Spiritbox

Sadly, it was a bit dissapointing. The act itself was great; nice lighting and visuals, very good performance. But the band does not use raisers or platforms and even for me at 185cm I could hardly see more than the bands heads. Furthermore, to me it felt like there was no connection with the audience. It took untill the second last song before something was said or done ghat wasn’t rehearsed. It was a very good show, but one that could be watched as a recording. For me the connection with the crowd should give it that ‘must see’ edge and that just wasn’t there. A shame, since it’s a great band!

The first concert i have ever been to. Everyone was amazing. Each set was perfect and the crowd had a wonderful time. As for the venue. The staff there were very accommodating. My seat was not accessible for me, and the staff worked together to find a place where i could easily access with my wheelchair. I had such a wonderful time and hope anyone going to their show has as much of a great time as I did

Show was phenomenal!!! Our second time seeing Spiritbox. First time as the headliner. Got to say probably one of my best Birthdays I’ve had so far! My wife and I can’t wait to see them perform again! Also, my first time at this venue and I have to say it’s great. Definitely would recommend this place! We will go here again!

Spiritbox was insane I had an amazing time seeing them. Was not a fan of the venue super strict and not the best vibes from staff. I was a little disappointed I’m used to smaller shows where all the bands are getting tons of love and support, at this show for honey revenge there was no crowd movement and barely much more for periphery. They were both great. The crowd was older although there were some younger people there but everyone only really turned up for spiritbox which was fine but dissappointed as all the bands played their hearts out.

They put on a fantastic performance. They are so talented musically and both singers have great voices, though the lead voice is angelic. Great performers, too. Lots of energy. My favorite part of the stage show was the smoke bubbles. That was something really cool I have never seen before. It was ethereal. My only wishes would have been better lighting and for them to play my favorite song - Eternal Blue. But I’m one who rarely gets my favs at live shows, so I’m used to it. Great show!

Spiritbox was locked in! They always sound great. There was a cameraman with a steadi-cam following Courtney around the stage it was linked up to the screens behind to display stylized shots of her... Personally, I wish there had been less of it as it became a bit distracting to see him constantly walking around the stage. They opened the show playing the first five tracks from Tsunami Sea (live debut of Keep Sweet!!!), and for a second I thought they might play the entire album front to back. But then they started working in tracks from Fear of Fear and Eternal Blue. Sew Me Up from Rotoscope EP as well. Closed the show with Ride The Wave (chef's kiss). Josh's vocals are more prominent now and he and Courtney's harmonies are so good! Zev even got a little drum solo. I would have loved the inclusion of A Haven With Two Faces. Haven and Deep End were the only new ones they didn't play. Hopefully the upcoming cities bring the energy and sell these shows out.

No technical difficulties. Dying Wish, Loathe, and Spiritbox are all very talented bands, at points sounding even better live than in studio recordings. The merch line was incredibly smooth, best out of any concert I’ve been to at The Complex. As for The Complex itself, it made for a wonderful venue. My only nitpick would be that both Dying Wish and Spiritbox had a song or two missing from their setlist that I would’ve loved to hear, but other than that I couldn’t have asked for a better concert with them.

Let me be straight with everyone, I never leave a five-star review because I always feel like a band can improve and make the experience more enjoyable. However, Spiritbox’s Tsunami Sea tour was absolutely amazing and nothing can take away from their momentum and dedication to their fans. Their setlist was varied so you got something whether you are a new fan or an older one like me. Their stage show actually had a vibe that felt like you were underwater and being dragged along with them as they told a story that showed us why they belong as a headliner. I was more than a little impressed. Even if you don't like metal, you'll enjoy this show. Go see them and decide for yourself.

This was by far one of the best shows I’ve ever attended.Courtney’s stage presence is one that I haven’t seen in many years and the crushing guitar riffs and heavy melodic vocals gives way for this band to become the biggest in world right now.These guys should be extremely proud of how far they’ve come and I cannot wait for new music again,anyone that’s never seen this band should absolutely buy tickets because they will be around for a long time and hopefully a few Grammys heavier very soon.Congratulations to spiritbox for releasing what should be album of the year.

It was amazing! I saw some live videos from Spiritbox before but Courtney's voice even improved which made all of the performances unique and even more exciting to look at. Her males are very talented and trained well. I did enjoy their guitar and drum abilities. Courtney is also a very down to Earth and friendly person on stage and when she talked to you through the microphone, you felt welcome at their show. Thanks for coming to Frankfurt.

