Adam Spanier, Author at

Creed // Live @ Heritage Bank Center // 8.24.25

Adam Spanier — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 19:02:11 +0000

Article & Photos by: Adam Spanier

Cincinnati, OH – It’s something that rock fans have craved for years – the return of Creed, the bombshell band that defined post-grunge rock in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with Scott Stapp (vocals), Mark Tremonti (lead guitar), Eric Friedman (touring rhythm guitar), Brian Marshall (bass), and Scott Phillips (drums).

Creed

With a Grammy to their credit (2001 Best Rock Song, “With Arms Wide Open”) among other accolades, the band had three studio albums that took the rock scene by storm – My Own Prison (1997), Human Clay (1999) and Weathered (2001) – all three were multi-platinum successes in the USA.

The band went on hiatus in 2003 (some might say they disbanded), with a brief reunion in the 2009-2012 timeframe. The musicians explored other opportunities, with Stapp pursuing a solo career, and Tremonti, Phillips and Marshall teaming up with Myles Kennedy to form Alter Bridge.

Creed reunited most recently in 2023 and have been touring again. For 2025, Creed is just finishing their Return of the Summer of ’99 North American Tour, with varying support through the tour from Daughtry, Mammoth WVH, Sevendust and Big Wreck.

For the Cincinnati show, openers Mammoth WVH and Daughtry were on the docket for a night of hard rock for thousands of fans at the Heritage Bank Center. Staging and production were top notch, with large video screens behind the bands and strong stage lighting to spotlight the performers.

Mammoth WVH is led by Wolfgang Van Halen, the son of legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen. Over the years, Wolfgang has steadily refined his metal artistry, evolving from a reserved stage presence into a commanding performer – he is clearly coming into his own personae. Clad in a bright pink patterned shirt, he delivered powerful vocals and showcased impressive guitar prowess.

Mammoth WVH

WVH frequently sang with eyes closed, lost in the moment; however, when it came to his guitar solos, he jammed hard.

Daughtry continues to prove himself as a consistently powerful performer. His voice penetrates with clarity and emotion, and his delivery is impeccable. Song after song, there is the soulful and the heavy, the quiet and the intense. Before launching into “Pieces,” he reminded the crowd, “Cincinnati, there’s light on the other side of the darkness!” Overall, the 10-song set was completely satisfying.

Daughtry

Then, of course, came Creed, and the crowd erupted. The return of the original lineup following years of tumult and hiatus was not only long-awaited, but also thrilling. Seeing Stapp, Tremonti, Marshall and Phillips share the stage again was a moment fans had long awaited, and the energy in the arena reflected that anticipation.

Creed

Every band member was at the top of his game, delivering a performance that was tight, passionate, and unmistakably Creed. Stapp, ever the commanding frontman, brought raw power and emotion to every lyric. Tremonti’s guitarwork was both fierce and melodic, while Marshall’s bass lines added depth and drive. Phillips, behind the drum kit, provided a rhythmic anchor. And though touring guitarist Friedman may not be an original member of the band (joining during the 2009 reunion), he added dynamic layers, seamlessly jamming alongside Tremonti and Marshall throughout the show.

Creed

Solos were scattered throughout the set, as were collaborative jamming of guitars and bass, with Stapp alongside intensely riffing and cheering with them.

Creed

Stapp connected with fans throughout the performance, sharing reflections and messages of resilience. Prior to “My Own Prison” (1997), he said, “Let’s sing a song about prison… in our mind, that every day is a new day to start over… life is not about setbacks… they are for learning… it’s about the comebacks.” He added that he keeps this song in his rearview mirror, as a “reminder.”

In a heartwarming moment, the band gifted a guitar to a lucky fan in the crowd, a young boy named Jacob. Lucky, lucky kid!

Later, acknowledging current divisive times, Stapp urged the crowd to “find what unites us” prior to “Arms Wide Open.” He shouted for “Hands in the air!” and the stadium seemed to move rhythmically as arms and hands swayed together.

Creed

The band performed a full 15-song set, closing with the band’s anthemic “My Sacrifice.”

