I just got back home from my trek to Fargo, North Dakota for last night's Sevendust concert at the Venue. This was my third Sevendust concert in three different states so far this year. This was also my third concert in the last five days, and as far I'm concerned, the shows kept getting better and better!
I woke up yesterday morning and checked my email to find that the VIP meet and greet would be at 3 p.m. CST at the Venue. Good thing I had Monday and Tuesday off, I said to myself. That gave me plenty of time to make the two-plus hour drive to Fargo, have a nice lunch at the local Green Mill and drive around a bit before checking in at my hotel.
Shortly after 3 p.m., the handful of us VIP'ers were led to a side room inside the arena where the members of Sevendust soon arrived to chat, sign some items, take a few photos and have pizza with us. I was happy that I got to chat with all of the guys, and even got a Sevendust Sharpie from bass guitarist Vince Hornsby after I told him I liked the pen. I've talked to the guys enough times to be really comfortable with them, so it made for a good experience. My day was made before the show even began!
I got back to the hotel to relax for a couple of hours, noshing on a few slices of leftover pizza from the meet and greet before returning to the Venue for the evening's show. Shortly before 7 p.m., the first opening act, Crash Midnight, took the stage to begin the concert. The Boston-based quintet ran through about five original songs and a cover of the Rolling Stones' classic "Jumping Jack Flash." They had a raw sound, and seemed like a group just starting out. One of the guitarists broke a guitar string early in the set, but played on anyway, apparently not having another guitar as a replacement.
About a half-hour later, Gemini Syndrome took the stage, launching into songs from their new album Lux. I enjoyed the energy and enthusiasm they brought to the audience, and loved frontman Aaron Nordstrom's interactions with the crowd. After their set, drummer Brian Steele Medina went through the front row stamping everyone he met with a stamp of a Gemini symbol. I'd heard nothing but good things about this band, so I was glad to finally hear them live.
I'd heard how Sevendust had a run of bad luck on Saturday, with their bus breaking down and later getting pulled over by the authorities and then later getting rained out and having some of guitarist/singer Clint's Lowery equipment damaged during a sudden rainstorm in Sturgis, South Dakota. It didn't seem to faze the band too much, however, as they launched into their electric set with the song "Pieces." Having seen the band play acoustically at their last two concerts, it was good to see them return to form with a powerful opening song.
Surprisingly, the next words I heard were drummer Morgan Rose's opening chorus to the traditional encore song "Face to Face." When these guys wanted an electric, heavy show, they weren't kidding! This song really pumped up the audience!
As I was waiting outside the Venue for the doors to open, a local rock radio station was broadcasting the news about comedian Robin Williams' passing. Frontman Lajon Witherspoon mentioned the news before the song "Karma," saying that the band had the fortune to meet Robin several years ago and commented on the good person that he was. I later found myself saying a silent prayer to Robin during the ballad "Angel's Son."
It was good to finally hear "Karma" performed electrically, and I liked how the band mixed up the set again. I loved the performances of "Strong Arm Broken" and a bruising rendition of "Decay" before they closed with the Cold Day Memory song "Splinter." After the song as the band was saying their farewells for the evening, guitarist/singer John Connolly put a couple of his guitar picks in my hands. I thanked him graciously, flashing back to the great chats I'd just had with him during the meet and greet a few hours earlier.
The only blemish on the evening was what I'd call a bit of miscommunication during the post-show VIP arrangement. Otherwise, it was another great night of great music with great friends. I'm glad I was able to share another enjoyable Sevendust concert with my friend Frank. Even though he didn't get off work in time to join in the pre-show VIP gathering, I know he enjoyed the show and we both got to talk to Lajon before heading out.
Well that's all for now friends, until next time, have a great week!
Sevendust set list:
1. Pieces
2. Face to Face
3. Till Death
4. Denial
5. Praise
6. Karma
7. Enemy
8. Got A Feeling
9. Angel's Son
10. Trust
11. Strong Arm Broken
12. Decay
Encore:
1. Splinter
No comments:
Post a Comment