Spiritbox was really amazing! Courtney's, the bassists and guitarist stage presence were really memorable. They had huge screens and a nice light setup which added a lot to the spectacle. They played/sand flawlessly. I wasn't a big fan of the setlist (way too many songs from the first EP), and the vocals should have been louder, at times it was hard to hear through the wall of sound. Periphery unfortunately played instrumental as Spencer was sick, such a shame...

Spiritbox is one of my favorite bands, so when I saw that they were opening up for Korn, another favorite band, I had to go. Courtney's singing skill is impressive. I love hearing her sing such a soft melody, and then immediately follow it with such a hard, raw scream. It's awesome hearing such a dichotomy in her voice. Amazing performance.

The show was perfect Spiritbox was awesome and I will attend every single show they put on in AZ!!! The only issue was I think their sound guy. It seemed like he kept cutting and fading Courtney in and out throughout show. Other than that technical error I highly recommend this show. The band puts on a great performance and they are super sweet and interactive with the crowd. I look forward to seeing them again many times over!!!

Shinedown/Papa Roach: 9/26/23 “With the Summer outdoor concert season winding down to its conclusion my final show at CCNB’s Heritage Park Amphitheater was sure to end in a blaze! It was my second time seeing the band from Jacksonville Florida in 508 days and my first time seeing Papa Roach LIVE. I bought my ticket the day prior to the show as the band ran a flash $25 all in sale to fill in any unsold gaps in the reserved sections. Guessing on the code I landed 20 rows back from center stage, a seat that would have cost $98 if I had completed my transaction at any other time. About a week prior to the event the venue which has been facing tough criticism lately made an announcement that lawn chairs and blankets would not be allowed. Seeing their prior LIVE performance at the Bilo Center, I suspected that part of the reasoning might have to do with ‘1-2-3 Jump’ —the lead into to ‘Enemies’. Bon Secours had posted a public service announcement on social media immediately prior to the performance for everyone to watch out for one another in the pit, anticipating that things could tend to get a bit animated. Tuesday evening was a different leg of the same ‘Revolutions Live Tour’ I had seen, however it turned out vastly different to my surprise, particularly with the song selections, a half dozen or so titles being swapped in and out. Simpsonville was exactly the halfway point of the band’s Sept/Oct leg, positioned in between their Newark and Atlanta dates, and the band was two days rested. This event was also outdoors verses my prior indoor experience leaving the question, what would become of the flames, explosions, strobes, light bars, video walls, piano riser, and 45 degree angle pivoting lighting rigs which were raised and lowered by cables? Simpsonville does not come equipped for big productions and it was the first venue of this leg that was basically uncovered and bare bones. Trusting the band would not let down I proceeded with confidence! My view of the stage this time revealed the same lighting rigs and illuminated backdrop with the Planet Zero logo partially hidden behind the opener’s set, a 3 step riser with the drum kit positioned in the center with dual drumheads with bear head images, their mouths wide open and teeth exposed. The eye catcher from the get go was a piano suspended near the top of the amphitheater ceiling stage right. The band formed in 2001 still features Brent Smith 45 (vocals) and Barry Kerch (drums) since the very beginning, with Zach Myers (guitar) and Eric Bass (a Charleston native and resident on bass) since ’08. With 7 studio albums, 31 charted singles including 18 number ones and with all of their singles reaching at least number five on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Chart the set was sure to include a number of the big ones. Choosing much better support on this leg than the former, the Canadian heavy metal band Spiritbox from Victoria British Columbia took the stage at 6:40 p.m. We early birders all got our proverbial worms enjoying a 30 minute / 7 song set featuring some of the most unique vocals in rock and roll from Courtney LaPlante and her death growl. Thanking the early attenders and likening themselves to a hot dog band (i.e. the band you go to the concession stand while they open), the four person’s band performance was anything but. After a quick twenty minute stage turn Papa Roach formed in 1993 from Vacaville California took the stage at precisely 7:29 p.m. to an audio recording of Hank William’s ‘Hey Good Lookin’. Beginning their 1 hour long / 13 song set with 2001’s #16 ‘Between Angels And Insects’ the alternative metal band drew from their entire 11 studio album career with the exception of ‘Old Friends From Young Years’. All my fears concerning a sub-par visual production were abated quickly after seeing Papa Roach’s stage set with a large LED screen covering the entire riser in the background. The screen displayed various visuals during the performance but the one of note was a giant silhouette of a black roach lying on his back over a white background prior to the band taking the stage. Coby D**k (aka Jacoby Shaddix) led the charge with a shout out, ‘South Carolina, let’s f****n do this’. Wasting no time, ‘Kill The Noise’ a 2021 US Main #1 was next in line. ‘Let me see you bang your heads’ Coby cried prior to the opening notes of ‘Getting Away With Murder’. Coby continued, ‘Thanks for showing out to this rock and roll show, this connection right here it feels good you know, what we got going on right now you know, I live for that right there for real’. ‘Cut The Line’ a song from their newest album made its way into the set list unexpectedly. ‘Where’s the mosh pit?’, Coby looked around as he prepared to run through the crowd up the right side isle during ‘To Be Loved’. ‘You wanna get this place jumping?