Bullets
Ode
Torn
Are You Ready?
Never Die
My Own Prison
Freedom Fighter
Say I
What If
One
What’s This Life For
With Arms Wide Open
Higher
One Last Breath
My Sacrifice

Overall, what a terrific night of memories shared between the band and their fans. Hopefully, there is more to come!

The summer tour has come to a close, but a cruise tour has been announced for 2026, with more dates likely on their way. Check the band’s website for upcoming shows, and the carousel of photos below for more images from the Cincinnati show.

The post Creed // Live @ Heritage Bank Center // 8.24.25 appeared first on .

David Lee Roth // Live @ Hard Rock Casino // 8.21.25

Adam Spanier — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:43:18 +0000

Article & Photos by: Adam Spanier

Cincinnati, OH – Rock legend David Lee Roth entertained an enthusiastic crowd at Cincinnati’s Hard Rock Casino outdoor stage on a day that spat some rain during the afternoon. But all was clear in the evening for Roth, who needed no opening band to rev up the crowd.

Roth is touring with a bevy of support, with Al Estrada (guitar), Ryan Wheeler (bass), Francis Valentino (drums), Danny Wagner (keyboards), and four background vocalists. He entered the stage with an ear-to-ear grin to resounding applause, opening with guaranteed-to-please “Panama,” the first of many Van Halen favorites showcased that evening.

David Lee Roth

At 71, Roth is as energetic and stage-savvy as ever. From the get-go, he teased the audience with grinning antics (including the limbo with a mic stand), never missing an opportunity to flash that stunning grin. The man is in enviable shape, sporting body-hugging black bell bottoms and vest, tattoos on full display, with a red bandana tied around his neck and sunglasses (but not too dark!) to complete the look.

David Lee Roth

He often joked with the crowd, alluding to his raucous and renowned party history. The wafting scent of weed apparently brought back nostalgia from days gone by. He shared some Snoop Dog and Ozzy stories, as well.

David Lee Roth

Roth’s long (and storied) history with Van Halen offers a abundance of song options for the night, and favorites abounded, such as “Dance The Night Away,” “Everybody Wants Some,“ “Jamie’s Cryin’” and “Runnin’ With The Devil.” Several covers were also showcased (The Kinks’ “You Really Got Me” and Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman”). Closing with “Jump!” was genius.

Panama
Drop Dead Legs
I’m the One
I’ll Wait
Beautiful Girls
You Really Got Me (The Kinks cover)
Runnin’ With the Devil
Romeo Delight
Dance the Night Away
Mean Street
Somebody Get Me a Doctor
Jamie’s Cryin’
Unchained
Oh, Pretty Woman (Roy Orbison cover)
Ain’t Talkin’ ’bout Love
Hot for Teacher
Everybody Wants Some!!
Jump

Roth is an exceptional performer who knows how to dazzle a crowd. His tour continues through mid-September – check his website (link) for tour dates, and the carousel below for more images from the Cincinnati show.

The post David Lee Roth // Live @ Hard Rock Casino // 8.21.25 appeared first on .

Volbeat // Live @ Riverbend Music Center // 8.17.25

Adam Spanier — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 05:35:04 +0000

Article and photos: Adam Spanier

Cincinnati, OH – Volbeat’s Greatest Of All Tours Worldwide is an ambitious tour that began in early June to coincide with the release of their ninth studio album (God of Angels Trust) and rages into mid-November with more than 60 shows. That’s right: sixty shows! The lineup of supporting bands changes throughout the tour, keeping things fresh, with the current segment featuring The Ghost Inside and Halestorm. The Cincinnati crowd was up for it!

First on stage was The Ghost Inside, a California metalcore band with Jonathan Vigil (vocals), Zach Johnson (guitar), Chris Davis (guitar), Jim Riley (bass) and Andrew Tkaczyk (drums). Daylight outdoor performances lack dramatic stage lighting, so the band relied on solid musical fervor to entertain the growing crowd. Their seven-song set was lively and well-received. A strong start to the night – mission accomplished!

