The last time Papa Roach was on tour, it was cut short due to Jacoby Shaddix’s throat issues, and WNY was one of the areas that missed out on seeing them. Jacoby made a promise that he would return, and make it up to everyone. For those that came out in the frigid cold that’s been gripping North East, he more than delivered on that promise.
Opening with “Still Swinging,” the sold out Rapids Theatre was quick to get up and jumping with Jacoby. He looked great, and sounded even better, performing all 17 songs of their set, as only he can. With sweat pouring from him by the second song, it was clear that he 100%, and enjoying every minute of it.
About halfway through the set, Jacoby jumped off of the stage, and went out into the crowd. He climbed up on to the railing that divides the two outward sections of the venue. He walked along them as fans reached up to him, he made an effort to high five every one that he could. Another highlight of their show was when Snapcase guitarist Jon Salemi joined them on stage to cover “Skeptic.”
Papa Roach finished their high energy set with “Last Resort.” Jacoby left it all out on the stage, and Papa Roach set the bar pretty high for Stone Sour.
When Stone Sour took the stage, lead out by Corey Taylor, the crowd erupted. Not wasting any time, they fed off the energy from Papa Roach, and started off with “Gone Sovereign.” With the crowd’s energy at a peak, they followed up with their hit “Absolute Zero.” I was kind of surprised they played it so early, but I figured there was a good reason for doing so.
This was one of the loudest shows I’ve been to, and watching the crowd’s reaction, it was exactly what they came for. As Taylor belted out song after song, they sang right along with him, pumping their fists in the air.
Taylor took a moment to introduce bassist Johnny Chow, who is from nearby Buffalo, NY. Chow is well known, and well liked throughout the area, so naturally the ovation he received rattled the rafters.
After the pounding of “RU486,” the band left the stage, and the lights dimmed. When the lights came back up, Taylor stood alone on the stage with a guitar, and started “Say You’ll Haunt Me.” Keeping things slow for two more songs “Bother,” and “Through Glass,” Taylor showcased his voice, as the crowd sang every word. At times he would stop singing and encourage them to fill in his parts.
The last three songs finished the set as it started, loud, and in your face. Finishing up the night with “30/30-150,” put an exclamation point on Stone Sour’s set, and I’m sure that’s exactly what it was supposed to do. Stone Sour delivered a loud, pounding hardcore set that included a couple of melodic ballads. Altogether, the set list was a very nice blend of songs that was put together well.
With Papa Roach and Stone Sour on this tour together, it certainly is one of those “two for one” shows. Catching either of these bands when they come around is well worth the price of admission, but to get both of them on the same bill makes it a no brainer.
Papa Roach Set List:
Still Swingin’
Blood Brothers
Give Me Back My Life
Between Angels and Insects
Where Did The Angels Go?
Forever
Before I Die
Burn
…To Be Loved
Getting Away With Murder
Silence Is The Enemy
Scars
Lifeline
Hollywood Whore
Skeptic (Snapcase cover)
Dead Cell
Last Resort
Stone Sour Set List:
Gone Sovereign
Absolute Zero
Mission Statement
Hell & Consequences
Digital (Did You Tell)
Made Of Scars
A Rumor Of Skin
Reborn
RU486
Say You’ll Haunt Me
Bother
Through Glass
The Travelers Pt.2
Last Of The Real
30/30-150
We would like to thank both Julie Lichtenstein from Roadrunner Records and Sara Spector Eleven Seven Music for the credentials to cover the show.