… now South Cackalacky do not talk about it you gotta be about it, this one right here’s called “Firestarter”’, it was a real crowd rouser. With the message ‘SUICIDE CAN BE PREVENTED’ displayed on the screen ‘Leave The Light On’ from 2022’s ‘Ego Trip’ was preceded by a mental health public service announcement. A portion of concert proceeds were to be donated to the ‘Talk Away The Dark’ campaign and the song was dedicated to Jacoby’s dad, a Vietnam Vet who left home when he was eight. After years, the frontman of the band finally made peace with him. Roach showed no signs of letting down energy-wise the entire hour as they moved all across the stage, jumping up and down and communicating visually with the audience. Shaddix did however pause briefly for a self ‘gratitude check’. With an organ playing in the background prior to 2004’s #4 ‘Scars’. he began his list. ’I’m grateful… to authentically connect with people through music’; ‘our music is a hand reaching into the darkness to drag em out of it’; ’I got a relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’; ‘I ain’t afraid to say that’; ‘I stand on this stage sober from alcohol for almost twelve years’; ‘that I got men and women that got my back through that sobriety’; ’we got some of the most awesome f*****g fans in the world right here in Simpsonville’! ‘Help’ and ‘Last Resort’ ended the set as the band left the stage to a chant of ‘Papa Roach, Papa Roach, Papa Roach….’ It was another rather quick stage turn, as all that had to be done was to remove Papa Roach’s set from the forefront of Shinedown’s. During the half hour break I took a quick walk all the way to the back corners of the lawn section, the amphitheater grounds were completely packed! The lights went down at precisely 9 p.m. to a recording of ‘2184’ the opening instrumental from the album ‘Planet Zero’. The illuminated double video panels parted from the center as the band in silhouette emerged, first Brent, then the others, Brent shouting ‘Let’s Go’. ‘Diamond Eyes’ a 2020 US Main #1 opened the 19 song / hour and fifty minute set beginning and ending with an explosion of sparklers. Turns out it WAS a big production, getting in early gave the band opportunity for a FULL set up! ‘Dead Don't Die’ a 2023 release followed. The piano lowered from the ceiling on cables the first of three times for 2013’s ‘I'll Follow You’.‘ ‘Ladies and Gentlemen we know you coulda done anything you wanted to tonight. We’re in your house, we’re in your city, we’re in your town. Ladies and Gentlemen it is a privilege and a pleasure to be here tonight thank you all so very much for showing up.’ Next I experienced only my second ever artist led full audience meet-and-greet, turning left, then right, all over the crowd were handshakes, fist bumps and knuckles, Brent leading the charge from the stage by example. It was about to get heavy as ‘State Of My Head’ and ‘Devil’ followed, the stage illuminated amidst flames of fire! ‘I’m gonna be honest with you, there’s been a lot of great audiences on this tour, a lot of good ones, but they haven’t been South Carolina so I’m gonna ask you, did you bring your sing voice with you tonight?’ While the entire set of lighting rigs lowered to just above the band members heads the audience (who stood on their feet for both bands entire sets) all sang along to 2003’s #3 ‘45’. The time came for ‘Enemies’ 1-2-3 jump. ‘We didn’t go all the way into the South town to not make this a monumental evening, Ladies and Gentlemen I think we should make a moment, don’t you?’ Brent brought out the band’s video creator Sanjay to film the experience as everyone young and old jumped on cue in unison! ‘Ladies and Gentlemen make a fist, raise em up… hold, hold, GO’ intro’d 2009’s #1 ‘Sound Of Madness’ with every light on stage moving about every which way but loose. Brent introduced Eric Bass on piano prior to ‘A Symptom Of Being Human’. ‘Ladies and Gentlemen one of your own born and raised in Charleston South Carolina.’ ‘He is an extraordinary human being on so many levels… the day that Eric came into my, Zach’s, and Barry’s life, and this band, was one of the most great, wonderful and monumental moments of all time for Shinedown.’ He informed us how Eric had engineered, mixed and produced their last two albums then gave a shout out to Eric’s wife, mother, sisters, and whole family which were present in attendance. Every cell phone flashlight and lighter in the audience came out at the intro of the 2023 release. An audio clip of Casey Kasem on radio announcing the number one song in all the land for three weeks in a row back in 2008 preceded ‘Second Chance’. Brent who had performed with bronchitis last time he was in the Upstate and struggled during the song proved himself at the top of his vocal game tonight. Brent took a backseat giving Zach the floor, Zach commenting, ‘This is the best South Carolina show we’ve ever done, ever, in the history of ever.’ An acoustic cover of Jimmy Eat World’s ‘The Middle’ preceded featuring Zach Myers & Eric Bass on main vocals and acoustic guitar. How strange it was for me to hear the song knowing my next show was the following evening was Jimmy Eat World performing the number one themselves. ‘Daylight / Get Up’ a 2018 #1 followed and ‘Planet Zero was also thrown in the mix. Their cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Simple Man was performed intimately with Smith and Myers’s together on the walkway. Mid-song Smith turned the microphone over to us to fill in the vocals challenging us with, ‘It’s all yours’. Then one more time the stage illuminated all in flames for 2019’s #1 ‘Monsters’. Closing in on the 11 p.m. curfew Smith shouted, ‘What do you say South Carolina, one more for the road?’ as ‘Cut The Cord’ completed the set without encore. The song ended in a sonic six explosion blaze that Im sure shook all of the condominiums nearby. Drummer Barry Kerch who has disagreed with more specialized genres being ascribed to the band has gone on record stating, ‘We're just a rock 'n' roll band’, and they proved that this evening. Folks this WAS rock and roll, but it wasn’t just rock and roll, it was rock and roll with a message, a message of hope by both headliners —a hope to be experienced!” Review and photo by DAve (Concert #822-824)

