A great bill of Rock and roll made its way through the Western New York area this past Friday night. The 4 band bill headlined by Shinedown, brought out over 9,000 of its closest friends to rock and roll.
The music started at 6:30pm sharp with an up and coming new band in Savage After Midnight. The band hails from Memphis, Tennessee and is on tour in support of their first EP called “11:59.” Their short set was up tempo, with a mix of rock and rap mixed in. The band used a lot of auto-tune to cover the song “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morrisette, which I wasn’t a fan of. I wasn’t overly impressed by the band, but they are in the early stages of their career. Things can always change.
Next up was the English heavy metal band Asking Alexandria. With vocalist Danny Worsnop and guitarist Ben Bruce putting their differences aside, the band sounds better than ever as they delivered an impressive 35 minute set. The band opened up with their new single “Violence.” The single is more melodic and not as hard core as what you would expect from the band. Their 8 song set also included a stripped own version of “Vultures.” The set had a little of everything and went down very well for the Buffalo crowd.
Thirdly was rock stalwarts Papa Roach. Earlier this year, the band released its 10th studio album in “Who do You Trust?” Their hour set consisted of 14 tracks that has spanned their entire career. In muy opinion, one of the best front men in rock today is Papa Roach vocalist Jacoby Shaddix. You would be hard pressed to find a front man with the energy and passion this man has for his music, his performance and his fans. The band started their set off with the title track to to their latest release. Shaddix made his way into the crowd for “Elevate.” He made it all the way up in section 106 and all the way around the floor at the Key Bank Center. Shaddix thanked the crowd for their years of support and passion as he said he has been doing this sh*t since 1993. As he was raising his hand, Shaddix proceeded top ask the crowd, “who has been to hell and back?” A majority of the crowd raised their hand in unison with Shaddix. He responded “your not alone,” as he dedicated “Scars” to them. Shaddix came out in a Jack Eichel Buffalo Sabres jersey before the band went into “Last Resort.” Overall, a solid set by Papa Roach.
Headlining tonight’s festivities was Shinedown. One of the most consistent rock bands since the new millennium. The band has built a steady following following since both bassist Eric Bass and guitarist Zach Myers joined Shinedown back in 2007. The band has always released great music. That includes their latest effort “Attention Attention.” Their hour and half set had lots of pyro, lots of band movement and great direction from vocalist Brent Smith. Early in the set, Smith directed everyone to get to know thy neighbor, and asked everyone to extend their hands to them. Smith himself did that to the photographers and the security in the pit. The band works so fluidly on stage and delivers a high energy set too. Smith has a great voice and a high range. Drummer Barry Kerch is as solid as they come. Highlights of their set were Diamond Eyes (Boom-Lay-Boom-Lay), “45” and “Bully.”
Overall it was great package for fans who have various tastes of music. It had something for everyone and that in itself is worth the price of admission alone.
Shinedown setlist:
Devil
Diamond Eyes (Boom-Lay-Boom-Lay)
Enemies
Monster
I’ll Follow You
Attnetion Attention
Unity
45
Bully
State of Mind
How Did You Love
Second Chance
Simple Man (Lynyrd Skynyrd cover)
Cut the Cord
Get Up
Sound of Madness
Brilliant
