CONCERT REVIEW: Korn / Staind: Live at DTE Energy Music Theatre

Korn performs at the DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkston, Michigan On August 31, 2021. (Photo credit: Mike Shaler)

The Freaks came to rock out on August 31st, 2021 at DTE Energy Music Theatre, an outdoor amphitheater, in Clarkston, Michigan as Korn continues their Summer tour with special guests Staind and Fire From The Gods.

Fire From The Gods busted right into the heavy tunes as they performed an energetic set to get the growing crowd into the right mood.

Staind had recently gotten back together as this tour with Korn is like a flashback to when I saw them in concert 20 plus years ago.  Albeit both bands have different drummers these days, it’s testament to the connection the band members have to keep that music alive.

Staind lead singer Aaron Lewis was in great form as Mike Mushok on lead guitar was his old self with long hair flinging around as he riffed with bassist Johnny April still stoic as ever and Sal Giancarelli keeping the beat thumping on drums.

Korn had recently had to postpone a handful of shows due to lead singer Jonathan Davis getting sick with COVID-19.  Davis addressed to the crowd that COVID “kicked his ass”, but props to JD for mustering the strength to keep the tour going.  A little help with a throne to sit on now and then as he performs has aided JD along through the shows as he continues to recover.

I was only able to catch the first three songs as that’s what I was allowed to photograph, and then I left for a family emergency.  But the brief time I was able to see Korn, I could see and hear that awesome guitar chemistry between Head (Brian Welch) and Munky (James Shaffer) that forms that signature Korn sound.  Ray Luzier playing drums like a mechanical animal and filling in on bass guitar for Fieldy (Reginald Arvizu) while he’s on hiatus from the band is Ra Diaz of Suicidal Tendencies.  If you know anything about Suicidal Tendencies, Ra fills in seamlessly with Korn.

Much like the numerous t-shirts I saw being worn that said “Freak For Life”, Korn has a loyal fan base that will always be there to support them and the band continues to churn out great material as they feed off that support.  Here’s to hoping JD has a quick and full recovery and to the next time they make their way back around, I’ll be looking forward to it.

Korn

Staind

Fire From The Gods

All images © Mike Shaler
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