy after I left the show! They performed songs such as; “Dark”, “Failure”, “Evil Angel”, “Blow Me Away”, “Follow”, and “Cold” The band at first didn’t have the best lights for photos, but at that point I was just enjoying the moment and capturing what I could! It was so hard to focus because I wanted to sing along to every song while in the pit taking photos and I could see people at the barricade singing their hearts out. The crowd was there for Breaking Benjamin. You could sense that in a heartbeat. Looking back at the crowd; the attendees in the pit area were having the time of their lives and even the people at their seats were moshing in their own spaces. When the band performed “Breath” and “Dance With The Devil” I sang until I had no air in my lungs and I held back from going insane in my seat. Been listening to this band for 23 years and I will continue to do so until the day I take my last breath. Breaking Benjamin is that band and will ALWAYS be that band. Can’t wait to see them again!
Staind was up and yes, I fangirled a little because I grew up listening to this band since 2001 when the album Break The Cycle was released with “Its Been Awhile” being one of my favorite songs for the last 20 years. The band performed songs such as; “Unchained” , “Eyes Wide Open” , “Fade” , and “Better Days” Their set was not as energetic as the other bands, but It was amazing to see this band live after all these years. I wish the vocalist moved around more on stage instead of just standing at the microphone because I wanted cool shots of him. His lack of movements was made up by his voice. It sounded like I had the song being blasted in my car. That’s how similar it sounded and it blew me away because I was not expecting him to sound exactly like he does on the album. Usually I get very disappointed at shows because musicians sound nowhere near the same as on albums, so when they do; you get shocked a little bit. The light production was pretty good as well! But they did have a lot of smoke during their set and I am currently fighting pneumonia from another show by inhaling the smoke, so it was hard at times during the set to breathe. While I was photographing; I could see so many attendees screaming along with the lyrics and I believe I even saw a young child with his parents jamming out right in front! We love to see the younger generation enjoy this music!
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