3 Doors Down is currently on tour, which they have titled “Songs from the Basement.” It is a no frills, stripped down show that features couches and end tables and décor that lends a basement or living room type of feel. The band has experienced their share of upheaval over the last few years with both guitarists Matt Roberts and Todd Harrel exiting. However, with Chet Roberts and Justin Biltonen respectively replacing the aforementioned, 3 Doors Down showed that the sum is bigger than its parts.
Vocalist Brad Arnold still continues to be one of the most effective singers in rock. Arnold was very endearing as he told many stories in between songs and gave the feel of the band playing in front of only a few people rather than the sold out crowd of 2,000. He talked about when the band played its very first gig in front of a large crowd in Mobile, Alabama and how he was nervous about where to put his hands. Arnold also described how Garth Brooks’ song “The Dance” is his favorite song and wants it played at his funeral. On a lighter note, Arnold and lead guitarist Chet Roberts banter was comical throughout the night, and they worked to initiate newcomer Biltonen in on the laughs being the new guy in the band.
Arnold remarked how he and the band still feel that connection when others relate to their songs. He told a story about how a kid in Austria stood out singing “When You’re Young” when they performed there a few years ago.
The steady hand of rhythm guitarist Chris Henderson was on display the entire night. Being a man of few words, he let his playing do the talking. His new look was also the talk of the band as he lost 110 pounds over the last year and half. His bandmate drummer Greg Upchurch was also enjoying stepping out from behind the kit as he played the last handful of songs of the set on top of a wooden case with his hands.
With the northeast braving one of the coldest winters in recent memory, 3 Doors Down certainly provided a memorable performance, that at least for one night, was a nice diversion from the winter blues.
Setlist:
Father’s Son
Let Me Be Myself
Be Like That
Landing in London
The Dance (Garth Brooks cover)
When You’re Young
Let Me Go
Pages
Away from the Sun
It’s Not My Time
Duck and Run
Loser
Kryptonite
Encore:
Nothing Else Matters (Metallica cover)
Here Without You
When I’m Gone
We would like to thank Steve Karas of SKH Music for the credentials to review the show.
