Seeing so many club shows a year its easy to forget what a rock show really is.
You can stand before a stage and watch the greatest of talent through the hair of the person in front of you, or you can buy a seat in an arena.
Or you can get the mid grade venue. A combination of ‘pit’ and reserved seating. A stage big enough to house 4 bands gear (remember when only 1 band set up then broke down, then the next rolled on? I do)
Tonight I saw 3 of 4 bands of Limp Bizkits latest tour.
But I had no desire to see the Biz. Our headliner was Avenged Sevenfold.
Hail The Villain from Canada I believe did a really great start up job. Sounding like the ‘hard rock’ of days gone by more than the hardcore’ of today. Which is fine. The crowd was light the mood was up and they did remarkably unremarkable.
All That Remains was a band I had always wanted to see that I now wish I never had. Aside from the obvious disappointment (not obvious? check the band list) was the drum machine. I will say it did spark up conversation, was it a doubler? Was it drum machine? One thing for certain is the drummer was not in it alone. Yes I screamed to Iman they were Milli Vanilli drums, but the sick depth of drumming for ATR cant be replicated with one drummer. How about a touring second drummer? Just a thought. So by this point I’m spending more time trying to see how many missed hits I can count to truly enjoy their set. All That Remains is great recorded.
Enter Avenged Sevenfold.
Pyro is one thing but rock and roll class is another. I have not seen that caliber of calm professionalism in way too long. With just the appropriate amount of tribute to Jimmy ‘The Rev” Sullivan, through a gorgeous backdrop band hung photo, to a respectful and sincere thank you to Portnoy for helping, they could not have handled that with more dignity.
Despite some on going sound glitches that are no fault at all of this fantastic band. A show was given and I found myself really loving rock and roll for the sake of the sheer power of it. “Nightmare’ was jaw dropping “God Hates Us’ was fist pumping and the simplicity of the bands movements made me realize that sometime just being cool is show enough.
I do love fireworks and that coupled with flame stacks made it feel so very bad ass. They rocked, I loved it.
The crowd was in the zone the pit was on fire and despite a random shoe that made its way on stage, I saw no loss of limb. It wasn’t the forum for wall of death antics. This was old school. This was invigorating.
I am so happy I was able to attend this show. I pray (sincerely) A7X keeps going. I know they’re unsure as of now but for heavens sake get sure. Rock and Roll needs Avenged Sevenfold, they’re stabilizing in a flash in the pan industry. I felt safe and confident in their hands. A familiarity of power without the bullshit most pass off as a show. Couldn’t have dreamt up a better set. Outstanding. Thank you.
As for Limp Bizkit………..who knows. There was no topping what I had just experienced so why taint it with “Nookie’, we split. I’m glad.