Spiritbox blew me away. The lead singer reminded me of Tati from Jinger. She transitioned from melodic to guttural without missing a beat. I didn't know what to expect but I can tell you now I'm a fan. If you get a chance to see them, take it. They opened the show and did their job to perfection. The crowd was fired up for Papa Roach and Shinedown by the time they finished.

Dont know if its me but it seemed a bit more routinely than last year, which is not a big surprise after all those shows they have already done. The harder songs were received more enthusiastically by the crowd, though Constance got enough applause. Hopefully more new songs will keep the intensity of the older material. I'm curious where they will go from here.

These guys were a lot better than I thought they were going to be, but as a huge stickler for production value and all things related to such, there were a couple things I would advise these guys to work on, one simple, one not so much. For one, while I was sitting in my seat, I realized that the logo on the scrim was their band logo. I realized that I had unconsciously assumed that it was the logo for a cell provider. They really need to get a new font for their logo. For the namesake and sound they’re going for, I would recommend something wispy or something like that. As for the second bit of advice, this is the one that really brings the experience down for me: the singer chick is really good, but her act comes off incredibly contrived. It’s so obvious that it makes me almost not like them, and I think that’s terrible. From The second she walked onstage, I got the feeling that she’s probably the kind of person who’s a pain in the a*s in real life. Her movements come off as someone who’s watched a bunch of videos of female metal vocalists and “knows” the moves, but since it’s obvious that she’s not just being natural, they’re very evidently robotic and, again, contrived. It also comes across through her attempts at humor. I could go on, but I really, really wish she would drop the act and just have fun, because it brought their whole set down for me. Good music, even though it’s not my thing, it’s still really good. But dude, please get a new logo and stop with the contrived stage presence.

Finally. I finally got to see Courtney live. And she did not disappoint. Good lord these guys are phenomenal. They're going to win every award and accolade imagineable. And they're just getting started. Only wish they had headlined so we could have heard more of them. Warning at this venue don’t bring anything half the size of what you consider a small purse. Anything much larger than a ziploc snack bag and you’re making a trip back to your car.

Everyone brought there A Game!!! This was the first time seeing all bands expect 3rd for Bad Omens. Saw Bad Omens since the '10 Years in Black' @ Agora '16 amazing show too. Especially Cournety of Spiritbox, from my understanding she was either recently sick or had vocal issues before the show. She had to rest I between songs but they've never canceled and done plan on it! Yet Cournety was still distorting the sound barrier in the room. I have heard of all the bands but I only can talk about Bad Omens and to an extent Spiritbox. But everyone was vibing at the end! 'Stray from the Path' did a great job hyping up the crowd with energetic atmosphere. as well as a dressing some of the elephants in the room 👏 'Bad Omens' took that momentum and threw in big choruses varying tones and the best 👌 of Bad Omens Breakdowns. The torch was transfered to 'Spiritbox', so that we may contact to the "otherside" using Courtney's lows as a conduit! But she has one other worldly singing range from low growls to angelic melodies. Those lows are indeed worth for a vocal tool or weapons btw 🖤 ❤ Then of course the headliners 'Underoath' had taking a bit of everything and throw us through another ride!