The Ghost Inside

Next was Halestorm, a seriously seasoned band that knows how to raise the roof – even a pavilion roof! Lzzy Hale is literally a force of nature. Don’t let that grin fool you – it morphs into a savage sneer at the drop of a hat as she delivers deliciously ferocious vocals that tear into your soul – and then the smile returns. How does she do it? Raw power wrapped in charisma!

Halestorm

Hale, stylish in shiny high-heeled black boots and a flowing plaid mini skirt, shared that the band’s lineup has been stable for more than 20 years, with brother and band co-founder Arejay Hale (drums), Joe Hottinger (guitar), and Josh Smith (bass). They have clearly honed their craft, and their performance was flawless.

Halestorm

With songs like “Freak Like Me,” “I Get Off” and “I Miss The Misery” to stir up fans, Hale & company put on a masterful performance that was spectacular.

Everyone was ready to rock out even more as Volbeat hit the stage. The band gathered by the drum kit at the start of the set, then separated to their spots on stage, though they continued to move throughout the set.

Volbeat

Volbeat is Michael Poulsen (vocals, rhythm guitar), Jon Larsen (drums), Kaspar Boye Larsen (bass), and touring lead guitarist Flemming C. Lund. Each musician put forth a memorable performance. Poulsen spoke numerous times to the crowd, and offered an endearing heart symbol with his hands to show his appreciation.

Volbeat

The crowd was treated to an extensive menu of songs that spanned the band’s prolific years, beginning with “The Devil’s Bleeding Crown,” clearly a fan favorite, and closing with “Still Counting.”

The Devil’s Bleeding Crown
Lola Montez
A Warrior’s Call
Sad Man’s Tongue
Demonic Depression
Fallen
Shotgun Blues
In the Barn of the Goat Giving Birth to Satan’s Spawn in a Dying World of Doom
By a Monster’s Hand
The Devil Rages On
Black Rose
Seal the Deal
For Evigt
Still Counting

The tour continues, completing the current USA leg on August 22, and then moving to Europe through the end of the tour. Their last six shows will be in the UK in November to accommodate their vast British fanbase. Check the band’s website for a complete and updated list of tour stops.

Check the carousel of images below for more photos from the Cincinnati show.

The post Volbeat // Live @ Riverbend Music Center // 8.17.25 appeared first on .

Toto // Live @ Riverbend Music Center // 8.3.25

Adam Spanier — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 04:54:56 +0000

Article and photos by: Adam Spanier

Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center hosted a night of nostalgia for a crowd nearing 10,000 fans. For August in Cincinnati, fans can expect to experience an outdoor show in a swirl of heat and dense humidity, but this night brought the joy (and relief) of low humidity and a gentle breeze.

On a typical concert evening, it is not uncommon for the audience to fill a venue slowly, as opening bands give way to the headlining act. On this night, however, the parking lots filled quickly and early, as the three bands performing have a dedicated and committed fan base who came to experience all three performances.

This was a lineup drawing fans of 1970s and 1980s classic rock.

First to perform was Men At Work, the Grammy Award winning Australian band formed in 1979, known especially for their iconic songs, “Who Can It Be Now?” and ”Down Under.” After some tumultuous lineup changes and several years of inactivity, founding member Colin Hay remains to jazz up the crowd along with a rousing lineup of supporting musicians.

Men At Work

Next to grace the stage was singer-songwriter and guitarist Christopher Cross, accompanied by a bevy of musicians and background singers. Cross began his career with a bang in 1979 as well, winning five Grammys in 1980, including best new artist, record of the year, and album of the year.

Christopher Cross

With an easy smile and an even demeanor, Cross put on a beautiful show, performing many nostalgic favorites, including “Sailing,” “Never Be The Same” and “Ride Like The Wind.”

Christopher Cross

The daylight gave way to night as Toto came on stage. Formed in 1977, the band has released albums consistently over the years – 14 studio albums in total, the most recent (Old is New) in 2018.

The band is currently comprised of founding members Steve Lukather (guitar, vocalist) and David Paich (keyboards, vocals), and long-time member Joseph Williams (lead vocals). The band’s touring line-up includes a host of supporting musicians who bring depth to the live performance.

