I braved the sometimes tricky Twin Cities traffic and checked into my hotel in Rochester Saturday afternoon, only to run into a couple of guys who were also attending the show. One guy was going to his 23rd Sevendust concert, and this would be his friend's 2nd Sevendust show.
After taking a rest, I went to the venue, remembering that I'd get 10% off my dinner when I presented my concert ticket. Once in the bar & grill, I had just sat down to place my supper order when a buddy of mine that I met at Sevendust's show at First Avenue last summer stopped to say hello and catch up.
After the meal, I spent more time with my friend and other fans who had splurged on the VIP experience. Before long, we were all allowed into the stage area. I sat down with a couple who had come from Lacrosse, Wisconsin just for the show. As we were talking, I told them how I'd noticed that Candlelight Red, a band from Kentucky who I'd just seen open for Sevendust at Mill City Nights in Minneapolis back in April, was a late addition to the opening acts for the show.
Shortly after 7 p.m., Candlelight Red took the stage. We later found out that the band had an off day that day and called their friends in Sevendust to ask if they could play at the show. I was happy because I hadn't heard any of the new music from their latest album Reclamation yet, and hearing free music is always great in my book!
After talking to the guys in the band, buying their new CD and getting their autographs on the CD booklet and a free poster, it was soon time for the Memphis, Tennessee-based band Devour the Day to take the stage. I enjoyed their heavier songs like "Good Man", and made a note to buy their CD after the show.
Before long the final opening act, the Las Vegas-based quintet Otherwise, started with songs from their debut album True Love Never Dies. I knew their radio singles "I Don't Apologize" and "Soldiers," and enjoyed getting to hear more songs from the CD during their brief set. I also had a nice chat with lead singer Adrian Patrick after the show.
Finally, Sevendust arrived, amping up the crowd with their first song "Pieces." My buddy held up his handmade sign for the new song "Till Death," and sure enough that was the next song that we heard.
During the third song "Denial," bassist Vince Hornsby tossed one of drummer Morgan Rose's drumsticks into the crowd. I put out my left hand in an attempt to grab it, until I realized too late that it was coming right for me! The drumstick tip bounced off of my upper lip, dropping to the floor where my buddy that I ran into before the show snatched it up. My lip was a little sore for a while, but by the end of the show I was feeling just fine. I even gave Hornsby a little good-natured grief for the incident after the show.
I was glad to hear new songs like "Got A Feeling," which is a kind of autobiographical song about the band. That led into two of my favorite Sevendust songs, the ballad "Angel's Son" and the rocking anthem "Black." Sevendust finished their set with the now-standard encore songs "Splinter" and "Face to Face" with the crowd chanting their name at the end of the night.
I spent some time buying a few souvenirs at the merchandise table and chatting with some of the friends I'd made during the show before the meet and greet. I got to talk to the guys in Sevendust, had them sign my booklet for their outstanding album Animosity and had photo ops with each of the guys too.
I made it to the hotel shortly before 1 a.m., too amped from the experience to sleep right away. I also made plans the next day to attend my tenth Sevendust show (and third this year) at the Myth in Maplewood in September. I'd have to say this was one great way to start my birthday/vacation week!
Sevendust set list:
1. Pieces
2. Till Death
3. Denial
4. Praise
5. Waffle
6. Got a Feeling
7. Angel's Son
8. Black
9. Strong Arm Broken
10. Decay
11. Alpha
12. Bitch
Encore:
1. Splinter
2. Face to Face
