All posts in concerts

During the loneliest times of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the world was stuck at home with no idea when we might see some semblance of normalcy, the saints at SiriusXM had a novel notion. Since music lovers could no longer go to concerts, why not bring concerts to the music lovers? From that simple concept, the Octane Accelerator Virtual Concert series was born. The inaugural event featuring three new hard rock bands: Saul, Any Given Sin and AVOID.

That performance was my official introduction to Saul. While I was familiar with a song or two of theirs beforehand, that was the night I officially became a fan. Less than a year later, I was scheduled to see them in concert, along with Any Given Sin and Nonpoint … until Nonpoint was forced to postpone the show — along with several others — after their vehicle and trailer were involved in an accident.

Finally, two months after that show was postponed and nearly a year after their virtual concert, the stars aligned and I was able to see Saul live. And they did not disappoint. While they only had time to play an abbreviated set, they made the most out of what they were given and set the tone for the rest of the night.

They simply don’t make bands like Rival Sons anymore. The music created by this Long Beach, California-based band seems like it should be played in heavy rotation with the likes of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Deep Purple, as opposed to whatever passes for today’s rock music.

And since Rival Sons has always had a throwback vibe, it’s only fitting that they’re currently touring in celebration of the tenth anniversary of their album Pressure & Time. Starting in September, lead singer Jay Buchanan and friends hit the road on a six-week, 30-stop trek as they played their critically acclaimed, second studio album cover to cover.

Considering the album has amassed more than 40 million streams over the last decade, the Pressure and Time Anniversary Tour is clearly designed to give fans what they want. And anyone who has seen Rival Sons in concert can attest, for as good as they are on vinyl, they’re even better live.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected everyone differently. Some people spent their newfound free time learning to bake bread. Some plowed through every binge-worthy television show they could find. And then there’s NEEDTOBREATHE.

Turns out the South Carolina-based rock band made the most of their newfound time – releasing not one, but two albums since the pandemic shut down everything and everyone. Last June, NEEDTOBREATHE dropped their seventh studio album, Out Of Body, and then they surprised everyone by releasing Into The Mystery this past July. 

This came about last fall, when the five members of NEEDTOBREATHE quarantined together in a house in Columbia, Tennessee for three weeks as they wrote, recorded and produced their eighth full-length studio album.

“Normally this would take us three years to do, and we’re gonna try and do it in three weeks,” said front man Bear Rhinehart in the trailer for the band’s upcoming documentary, titled “NEEDTOBREATHE: Into The Mystery.”

Armed with an abundance of new material, the Grammy nominated band hit the road for the first time in two years as they embarked on a 38-city tour, which included a stop in Washington, D.C. 

Their performance at The Anthem that night sent a clear message to the more than 6,000 fans in attendance that they were ready to make the most of their allotted time as they dove headfirst into a two-hour set that included 26 total songs. That show and this band were, as their song says, “What I’m Here For.”

With apologies to friends and loved ones, more than anything during the pandemic, I missed live music. The venues, both big and small. The abundance of emotions and energy from those on the stage as well as those in the crowd. The opportunity to support artists who create the content that resonates so deeply. 

Having all of that abruptly taken away for a year and a half was a gut punch I never saw coming. And now that society is slowly returning to some semblance of normalcy, live music sure does feel like what the doctor ordered. (Well, that and vaccines. But I digress.)

I don’t know for sure, but it feels like the members of Switchfoot were in the same boat. They took to the stage at The Anthem Sunday night as if they were making up for lost time, and then proceeded to put on an amazingly captivating performance. Let me say without hesitation or reservation – nobody is having more fun than these guys these days.

Switchfoot kicked off their high-energy set with “Where I Belong,” which was fitting after the pandemic robbed us all of concerts and the track clearly clearly connected with the more than 6,000 fans in attendance who agreed with the sentiment. From there, they went right into one of their biggest hits, “Meant to Live” before launching into “Float” with a disco ball, amazing lighting and multiple bubble machines adding to the moment.

By the time they finished their 45-minute set, Switchfoot had absolutely crushed another memorable performance and reminded everyone how the Grammy Award winning band has been able to deliver consistently for more than two decades.

At its core, Any Given Sin is a hard rock band for the people.

The music created by lead singer Victor Richie, guitarist Mike Conner, bass player Rich Stevenson and drummer Mike Showalter is embraced by a rabidly passionate fanbase, known as Any Given Sinners, who earn regular attention and praise from the folks at Sirius XM’s Octane channel.

Following in the footsteps of popular singles such as “Dynamite,” “Another Life” and “Insidious,” Any Given Sin released “The Way I Say Goodbye” in early 2021. They also signed with FM Music Management and Mascot Records, which is why it’s a safe bet if you haven’t heard of them yet, you will in the near future.

Before embarking on a 14-city tour with Nonpoint, Saul and Dropout Kings, Any Given Sin made a special stop at the Baltimore Soundstage in the band’s home state. After Relentless Souls, With Satellites, Breakforth and Crashing Atlas got everyone warmed up, Any Given Sin tore the house down with a high-energy hourlong set.

With anthems such as “You Ain’t Ready,” “Rise Up” and “Victorious,” it’s clear that everything Skillet does is epic. And that fact isn’t limited to their most recent album, which is also named “Victorious,” as anyone who has ever attended one of their concerts can attest to.

It’s no wonder why World Wrestling Entertainment showcases the band’s smash hit, “Legendary,” as the theme song for its flagship program, Monday Night Raw. Everything about the band’s sound commands your attention and demands your respect.

For those who aren’t familiar with their body of work, Skillet has released ten albums, with two — Collide and Comatose — earning Grammy nominations. Needless to say, by this point in their musical journey, singer John Cooper, guitarist Korey Cooper, drummer Jen Ledger and guitarist Seth Morrison are a well-oiled machine.

All four members have incredible stage presence and really know how to captivate an audience, which was readily apparent on this night at The Fillmore, in Silver Spring, Maryland. This might have been my first time experiencing Skillet live, but it absolutely won’t be the last.

While members have come and gone since the band formed in 2013, one thing has remained consistent for From Ashes to New — their hard rock sound has always been raw and genuine.

When From Ashes to New came to town this time around, they were led by frontman Matt Brandyberry, along with vocalist Danny Case, guitarist Lance Dowdle and drummer Mat Madiro. While these four guys have only been together since 2017, they’ve clearly developed a bond that translates on stage.

With an abundance of energy and an infectious sound, the band from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, made the absolute most of its 45-minute set. By the time they played their final song of the night, From Ashes to New had accomplished exactly what they set out to do — made sure everyone in attendance knew their name.