Toto

With each song, the crowd cheered as memories were revived and relived of a rock era that is much loved, and much missed:

Child’s Anthem
Carmen
Rosanna
99
Mindfields
Pamela
I Won’t Hold You Back
Angel Don’t Cry
Georgy Porgy
White Sister
I’ll Be Over You
Stop Loving You
I’ll Supply the Love
Hold the Line
Africa

The tour runs strong through the end of August. Check the band’s website (link) for a show near you, and the carousel of images below for more photos of the Cincinnati performances.

The post Toto // Live @ Riverbend Music Center // 8.3.25 appeared first on .

Tantric // Live @ Madison Live // 7.10.25

Adam Spanier — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 05:18:20 +0000

Article & Photos by: Adam Spanier

Covington, KY – Just across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati, Madison Live is nestled in the heart of historic downtown Covington, Kentucky, As a smaller companion venue to the Madison Theater just next door, it boasts an underground vibe that perfectly suits a post-grunge, alt-rock band like Tantric.

Formed in 1999, Tantric is fronted by Hugo Ferreira, who delivers an emotional performance with a natural ease that comes with experience and confidence. His tone is smooth, his presence is reassuring – even when rocking out to high energy songs.

Tantric

Tantric hails from nearby Louisville, Kentucky, and the connection between the band and the crowd was in full force. Though Ferreira is the only remaining founding band member, the band is a cohesive group, with the current lineup rounded out by Jon Loree (drums), Chris Loree (lead guitar), Eric Warner (bass) and Michael Newman (acoustic guitar).

Tantric

The stage was lit to bring an intimacy to the performance, yet the guitarists moved relentlessly – spinning and dipping with a savage intensity. Ferreira grounded the action with a more even posture – it all worked perfectly.

Tantric

Touring with Tantric is Lydia Can’t Breathe, a high octane band out of central Florida. The band is fronted by dynamo Kyle Bolduc, with Chris Acosta (guitar), Rod Bobo (bass) and Josh Runfeldt (drums). This band put on a full-on animated performance, with Bolduc and Acosta particularly entertaining. Overall, a solid rock experience that readied the crowd for Tantric.

Lydia Can’t Breathe

Local/Regional support acts included Pain & Time, and Before The Day, who set the tone for a raucous night of rock.

Tantric continues to tour, but this leg ends July 18. For upcoming shows, visit the band’s website (link), and don’t miss the photo gallery below for highlights of the Covington performances.

The post Tantric // Live @ Madison Live // 7.10.25 appeared first on .

Keith Urban // Live @ Riverbend Music Center // 6.26.25

Adam Spanier — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 04:12:31 +0000

Article and Photos: Adam Spanier

Cincinnati, OH – Cincinnati fans were treated to a rousing night of country music at the Keith Urban: High And Alive Tour featuring support from a trio of young artists in their mere twenties – Karley Scott Collins, Alana Springsteen, and Chase Matthew. A perfect lineup for an evening of country on a sultry, steamy Thursday night.

From Florida, Karley Scott Collins was the first to perform, delivering a lively 20-minute set… a bit brief, but certainly well-received. Following an early career in film, Collins has embraced country music, promoting her upcoming album, Flight Risk, due for release in September.

Karley Scott Collins

Another rising young talent, Alana Springsteen, hit the stage next. She gained recognition in 2023 with the release of her debut album, Twenty Something. Her Cincinnati performance was a blend of heartfelt storytelling, youthful energy, and polished country-pop charm.

Alana Springsteen

The final opener was Chase Matthew, an emerging country singer-songwriter from Tennessee. At only 27 years old, he released his third album, Chase, in January 2025. His set was energetic and positive.

Chase Matthew

The anticipation for Keith Urban was palpable. A fabric curtain covered the stage, and before it dropped, Urban’s silhouette filled the canvas. The atmosphere was electric.

Keith Urban

Urban gave an incredible full-throttled performance, telling the crowd to be ready for two hours of party. He was full of enthusiasm, and it was contagious.

Keith Urban

The production value was superb. A huge screen at the back of the stage projected live video of Urban performing, and stage lighting was spectacular.

Other singers performed with Urban on stage, both in person (Natalie Stovall, Britnee Kellogg) and recorded on multi-screens (P!nk).