Sadly, it was a bit dissapointing. The act itself was great; nice lighting and visuals, very good performance. But the band does not use raisers or platforms and even for me at 185cm I could hardly see more than the bands heads. Furthermore, to me it felt like there was no connection with the audience. It took untill the second last song before something was said or done ghat wasn’t rehearsed. It was a very good show, but one that could be watched as a recording. For me the connection with the crowd should give it that ‘must see’ edge and that just wasn’t there. A shame, since it’s a great band!

The first concert i have ever been to. Everyone was amazing. Each set was perfect and the crowd had a wonderful time. As for the venue. The staff there were very accommodating. My seat was not accessible for me, and the staff worked together to find a place where i could easily access with my wheelchair. I had such a wonderful time and hope anyone going to their show has as much of a great time as I did

Show was phenomenal!!! Our second time seeing Spiritbox. First time as the headliner. Got to say probably one of my best Birthdays I’ve had so far! My wife and I can’t wait to see them perform again! Also, my first time at this venue and I have to say it’s great. Definitely would recommend this place! We will go here again!

Spiritbox was insane I had an amazing time seeing them. Was not a fan of the venue super strict and not the best vibes from staff. I was a little disappointed I’m used to smaller shows where all the bands are getting tons of love and support, at this show for honey revenge there was no crowd movement and barely much more for periphery. They were both great. The crowd was older although there were some younger people there but everyone only really turned up for spiritbox which was fine but dissappointed as all the bands played their hearts out.

They put on a fantastic performance. They are so talented musically and both singers have great voices, though the lead voice is angelic. Great performers, too. Lots of energy. My favorite part of the stage show was the smoke bubbles. That was something really cool I have never seen before. It was ethereal. My only wishes would have been better lighting and for them to play my favorite song - Eternal Blue. But I’m one who rarely gets my favs at live shows, so I’m used to it. Great show!

Spiritbox was locked in! They always sound great. There was a cameraman with a steadi-cam following Courtney around the stage it was linked up to the screens behind to display stylized shots of her... Personally, I wish there had been less of it as it became a bit distracting to see him constantly walking around the stage. They opened the show playing the first five tracks from Tsunami Sea (live debut of Keep Sweet!!!), and for a second I thought they might play the entire album front to back. But then they started working in tracks from Fear of Fear and Eternal Blue. Sew Me Up from Rotoscope EP as well. Closed the show with Ride The Wave (chef's kiss). Josh's vocals are more prominent now and he and Courtney's harmonies are so good! Zev even got a little drum solo. I would have loved the inclusion of A Haven With Two Faces. Haven and Deep End were the only new ones they didn't play. Hopefully the upcoming cities bring the energy and sell these shows out.

No technical difficulties. Dying Wish, Loathe, and Spiritbox are all very talented bands, at points sounding even better live than in studio recordings. The merch line was incredibly smooth, best out of any concert I’ve been to at The Complex. As for The Complex itself, it made for a wonderful venue. My only nitpick would be that both Dying Wish and Spiritbox had a song or two missing from their setlist that I would’ve loved to hear, but other than that I couldn’t have asked for a better concert with them.

Let me be straight with everyone, I never leave a five-star review because I always feel like a band can improve and make the experience more enjoyable. However, Spiritbox’s Tsunami Sea tour was absolutely amazing and nothing can take away from their momentum and dedication to their fans. Their setlist was varied so you got something whether you are a new fan or an older one like me. Their stage show actually had a vibe that felt like you were underwater and being dragged along with them as they told a story that showed us why they belong as a headliner. I was more than a little impressed. Even if you don't like metal, you'll enjoy this show. Go see them and decide for yourself.

This was by far one of the best shows I’ve ever attended.Courtney’s stage presence is one that I haven’t seen in many years and the crushing guitar riffs and heavy melodic vocals gives way for this band to become the biggest in world right now.These guys should be extremely proud of how far they’ve come and I cannot wait for new music again,anyone that’s never seen this band should absolutely buy tickets because they will be around for a long time and hopefully a few Grammys heavier very soon.Congratulations to spiritbox for releasing what should be album of the year.

It was amazing! I saw some live videos from Spiritbox before but Courtney's voice even improved which made all of the performances unique and even more exciting to look at. Her males are very talented and trained well. I did enjoy their guitar and drum abilities. Courtney is also a very down to Earth and friendly person on stage and when she talked to you through the microphone, you felt welcome at their show. Thanks for coming to Frankfurt.

