SHONDA MICHELSON | Go Venue Magazine
Lynch Mob, along with Paralandra, brought the final leg of The Final Ride Tour to The Machine Shop in Flint, Michigan.
The world-famous Machine Shop in Flint, MI, served as the perfect backdrop for Lynch Mob’s stop on The Final Ride Tour 2024-2025. Known as a Michigan mecca for rock and metal enthusiasts, The Machine Shop has been a staple of the live music scene since its opening in 2002. With its industrial aesthetic, intimate stage setup, and top-tier sound system, it continues to attract some of the biggest names in music. The Machine Shop’s loyal crowd has helped cement its reputation as one of the most electric and memorable venues for both fans and performers.
Opening the night was Paralandra, a rising force in rock hailing from Springfield, Missouri. For those unfamiliar, the band was formed by powerhouse vocalist and rhythm guitarist Casandra Carson alongside her father, lead guitarist Paul Carson. Rounding out the lineup are bassist Sawyer Rickard and drummer Dakota Watson, both of whom bring incredible energy and precision to the band’s sound. Paralandra wasted no time firing up the crowd with their mix of melodic hard rock and driving riffs.
Paralandra brought raw emotion and resilience to the stage, captivating the crowd with their powerful songs and inspiring presence. Their setlist featured an impressive blend of standout tracks including “Only Human” (Street Magic, 2021), “Look At Me Now” and “Dirty Love” (The Body Electric, 2024). Casandra invited the audience to help kick off the song “Give Me A Reason” (The Body Electric, 2024) by singing the intro together, belting out the infectious “whoa oh, oh ohh” The audience sang and cheered along, creating a communal energy.
A standout moment was when Casandra shared how the band faced constant hurdles when getting the band started, from being told she needed to lose weight to hearing that having her dad in the band wasn’t “cool.” Despite these baseless critiques that have nothing to do with the music, the band persevered, channeling their struggles into their music. This inspired her to write “For The Record” (Street Magic, 2023), an anthem of self-empowerment inspired by these experiences. Casandra declared, “I’m perfect the way I am, and I’m not changing for anyone,” reminding us that we, too, are perfect as we are and should never change for anyone. Paul Carson’s masterful guitar solos added depth and flair to every song, while Casandra’s stage presence and undeniable charisma drew the crowd into their world. With a tight rhythm section holding down the groove, Paralandra proved they are a band on the rise, and their set left the crowd buzzing.
By the time Lynch Mob hit the stage, The Shop was packed wall-to-wall with fans eager to witness guitar legend George Lynch in action. From the opening chords of “Tooth and Nail” from the 1984 Dokken album of the same name, it was clear that George and the boys were firing on all cylinders. The setlist masterfully balanced Lynch Mob classics with nods to George’s illustrious past in Dokken, much to the delight of longtime fans. Tracks like “When Heaven Comes Down” (Tooth and Nail, 1984) and “Into the Fire” (Tooth and Nail, 1984) brought the crowd to life, with Lynch’s signature guitar tone sending chills through the room.
Vocalist Gabriel Colon captivated the audience with his commanding stage presence and powerful vocals, breathing new life into both Lynch Mob staples and Dokken favorites alike. The rhythm section, anchored by Jimmy D’Anda on drums and Jaron Gulino on bass, laid down a thunderous foundation, keeping the energy high throughout the night. Other highlights included Lynch Mob favorites like “River of Love” (Wicked Sensation, 1990). “No Good” (Lynch Mob, 1992), as well as “Time After Time” and “Synner” from the latest 2023 album, Babylon.
A standout moment of the night came during “Mr. Scary” (Dokken, Back for the Attack, 1987), when Casandra joined George on stage to perform the iconic instrumental together. Their combined energy and musicianship brought the classic track to life. The crowd was mesmerized, celebrating this awesome collaboration as one of the most unforgettable highlights of the evening.
The energy in the venue was electric, with fans singing along to every word and raising their horns in unison. By the time the final notes of “Wicked Sensation” rang out, it was clear this was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of George Lynch’s storied career. With The Final Ride Tour marking the end of Lynch Mob as George retires the project, this is a must-see tour. George and the band delivered a night to remember, leaving no doubt that this farewell tour is truly going out in style.
Lynch Mob
Paralandra
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