Keith Urban

Urban spoke to the crowd frequently, encouraging a positive attitude and inviting the throng to party. Early on, he told the folks on the lawn to be ready – he’d be out there later. Which, of course, he did. Later in the set, he left the main stage, walked to the back of the pavilion (stopping along the way to take selfies with fans, sign autographs) to a small stage just in front of the lawn, where he performed for several songs. Afterwards, he signed his guitar and gave it to a fan before returning to the main stage.

Keith Urban

Overall, it was an unforgettable night of country music, filled with infectious energy and a genuinely uplifting atmosphere that radiated throughout the venue.

The tour continues, and should not be missed. Check for a show near you, and be prepared for a terrific evening. More photos from the Cincinnati show are in the carousel below.

The post Keith Urban // Live @ Riverbend Music Center // 6.26.25 appeared first on .

Less Than Jake // Live @ Bogart’s // 6.24.25

Adam Spanier — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 23:26:03 +0000

Cincinnati, OH – Less Than Jake’s Summer Circus 2025 Tour features an eclectic lineup of bands, each brandishing its own unique take on the ska-punk genre.

From Anaheim, California, Bite Me Bambi started the evening with a lively set. Lead vocalist Tahlena Chikami is a treasure, giving off disarmingly youthful vibes with biting edginess. Energetic, expressive… and a voice to match. Smiles intermingling with grit.

Bite Me Bambi

Next to perform was Fishbone, a seasoned jazzy ska-punk metal band from Southern California. Originally formed in the 1980s by mere teenagers, the band’s lineup has evolved extensively over the years. This incredibly talented band brings distinctive elements of jazz-infused funk rock to their dynamic stage presence. Guitars, keyboard, drums, trumpet, sax – there is seemingly no limit to their range. Between songs, the band voiced some political leanings with the crowd, which can happen in these divided times.

Fishbone

It’s impossible not to give a special shout-out to founding member, singer and keyboardist Angelo Moore, whose mere presence on the stage is captivating. Eyes are drawn to him not for physical antics, but literally… his presence. It’s breathtaking.

The last opener was Detroit’s The Suicide Machines, fronted by founding member Jason Navarro, and rounded out by Ryan Vandeberghe (drums), Rich Tschirhart (bass) and Justin Malek (guitar). Navarro talked openly to fans, sharing parts of his own personal story that influenced his political inclinations, including a stint of homelessness and a significant other currently in active military service.

The Suicide Machines

Headliner Less Than Jake is a pure phenomenon – in both their music and stage performance. The Summer Circus 2025 Tour features a stage decked out to bring back memories of the traveling circus era of years gone by. There’s more than a hint of nostalgia mingling with the colorful backdrops and banners. It is also a perfect complement to the band’s jazzy ska-punk music, lively lighting and energy, and movement.

Less Than Jake

Less Than Jake is guitarist/vocalist Chris DeMakes, bassist/vocalist Roger Lima, trombonist Buddy Schaub, saxophonist Peter “JR” Wasilewski and drummer Matt Yonker. This ensemble of musicians is more of a troupe (befitting the circus theme) than a mere band. The upbeat music and on-stage movement are upbeat, optimistic and downright infectious. And the Jamaican creole blended with punk rock sound is so… refreshingly bright, bringing people together at a time where there are so many societal divisions. It was, in some way, a therapeutic blend of soulful healing and joyous escape.

Less Than Jake

With 30 years under their collective belt, the band knows how to draw in the crowd, talking continually and positively to fans, bringing local flavor to the conversation. Cincinnati hometown Reds icon Dave Concepcion was brought up a number of times, and a nod to local Cincinnati chili, as well.

Less Than Jake

As part of the fun, a family from the earlier meet-n-greet was welcomed on stage, but in the spirit of the evening, they were dressed for the circus theme. They came on stage dressed as clowns, complete with rainbow wigs, dancing and jumping to the music, having a blast. As well, toilet paper was streamed into the crowd by cannon, all part of the fun!

Demakes joked that they were contracted to perform 85% old music, which did not disappoint fans, who treasure the classics. Their set was filled with the best!