Spiritbox was really amazing! Courtney's, the bassists and guitarist stage presence were really memorable. They had huge screens and a nice light setup which added a lot to the spectacle. They played/sand flawlessly. I wasn't a big fan of the setlist (way too many songs from the first EP), and the vocals should have been louder, at times it was hard to hear through the wall of sound. Periphery unfortunately played instrumental as Spencer was sick, such a shame...

Spiritbox is one of my favorite bands, so when I saw that they were opening up for Korn, another favorite band, I had to go. Courtney's singing skill is impressive. I love hearing her sing such a soft melody, and then immediately follow it with such a hard, raw scream. It's awesome hearing such a dichotomy in her voice. Amazing performance.

The show was perfect Spiritbox was awesome and I will attend every single show they put on in AZ!!! The only issue was I think their sound guy. It seemed like he kept cutting and fading Courtney in and out throughout show. Other than that technical error I highly recommend this show. The band puts on a great performance and they are super sweet and interactive with the crowd. I look forward to seeing them again many times over!!!

Shinedown/Papa Roach: 9/26/23 “With the Summer outdoor concert season winding down to its conclusion my final show at CCNB’s Heritage Park Amphitheater was sure to end in a blaze! It was my second time seeing the band from Jacksonville Florida in 508 days and my first time seeing Papa Roach LIVE. I bought my ticket the day prior to the show as the band ran a flash $25 all in sale to fill in any unsold gaps in the reserved sections. Guessing on the code I landed 20 rows back from center stage, a seat that would have cost $98 if I had completed my transaction at any other time. About a week prior to the event the venue which has been facing tough criticism lately made an announcement that lawn chairs and blankets would not be allowed. Seeing their prior LIVE performance at the Bilo Center, I suspected that part of the reasoning might have to do with ‘1-2-3 Jump’ —the lead into to ‘Enemies’. Bon Secours had posted a public service announcement on social media immediately prior to the performance for everyone to watch out for one another in the pit, anticipating that things could tend to get a bit animated. Tuesday evening was a different leg of the same ‘Revolutions Live Tour’ I had seen, however it turned out vastly different to my surprise, particularly with the song selections, a half dozen or so titles being swapped in and out. Simpsonville was exactly the halfway point of the band’s Sept/Oct leg, positioned in between their Newark and Atlanta dates, and the band was two days rested. This event was also outdoors verses my prior indoor experience leaving the question, what would become of the flames, explosions, strobes, light bars, video walls, piano riser, and 45 degree angle pivoting lighting rigs which were raised and lowered by cables? Simpsonville does not come equipped for big productions and it was the first venue of this leg that was basically uncovered and bare bones. Trusting the band would not let down I proceeded with confidence! My view of the stage this time revealed the same lighting rigs and illuminated backdrop with the Planet Zero logo partially hidden behind the opener’s set, a 3 step riser with the drum kit positioned in the center with dual drumheads with bear head images, their mouths wide open and teeth exposed. The eye catcher from the get go was a piano suspended near the top of the amphitheater ceiling stage right. The band formed in 2001 still features Brent Smith 45 (vocals) and Barry Kerch (drums) since the very beginning, with Zach Myers (guitar) and Eric Bass (a Charleston native and resident on bass) since ’08. With 7 studio albums, 31 charted singles including 18 number ones and with all of their singles reaching at least number five on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Chart the set was sure to include a number of the big ones. Choosing much better support on this leg than the former, the Canadian heavy metal band Spiritbox from Victoria British Columbia took the stage at 6:40 p.m. We early birders all got our proverbial worms enjoying a 30 minute / 7 song set featuring some of the most unique vocals in rock and roll from Courtney LaPlante and her death growl. Thanking the early attenders and likening themselves to a hot dog band (i.e. the band you go to the concession stand while they open), the four person’s band performance was anything but. After a quick twenty minute stage turn Papa Roach formed in 1993 from Vacaville California took the stage at precisely 7:29 p.m. to an audio recording of Hank William’s ‘Hey Good Lookin’. Beginning their 1 hour long / 13 song set with 2001’s #16 ‘Between Angels And Insects’ the alternative metal band drew from their entire 11 studio album career with the exception of ‘Old Friends From Young Years’. All my fears concerning a sub-par visual production were abated quickly after seeing Papa Roach’s stage set with a large LED screen covering the entire riser in the background. The screen displayed various visuals during the performance but the one of note was a giant silhouette of a black roach lying on his back over a white background prior to the band taking the stage. Coby D**k (aka Jacoby Shaddix) led the charge with a shout out, ‘South Carolina, let’s f****n do this’. Wasting no time, ‘Kill The Noise’ a 2021 US Main #1 was next in line. ‘Let me see you bang your heads’ Coby cried prior to the opening notes of ‘Getting Away With Murder’. Coby continued, ‘Thanks for showing out to this rock and roll show, this connection right here it feels good you know, what we got going on right now you know, I live for that right there for real’. ‘Cut The Line’ a song from their newest album made its way into the set list unexpectedly. ‘Where’s the mosh pit?’, Coby looked around as he prepared to run through the crowd up the right side isle during ‘To Be Loved’. ‘You wanna get this place jumping?