I was bummed that some friends couldn't make the show, but I was happy to meet some other friends at the show. I got to the venue in time to find a parking spot in a nearby parking ramp, grab a quick bite to eat, and meet up with some associates before going in and making a beeline to the merch table. I bought a hoodie for a friend who couldn't make the show and a Sevendust VIP pass for myself, happy that I'd be able to catch up with the guys again for the first time since the studio hang at Architekt Studios in Butler, NJ in September.
Sevendust was opening for Breaking Benjamin, so I made a point to get as close to the front of the stage as possible. The band went on promptly at 8:00 p.m. with the song "Black," the first song from their first album. It was great to see the band's energy and enthusiasm at such a high level throughout their seven song set. I'm also glad that most of the fans who were there to see Breaking Benjamin were getting turned on to Sevendust's music. They closed with the song "Thank You," the first single from the new album Kill the Flaw. At the end of the set, I saw that one of the guitar picks rhythm guitarist John Connolly had thrown into the crowd had landed right at my feet. I quickly put my foot down on it and then picked it up-another trophy for my collection!
A little after 9 p.m., Ben Burnley and company launched into the song "Failure" from their new album Dark Before Dawn. They followed this up with one of my favorite BB tracks "Breath." This was my third time seeing Breaking Benjamin live in three different states this fall, so I knew to expect a good set. I didn't realize they'd be running late, however, as I made my way to the underhang of a balcony on the right-side of the arena for the Sevendust VIP bus hang. There, I caught up with a couple of friends as we waited for the show to end. I thought Breaking Benjamin put on another solid set, and I liked how Burnley hand-picked audience members to join the band onstage for the closing song "The Diary of Jane."
Shortly after 11 p.m. the show ended, and us VIP'ers were rounded up to meet the guys in Sevendust on their brand-new tour bus. It was a quick procession, and not enough time for more than a brief chat, group photo and having one item signed, but I was more than happy to spend time with my brothers in the band, some of the hardest-working and most down to earth people I've ever met.
I made the three and a half hour drive home that night tired but very happy. I never turn down an opportunity to see my favorite band-it was definitely the highlight of a very busy workweek! The next show was a covers band with some good friends in the Cities yesterday, but the next major label artist's show probably won't be for a while. Until then, have a great week, everyone!
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