Gainesville Rock City
Lie to Me
Johnny Quest Thinks We’re Sellouts
Walking Pipebomb
All My Best Friends Are Metalheads
Automatic
Motown Never Sounded So Good
Brand New Day
The Science of Selling Yourself Short
Animaniacs
Sunny Side
Al’s War
Plastic Cup Politics
History of a Boring Town
The Rest of My Life

Encore:

Last One Out of Liberty City
Help Save the Youth of America From Exploding
Look What Happened

The Summer Circus 2025 Tour is on a short break, but continues in late July! Check the Less Than Jake website for a stop near you, and the photo carousel below for more images of the Cincinnati show.

The post Less Than Jake // Live @ Bogart’s // 6.24.25 appeared first on .

Breaking Benjamin and Staind // Live @ Riverbend Music Center // 5.25.25

Adam Spanier — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 18:05:58 +0000

Article and Photos: Adam Spanier

Cincinnati, OH – Who says rock has a waning appeal? Try telling that to the near-capacity crowd at Riverbend Music Center, with more than 16,000 fans in attendance for an evening with co-headliners Breaking Benjamin and Staind on their Awaken The Fallen Tour.

The evening started with Lakeview, a “blue-collar county” band originally from Pittsburgh (now based in Nashville), the brain child of Jesse Denaro and Luke Healy, both with a history in metalcore that infiltrates their music. Together, they create an unconventional sound that mashes country with rock and metal. Not something you see every day, for sure, but certainly a way to entice Americana into the metal fold.

Lakeview

Next, Wage War put on a one-hour set, which is generous for an opener. The band has been touring extensively, and their performance was first rate. It’s not ideal for a heavy metal band to perform in daylight – darkness enhances the moodiness – but the band nonetheless brought forth the grittiness of the genre, with Briton Bond (lead vocals), Seth Blake (lead guitar), Cody Quistad (rhythm guitar), Chris Gaylord (bass), and Stephen Kluesener (drums).

Wage War

On this night, co-headliner Staind performed next, with a 75-minute set, with Aaron Lewis (lead vocals), Mike Mushok (lead guitar), Johnny April (bass), and Sal Giancarelli (drums).

Lewis apologized for not running around the stage as part of the entertainment, but at 53 years old, he said he would stand there and “do my thing.”

Lewis was completely at ease on stage. With a lit cigarette in hand (or dangling from the corner of this mouth) throughout the set, he shared story after story about nearly every song. For example, to promote the single “Fade,” released in 2001, the band had invested heavily in a music video depicting a clock tower crumbling around the band as they performed. According to Lewis, the video’s imagery was deemed inappropriate after the 9/11 attack, and the video experienced restricted air time.

Staind

Lewis quipped that for “Wannabe,” he “for some reason” thought he could rap. For “Outside,” a fan favorite, Lewis shouted to the audience to break out the cell phones and light up the venue. Fans sang the last chorus solo. They were totally into it!

“Better Days,” according to Lewis, was written to the band’s former drummer (Jon Wysoki), who left the band under rather unfortunate circumstances. The song was brutally shouted, an apparent release of pain and anger.

Staind

The set was full of expertly mixed soulful acoustics (“Epiphany,” “Something to Remind You”) and wild, aggressive rock.

Lowest in Me
Eyes Wide Open
Fade
Right Here
Not Again
Epiphany
Something to Remind You
Wannabe
Outside
Better Days
Paper Wings
So Far Away
For You
It’s Been Awhile
Mudshovel

Lewis gave a nod to his longstanding relationship with Breaking Benjamin, indicating that Staind took them out on their first tour many years ago.

Needless to say, the crowd was fully stoked for Breaking Benjamin, whose 75-minute performance was sprinkled with surprises. The band, founded in 1999, has had a consistent lineup since 2014 with founding member Benjamin Burnley (vocals, rhythm guitar), Jasen Rauch (lead guitar), Keith Wallen (rhythm guitar), Aaron Bruch (bass), and Shaun Foist (drums).

Breaking Benjamin

On this night, a band member “in training” joined on the stage. Benjamin Burnley’s young son, Ben, shared center stage on guitar (and backing vocals) with his father. Donning a baseball cap like his dad, he made a charming addition to the band, at times jamming with Bruch and others.