… now South Cackalacky do not talk about it you gotta be about it, this one right here’s called “Firestarter”’, it was a real crowd rouser. With the message ‘SUICIDE CAN BE PREVENTED’ displayed on the screen ‘Leave The Light On’ from 2022’s ‘Ego Trip’ was preceded by a mental health public service announcement. A portion of concert proceeds were to be donated to the ‘Talk Away The Dark’ campaign and the song was dedicated to Jacoby’s dad, a Vietnam Vet who left home when he was eight. After years, the frontman of the band finally made peace with him. Roach showed no signs of letting down energy-wise the entire hour as they moved all across the stage, jumping up and down and communicating visually with the audience. Shaddix did however pause briefly for a self ‘gratitude check’. With an organ playing in the background prior to 2004’s #4 ‘Scars’. he began his list. ’I’m grateful… to authentically connect with people through music’; ‘our music is a hand reaching into the darkness to drag em out of it’; ’I got a relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’; ‘I ain’t afraid to say that’; ‘I stand on this stage sober from alcohol for almost twelve years’; ‘that I got men and women that got my back through that sobriety’; ’we got some of the most awesome f*****g fans in the world right here in Simpsonville’! ‘Help’ and ‘Last Resort’ ended the set as the band left the stage to a chant of ‘Papa Roach, Papa Roach, Papa Roach….’ It was another rather quick stage turn, as all that had to be done was to remove Papa Roach’s set from the forefront of Shinedown’s. During the half hour break I took a quick walk all the way to the back corners of the lawn section, the amphitheater grounds were completely packed! The lights went down at precisely 9 p.m. to a recording of ‘2184’ the opening instrumental from the album ‘Planet Zero’. The illuminated double video panels parted from the center as the band in silhouette emerged, first Brent, then the others, Brent shouting ‘Let’s Go’. ‘Diamond Eyes’ a 2020 US Main #1 opened the 19 song / hour and fifty minute set beginning and ending with an explosion of sparklers. Turns out it WAS a big production, getting in early gave the band opportunity for a FULL set up! ‘Dead Don't Die’ a 2023 release followed. The piano lowered from the ceiling on cables the first of three times for 2013’s ‘I'll Follow You’.‘ ‘Ladies and Gentlemen we know you coulda done anything you wanted to tonight. We’re in your house, we’re in your city, we’re in your town. Ladies and Gentlemen it is a privilege and a pleasure to be here tonight thank you all so very much for showing up.’ Next I experienced only my second ever artist led full audience meet-and-greet, turning left, then right, all over the crowd were handshakes, fist bumps and knuckles, Brent leading the charge from the stage by example. It was about to get heavy as ‘State Of My Head’ and ‘Devil’ followed, the stage illuminated amidst flames of fire! ‘I’m gonna be honest with you, there’s been a lot of great audiences on this tour, a lot of good ones, but they haven’t been South Carolina so I’m gonna ask you, did you bring your sing voice with you tonight?’ While the entire set of lighting rigs lowered to just above the band members heads the audience (who stood on their feet for both bands entire sets) all sang along to 2003’s #3 ‘45’. The time came for ‘Enemies’ 1-2-3 jump. ‘We didn’t go all the way into the South town to not make this a monumental evening, Ladies and Gentlemen I think we should make a moment, don’t you?’ Brent brought out the band’s video creator Sanjay to film the experience as everyone young and old jumped on cue in unison! ‘Ladies and Gentlemen make a fist, raise em up… hold, hold, GO’ intro’d 2009’s #1 ‘Sound Of Madness’ with every light on stage moving about every which way but loose. Brent introduced Eric Bass on piano prior to ‘A Symptom Of Being Human’. ‘Ladies and Gentlemen one of your own born and raised in Charleston South Carolina.’ ‘He is an extraordinary human being on so many levels… the day that Eric came into my, Zach’s, and Barry’s life, and this band, was one of the most great, wonderful and monumental moments of all time for Shinedown.’ He informed us how Eric had engineered, mixed and produced their last two albums then gave a shout out to Eric’s wife, mother, sisters, and whole family which were present in attendance. Every cell phone flashlight and lighter in the audience came out at the intro of the 2023 release. An audio clip of Casey Kasem on radio announcing the number one song in all the land for three weeks in a row back in 2008 preceded ‘Second Chance’. Brent who had performed with bronchitis last time he was in the Upstate and struggled during the song proved himself at the top of his vocal game tonight. Brent took a backseat giving Zach the floor, Zach commenting, ‘This is the best South Carolina show we’ve ever done, ever, in the history of ever.’ An acoustic cover of Jimmy Eat World’s ‘The Middle’ preceded featuring Zach Myers & Eric Bass on main vocals and acoustic guitar. How strange it was for me to hear the song knowing my next show was the following evening was Jimmy Eat World performing the number one themselves. ‘Daylight / Get Up’ a 2018 #1 followed and ‘Planet Zero was also thrown in the mix. Their cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Simple Man was performed intimately with Smith and Myers’s together on the walkway. Mid-song Smith turned the microphone over to us to fill in the vocals challenging us with, ‘It’s all yours’. Then one more time the stage illuminated all in flames for 2019’s #1 ‘Monsters’. Closing in on the 11 p.m. curfew Smith shouted, ‘What do you say South Carolina, one more for the road?’ as ‘Cut The Cord’ completed the set without encore. The song ended in a sonic six explosion blaze that Im sure shook all of the condominiums nearby. Drummer Barry Kerch who has disagreed with more specialized genres being ascribed to the band has gone on record stating, ‘We're just a rock 'n' roll band’, and they proved that this evening. Folks this WAS rock and roll, but it wasn’t just rock and roll, it was rock and roll with a message, a message of hope by both headliners —a hope to be experienced!” Review and photo by DAve (Concert #822-824)

