WORDS BY DAVID TAYLOR AND PHOTOS BY ROBERT A CHADWICK | Go Venue Magazine
Thursday, June 13 was a perfect night to go to an outdoor concert in Council Bluffs. The weather was perfect, not too hot, not too cold. Stir Cove at Harrah’s Casino was to place to be at as Coheed and Cambria, Mastodon, and Every Time I Die made a tour stop in town.
Buffalo, NY’s very own Every Time I Die kicked off the night’s festivities. Most summers, they are on Warped Tour, but as that festival retires from a cross-country touring festival, Every Time I Die jumped on this bill of heavy hitters. For a band that has been around for over twenty years, they brought an energy that very rarely makes it to Stir Cove. Keith Buckley, lead vocalist, brought charisma and charm. Andy Williams, rhythm guitarist, is a force of nature onstage, mustache and all. A mosh pit was started, a rare occurrence for the Stir crowd, as this band was appropriate to have one. I’ve been enthralled with Every Time I Die for awhile now, so I’m glad I finally caught their live show.
Atlanta’s own Mastodon was the direct support of the night. Vary rarely do they every come to this part of country, 2010 being the last time they were in Omaha. So, when I heard they were coming back to this area, my ears perked up. Performing their monumental album, Crack the Skye, in its entirety for the tenth anniversary, Mastodon brought the progressive sounds and complex time signatures to the Stir stage. They are one of the tightest bands I have ever seen, always in sync with each other. They also brought some stunning 2D visuals with them that were cool to watch. I’m so glad I finally got to see Mastodon. They did not disappoint at all.
It was headliners Coheed and Cambria’s turn to hit the stage. I didn’t know too much about this band, but after seeing them live, I really enjoyed them. I understood why quite of few of my local musician friends worship this band. Because they are that good live, as well on record. The musicianship was on par. The lights and the visuals were superb. Claudio Sanchez sang his ass off. It was cool to see all their fans sing-along to their songs, as this band doesn’t come around here that often. After seeing them live, I have a new found appreciation for Coheed and Cambria.
Coheed and Cambria
Mastodon
Every Time I Die
All photos by © Robert Chadwick Photography
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