Breaking Benjamin

The set was full of old favorites and some new additions. Burnley thanked the crowd, and jokingly said that if they ever wanted him to stop, let him know because, you know, his back hurts, his neck hurts – if you want him to rock, he said, gotta take his back pill!

As a surprise to the crowd, Lacey Sturm, quite elegant in a flowing black dress, joined on stage to sing a “Dear Agony” duet with Burnley.

The show was accompanied by high octane staccato stage lighting and jets of smoke. An elevated platform at the rear of the stage featured Foist in the center, but band members periodically climbed the side steps to join him on the upper catwalk.

Breaking Benjamin

The crowd was treated to a terrific set:

Failure
Until the End
Evil Angel
Red Cold River
Blow Me Away
Follow
So Cold
Dance With the Devil
Awaken
Breath
Polyamorous
Without You
Dear Agony (with Lacey Sturm)
Blood
I Will Not Bow
The Diary of Jane

The tour ends early June, but each band continues to tour. Check the band websites for a show near you, and the carousel of images below for more photos of the night’s performances.

The post Breaking Benjamin and Staind // Live @ Riverbend Music Center // 5.25.25 appeared first on .

Mayday Parade // Live @ Andrew J Brady Music Center // 5.18.25

Adam Spanier — Mon, 26 May 2025 02:45:30 +0000

Article and Photos: Adam Spanier

Cincinnati, OH – Mayday Parade’s Three Cheers for 20 Years Tour stop in Cincinnati was a resounding success as four bands gave the attending crowd a full evening of rock.

The night started with emo-pop Like Roses, a Berkeley, CA band comprised of Amy Schmalkuche (vocals, rhythm guitar), Devin Zamora (vocals, lead guitar), David Adametz (drums), and Kayla Gonzalez (bass). This up-and-coming band’s 20-minute set of raw, passionate punk was enjoyable but seemed a bit brief.

Like Roses

Next was Grayscale, a pop-punk band from Philadelphia, PA. Formed in 2011, the band is Collin Walsh (lead vocals, guitar), Andrew Kyne (lead guitar, vocals), Dallas Molster (rhythm guitar) and Nick Veno (drums). Since 2017, the band has released an impressive four studio albums, and is currently promoting their latest, The Hart. They played a mix of alternative rock, pop-punk with emo influences, creating an atmosphere that resonated with the audience.

Grayscale

Pop-punk Microwave, from Atlanta, GA, was the final opener, with Nathan Hardy (guitar, lead vocals), Tyler Hill (bass), and Tim Pittard (drums), with Lucas Daniel Jones (touring guitar). Formed in 2012, the band has released three studio albums, the most recent, Let’s Start Degeneracy, in 2024.

Microwave

The three openers successfully warmed up the crowd for headliner Mayday Parade. Prior to the band entering the stage, an early video interview from Vans Warped Tour was played on the two large video screens behind the stage. At the time, they were 19 years old. They described how Mayday Parade was formed from two Tallahassee bands that disbanded – the guys knew each other, and Mayday Parade was born.

The video interview was a testament to how a band progresses from a youthful group of dreamers to a seasoned sensation.

All band members have been with the band since 2005, which is impressive for a long-running band: Derek Sanders (lead vocals, piano), Alex Garcia (guitar), Brooks Betts (rhythm guitar), Jeremy Lenzo (bass, co-lead vocals), Jake Bundrick (drums, co-lead vocals).

Mayday Parade

The set started with Sanders at the piano, singing an acoustic rendition of “By The Way.” He would perform at the piano several times during the set, including “Miserable at Best.”

Between the piano sets were incredibly spirited performances. The band members took full advantage of the vast stage at the Andrew J Brady Music Center, moving, jumping, spinning… Two platforms at the front of the stage repeatedly showcased the individual band members, who hammed it up to the cheers of the fans.