Spiritbox blew me away. The lead singer reminded me of Tati from Jinger. She transitioned from melodic to guttural without missing a beat. I didn't know what to expect but I can tell you now I'm a fan. If you get a chance to see them, take it. They opened the show and did their job to perfection. The crowd was fired up for Papa Roach and Shinedown by the time they finished.

Dont know if its me but it seemed a bit more routinely than last year, which is not a big surprise after all those shows they have already done. The harder songs were received more enthusiastically by the crowd, though Constance got enough applause. Hopefully more new songs will keep the intensity of the older material. I'm curious where they will go from here.

These guys were a lot better than I thought they were going to be, but as a huge stickler for production value and all things related to such, there were a couple things I would advise these guys to work on, one simple, one not so much. For one, while I was sitting in my seat, I realized that the logo on the scrim was their band logo. I realized that I had unconsciously assumed that it was the logo for a cell provider. They really need to get a new font for their logo. For the namesake and sound they’re going for, I would recommend something wispy or something like that. As for the second bit of advice, this is the one that really brings the experience down for me: the singer chick is really good, but her act comes off incredibly contrived. It’s so obvious that it makes me almost not like them, and I think that’s terrible. From The second she walked onstage, I got the feeling that she’s probably the kind of person who’s a pain in the a*s in real life. Her movements come off as someone who’s watched a bunch of videos of female metal vocalists and “knows” the moves, but since it’s obvious that she’s not just being natural, they’re very evidently robotic and, again, contrived. It also comes across through her attempts at humor. I could go on, but I really, really wish she would drop the act and just have fun, because it brought their whole set down for me. Good music, even though it’s not my thing, it’s still really good. But dude, please get a new logo and stop with the contrived stage presence.

Finally. I finally got to see Courtney live. And she did not disappoint. Good lord these guys are phenomenal. They're going to win every award and accolade imagineable. And they're just getting started. Only wish they had headlined so we could have heard more of them. Warning at this venue don’t bring anything half the size of what you consider a small purse. Anything much larger than a ziploc snack bag and you’re making a trip back to your car.

Everyone brought there A Game!!! This was the first time seeing all bands expect 3rd for Bad Omens. Saw Bad Omens since the '10 Years in Black' @ Agora '16 amazing show too. Especially Cournety of Spiritbox, from my understanding she was either recently sick or had vocal issues before the show. She had to rest I between songs but they've never canceled and done plan on it! Yet Cournety was still distorting the sound barrier in the room. I have heard of all the bands but I only can talk about Bad Omens and to an extent Spiritbox. But everyone was vibing at the end! 'Stray from the Path' did a great job hyping up the crowd with energetic atmosphere. as well as a dressing some of the elephants in the room 👏 'Bad Omens' took that momentum and threw in big choruses varying tones and the best 👌 of Bad Omens Breakdowns. The torch was transfered to 'Spiritbox', so that we may contact to the "otherside" using Courtney's lows as a conduit! But she has one other worldly singing range from low growls to angelic melodies. Those lows are indeed worth for a vocal tool or weapons btw 🖤 ❤ Then of course the headliners 'Underoath' had taking a bit of everything and throw us through another ride!