BY KYLE “Buttercup” MILLION | Go Venue Magazine
Wow what a great show put on by three phenomenal bands, but first I’d like to apologize for taking so long to write this as I was dealing with some medical issues as the fans deserve better than a delay like this. Anyhow with that said let dive into this brief review of our experience and those of the fans we talked with.
Providence Amphitheater or as most of us over 30’s call it “Sandstone” [LOL], is always a treat to cover a concert or show because the crowd systems security treats us well and go above and beyond to protect us while working the pit from crowd surfers and over partying fans who loose control. You enter the gates walk down hill to find your place, meet up with friends, and make many new ones at every turn.
Opening the show Bad Wolves pumped up the crowd and got everyone singing along to their favorites. Tommy Vext’s strong vocals reverberated thru the audience in a way that can only be described as a blood pumping emotional bliss. During the performance I always do my best to capture each member when they are in their groove which usually leads to some jokes about their facial expressions and this band makes plenty. I really hope to see them headlining a tour in the near future as they defiantly have the talent and fan base to do so.
Up next was the direct support of the night came from English rockers Asking Alexandria as the sun went down as their instrumental started and boom bright lights in every direction as Danny Worsnop runs onstage dancing and twirling all over the place with an energy I haven’t seen from him in a couple years. They totally outdid their performance from earlier this year at Rocklahoma. I don’t know what got into them but it was a revamped attitude that sent fans into a frenzy of cheer and screaming like teens at a Beetle’s concert in the 60’s. The lightshow during their performance let to some interesting photos for sure although it was very difficult to capture James Cassells which was disappointing to myself as a photographer.
After a little break and talking to more fans and old friends we got back in the pit to capture an old favorite ever since they came to my little town back when very few knew who they were, Papa Roach came out with Jacoby Shaddix’s hair fanned up and ready to rock! Now while I have seen, interviewed, and photographed them for several years now one thing about them is they do their best to make each tour a new experience for old and new fans. I think that has to be one of the hardest things to do as a band once you hit that headliner spot light to not only keep original fans happy but to inspire new ones to follow you. With Jerry and Tobin running back and forth while not skipping a lick, and even Tony on drums standing up and rocking throughout the songs instead of hiding behind the cymbals I highly recommend catching as many of their shows so you can see how they keep the fans engaged over the last two decades.
Now as an after note weather it’s a big name band like these guys or going to your local dive paying five bills at the door to see unknown locals or reginal acts, get out there find venues that allow your kids and get them into music as well!
Until next time have a rockin day
Papa Roach
Asking Alexandria
Bad Wolves
All images © Kyle “Buttercup” Million
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