Mayday Parade

Appropriately, as the tour is celebrating the band’s 20 years of rock, the band played songs from each of their studio albums, taking the crowd through their musical journey in chronological order:

By the Way

Tales Told By Dead Friends

Just Say You’re Not Into It
Three Cheers for Five Years

A Lesson In Romantics

Jersey
I’d Hate to Be You When People Find Out What This Song Is About
Miserable at Best

Anywhere but Here

Anywhere but Here
Bruised and Scarred

Valdosta

Terrible Things

Mayday Parade

Oh Well, Oh Well
Stay

Monsters In The Closet

Ghosts

Black Lines

One of Them Will Destroy the Other

Sunnyland

Sunnyland (Snippet)
Never Sure
Piece of Your Heart

What It Means To Fall Apart

Heaven (Snippet)
One for the Rocks and One for the Scary

More Like A Crash

More Like a Crash

Sweet

Pretty Good To Feel Something
Who’s Laughing Now

Encore

One Man Drinking Games
Jamie All Over

Mayday Parade

Twenty years has not dampened the band’s energy, nor the enthusiasm of their fans. The band remains youthful, with elements shining through of those 19-year-old boys in the opening interview video, but they have been enhanced and polished by time.

A great night out! Check out the tour schedule for a performance near you.

More photos from the night in the carousel below.

The post Mayday Parade // Live @ Andrew J Brady Music Center // 5.18.25 appeared first on .

Melvins and Napalm Death // Live @ Bogart’s // 5.15.25

Adam Spanier — Thu, 22 May 2025 23:43:16 +0000

Article and photos: Adam Spanier

Cincinnati, OH – This year, Bogart’s is celebrating 50 years of live music, but the building itself originally hosted vaudeville productions in the 1890s. On this night, no vaudeville! Co-headliners Melvins and Napalm Death brought destructive metal to an appreciative crowd.

Opening the evening was New York’s jazz-metal instrumental experience Titan To Tochyans, with Sally Gates (guitar), Matt Hollenberg (bass), Trevor Dunn (bass) and Kenny Grohowski (drums). No vocals, just synchronized chaos.

Titan to Tachyons

Next, Melvins shook the stage. Buzz Osborne (lead vocals, guitar) and Steven Mcdonald (bass) are powerhouse performers, whether at the mic stand or stalking the stage. McDonald routinely kneels as he plays, dramatically leaning and swaying, making eye contact with fans.

Melvins

Osborne often stepped away from the side-stage microphone toward center stage and rocked out on the guitar, flinging his head (and that amazing hair!) as the rhythms literally moved him.

Melvins

Two drummers are not typical for a band, but Melvins is not your typical band. Coady Willis joined Dale Crover on the stage, harmonizing on drums in brutal fashion. Amazing!

Melvins performed an 11-song set for nearly an hour:

Working the Ditch
The Bloated Pope (Melvins & Lustmord song)
Never Say You’re Sorry
Evil New War God
It’s Shoved
Billy Fish
A History of Bad Men
Blood Witch
Honey Bucket
Revolve
Your Blessened

For this co-headlining tour, Napalm Death performed the evening’s closing set, giving a rabidly non-stop performance. From England, this band’s grindcore / death metal sound is ruthlessly ferocious, with vocals delivered via indecipherable screams, rants and rages.

Lead vocalist Mark Greenway rarely stood still, pacing the stage like a captive animal, repeatedly clenching and unclenching his fists in caged desperation, pounding his head, straining his neck as he released a rash of unintelligible declarations.

Napalm Death

He was joined by Danny Herrera (drums), John Cooke (guitar) and Shane Embury (bass). Although none of the current lineup are band originals (formed in 1981), all besides Cooke joined the band in the late 1980s / early 1990s. These musicians brilliantly wove threads of cohesion amidst the on-stage pandemonium.

Napalm Death

While Melvins performers did not often speak directly to the audience, Greenway addressed fans frequently, although it was difficult to understand what was said. Much like the delivery of the band’s lyrics, his spoken words were shouted, fast-paced and often indiscernible. It’s part of the Napalm Death experience.

Ready to undergo a night of jazz metal, heavy metal and grindcore? Check band websites for a tour stop near you, and the photo carousel below for more photos from this night’s performances.

The post Melvins and Napalm Death // Live @ Bogart’s // 5.15.25 appeared first on .