REVIEW BY DAVID TAYLOR and PHOTO BY ROBERT A CHADWICK | Go Venue Magazine
On Friday, July 16, 2021, the post-grunge band Staind made their return to Sioux City, Iowa, the first time in fifteen years. The concert was at the conveniently located Battery Park at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City in downtown Sioux City. Along with Staind, they brought along legendary nu-metallers, Nonpoint, as well as Omaha’s own Arson City. I haven’t been there since Five Finger Death Punch, All That Remains, and Arson City played there in 2017, so it was nice to revisit this amazing place for outdoor concerts.
Arson City kicked off the festivities of the night. What more can I say about this band? We at Go Venue Magazine are huge fans of these local boys, having covered three shows of theirs in the past. Another energetic opening set. Sioux City is like a second home for these guys, so everyone was hyped up when they played. I always have a great time seeing these guys live. Hopefully a new release of new material are in the works for them.
Nonpoint was the direct support of the night. And what a perfect band to get everyone warmed up for Staind. This was my second time seeing them live, the first being with In This Moment in 2016, so it was nice seeing these energetic dudes, again. Lead singer and frontman Elias Soriano always gives it 110% on stage, dreads bouncing and all. Drummer Robb Rivera pounds the skins harder than any drummer out there. This band has been killing it for nearly 25 years and for the first time since they started out, they have gone completely independent with releasing their music, having started their own record label, 361 Degrees Records. “Ruthless”, which was on their setlist for the show, is their first single off their upcoming EP, a rager of a song. I look forward to what these guys have in the future, as this band is stronger than ever live.
Finally, it was Staind’s turn to close the night out. I’m going to be honest, I respectfully don’t agree with Aaron Lewis’s view on politics. But, that being said, Staind was amazing. The band was tight rhythmically. Guitarist Mike Mushok crushed it, so much energy in his guitar playing. Aaron Lewis’s voice is still strong as ever. Would’ve enjoyed if he connected with the crowd more, but I still enjoyed his vocal performance. They played the hits such as “It’s Been Awhile”, “Mudshovel”, and “So Far Away”. It’s amazing how big those songs then are as popular now on rock radio. I’m glad they are back together, again. They have a new live record called, Live: It’s Been Awhile, recorded in 2019 at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. I hope new music from them are on the horizon. Thanks to the team at Hard Rock Sioux City for this amazing show!
Staind
Nonpoint
Arson City
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