Bush and Chevelle with The Dead Deads @ Charlotte Metro Credit Union Ampitheatre Charlotte, NC 8-9-16

The skies opened up over uptown Charlotte just as fans were making their way to CMCU Ampitheatre this past Tuesday as Bush and Chevelle rolled into town with their summer co-headlining tour. The gods of rock and roll were with us that evening as the skies began to clear just prior to showtime. With an early start to the show at just 6pm, the venue was fairly empty as the San Francisco alt-rock band Black Map kicked off the evening of music with a short, but solid set. As more people began to arrive, The Dead Deads from Nashville, TN, took the stage for what was a soundcheck that segued directly into their set. I was unfamiliar with the band but what I saw and heard blew me away. They are a five piece all female group that is a unique mix of classic punk, pure rock, and heavy metal. They were exciting to watch and had an umistakable energy that just couldn’t be stopped. I expect to hear and see a lot more from this up and coming band in the future.

The drizzle and sprinkles started up again as co-headliner Chevelle made their appearance. The gloomy weather seemed a good fit for the much heavier vibe that Chevelle brought to the stage. Drummer Sam Loeffler threw up the devil horns and lead vocalist and guitarist Pete Loeffler waved a hello as the band launched into “An Island” to start off their set. Chevelle is straight forward, hard hitting rock with little frills as they let the songs do all the talking. Bassist Dean Bernardini is fierce with his instrument as he threw down pulsating bass lines all night long to match the driving beats of Loeffler’s drums. Chevelle always sounds super tight live and their sound quality never disappoints. Pete Loeffler is serious on stage as he slams out riff after punishing riff and has an almost other worldly quality to him as he sings. He truly seems in the moment each and every time he is on the stage. Their set featured three songs off their latest album “The North Corridor” including their current single “Joyride (Omen).” Things really cranked up later in their set as fan favorites “Face to the Floor” and “The Red” whipped the crowd into a frenzy. They closed out the evening with a stirring and passionate version of “Send the Pain Below” as the entire venue seemed to sing along.

The evening wasn’t over yet as the alternative rock of Bush was still yet to come. With the release of their debut album “Sixteen Stone” in 1994, the British rockers became a seemingly overnight sensation and dominated the airwaves producing hit after hit. This was the band the audience had come to see and as the lights went down, the hot and humid night air was thick with aniticpation. The crowd began to cheer as drummer Robin Goodridge appeared behind the kit. Guitarist Chris Traynor was stage right and bassist Corey Britz stage left. The crowd absolutely erupted as frontman Gavin Rossdale appeared and took his spot behind his microphone at center stage. Bush led off with one of their huge songs “Everything Zen” as the LED screen at the rear of the stage changed images and lights began flashing. Musically, the band sounded great but it was Rossdale who owned this show. There are a lot of frontmen in rock and roll but few true rockstars and Rossdale definitely has the rockstar charisma and presence. He had complete control of the audience from the opening notes of their set to the very end. About half way through the set, he took a moment to address all the chaos in the world and how beautiful it was for everyone to come together through music. The band then launched into a poignant and touching “Eye of the Storm.” Bush closed the set with a spirited rendition of “Little Things” as Rossdale came out into the audience almost getting knocked over by adoring fans as he walked up the aisles to the lawn. He did a complete lap around the venue while singing his heart out and even went past the concession area before heading back to the stage for the end of the song. After amping up the crowd, the band left the stage briefly before returning for a four song encore of their biggest hits. “Machinehead” raised the energy level to new heights before a surprising cover of R.E.M’s “The One I Love.” The lights then shone upon Rossdale who was alone center stage as he began the opening notes of “Glycerine.” He stayed singing with his guitar until the very end of the song when the rest of the band returned to finish it off and close the show with the hard hitting “Comedown.”

And just like that, it was over. An outstanding night of music had come to an end. Fans headed out to their cars wishing it could have lasted longer but holding onto their memories of what turned out to be a very special night of rock and roll with Bush and Chevelle.

Bush Setlist:

Eveyrthing Zen

Just Like My Other Sins

The Chemicals Between Us

The Disease of the Dancing Cats

The Sound of Winter

Greedy Fly

Monkey

The People That We Love

Swallowed

Eye of the Storm

The Only Way Out