John Waite

July 23rd, 2024 – PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdell NJ

Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry

On a balmy summer night at the PNC Bank Arts Center, three titans of classic rock brought their timeless hits and infectious energy to a crowd eager to relive the glory days of the genre. The night featured John Waite, Styx, and Foreigner, each delivering their own brand of rock ‘n’ roll magic to a rapturous audience.

John Waite kicked off the evening with a spirited set that set the tone for the night. Known for his powerful voice and emotive performances, Waite didn’t disappoint. He started with “Missing You,” a track that remains one of his most enduring hits, and the crowd immediately responded with enthusiastic applause. Waite’s charisma and vocal prowess were on full display throughout his set, with standout performances of “Change” and “Back on My Feet Again.” Despite the relatively shorter set than those that followed, Waite made every minute count, leaving the audience primed and ready for more.

As the sun began to set, the lights dimmed, and Styx took the stage. The iconic band, now led by Tommy Shaw and James Young, showcased their signature sound with a blend of rock and theatrical flair. Opening with the energetic “The Grand Illusion,” Styx immediately captured the audience’s attention. Their setlist was a nostalgic journey through their greatest hits, including “Too Much Time on My Hands,” “Lady”, “Come Sail Away,” “The Best of Times” and “Renegade.” The band’s chemistry was palpable, and their ability to blend intricate musicianship with crowd-pleasing anthems was a testament to their enduring appeal. The visuals were striking as well, with a backdrop of dynamic lighting and video projections that enhanced the theatrical experience.

The final act of the night, Foreigner, brought an electrifying close to the concert. The band was a powerhouse of classic rock greatness. They kicked off with a high-energy rendition of “Double Vision,” and the momentum never faltered. Kelly Hansen is by far one of the greatest frontman out there and the way he engages with the crowd and his bandmates is quite extraordinary. The crowd was on its feet for the entirety of Foreigner’s set, singing along to timeless hits like “Hot Blooded,” “Urgent,” and “I Want to Know What Love Is.” The band’s performance was a perfect blend of nostalgia and vitality, proving that their songs have lost none of their potency over the decades. The band’s harmonies were spot-on, making each song a memorable experience.

As the night drew to a close, the audience left with a sense of satisfaction, having witnessed a showcase of classic rock that spanned decades and genres. Whether it was Waite’s heartfelt ballads, Styx’s theatrical rock, or Foreigner’s classic anthems, the night was a celebration of rock’s golden age, delivered by artists who have mastered the craft. They delivered performances that were both nostalgic and exhilarating, reminding everyone why these bands continue to be beloved icons in the world of rock music.

Third Eye Blind

Concert Reviews

July 14th, 2024 – PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel NJ

Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry

The pulsating energy of a summer night at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ was electrified even further with the arrival of Third Eye Blind, supported by the dynamic performances of Arizona and Yellowcard. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the stage came alive with a lineup that promised to deliver a memorable evening of rock and alternative music.

Opening the night, Arizona captivated the audience with their blend of dreamy pop melodies and infectious beats. The New Jersey based band set the tone with tracks like “Oceans Away” and “Electric Touch,” instantly drawing in concert-goers with their ethereal soundscapes and heartfelt lyrics. The chemistry between band members was palpable, and their performance left a lingering sense of anticipation for what was to come.

Next up, Yellowcard stormed onto the stage with their trademark energy, immediately igniting a wave of nostalgia among long-time fans. Their setlist was a journey through their discography, featuring hits like “Ocean Avenue” and “Only One,” each song greeted by roaring cheers and enthusiastic sing-alongs from the crowd. The band’s tight instrumentals and charismatic presence reaffirmed their status as pop-punk legends, leaving an indelible mark on the concert’s atmosphere.

As the anticipation reached its peak, Third Eye Blind emerged to a thunderous ovation, wasting no time in launching into a powerhouse performance. Frontman Stephan Jenkins commanded the stage with his charismatic presence, effortlessly engaging the audience from the first note. The band kicked off with “Motorcycle Drive By” setting a high-energy pace that never faltered throughout their set.

The crowd was treated to a mix of old favorites and newer tracks, with highlights including “Jumper,” “Semi-Charmed Life,” and “How’s It Going to Be,” each song resonating deeply with the audience. Jenkins’ vocals were as poignant as ever, supported by the band’s tight instrumentation and pulsating lighting that enhanced the sensory experience.

A particularly memorable moment came during their acoustic rendition of “The Background” which captivated the audience with its raw emotion and stripped-down arrangement. The band’s ability to connect on such a personal level with their fans was evident, creating an intimate atmosphere despite the grandeur of the venue.

Third Eye Blind’s performance at the PNC Bank Arts Center was a testament to their enduring appeal and musical prowess. With Arizona and Yellowcard delivering stellar opening sets, the concert was a seamless blend of nostalgia and contemporary rock energy. As the night drew to a close with an encore that left everyone craving more, it was clear that this concert would be remembered as a standout moment in the summer’s musical landscape.

The synergy between the bands, coupled with the passionate response from the audience, made for an unforgettable evening under the stars—a celebration of music that resonated long after the final chords faded into the night.

For more info please visit http://www.thirdeyeblind.com http://www.yellowcardband http://www.thisisarizonmusic.com

Setlist

Motorcycle Drive By
Dust Storm
Never Let You Go
Narcolepsy
The Kids Are Coming (To Take You Down)
Wolf Like Me / Company of Strangers
Graduate
Wounded
Weightless / Faster / Water Landing
Losing a Whole Year
Shipboard Cook
The Background (Acoustic)
Bonfire
Blinded (When I See You)
Slow Motion
Jumper
Semi-Charmed Life
How’s It Going to Be (Encore)

Alice In Chains

Concert Reviews

October 7, 2022 – PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel NJ

Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry

It was a beautiful fall evening in New Jersey as Alice In Chains, Breaking Benjamin, Bush & Plush closed out the summer schedule with the second to last performance at the PNC Bank Arts Center.

The talented all female band, Plush, opened the night with some great rock & roll. I’ve read that their mission is to bring rock back to the forefront of the music scene. The heavy guitar playing lady rockers are certainly driving that train in the right direction. They played for about half an hour and were a perfect opener to get the crowd amped up as rock fans filled the venue.

The 90’s alternative grunge rock band favorite Bush followed, and by the time Gavin Rossdale and team played their second song the Arts Center was packed and the amphitheater stayed that way for the entire night. Bush sounded great, played for about 45 minutes and mixed in a bunch of old and new. A few highlights for me were when Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains joined Bush for “Comedown” and another was when Gavin left the stage and paraded through the entire venue, from the orchestra all the way up to the deepest of lawn seats, singing the entire time and occasionally stopping for a hug, a hi-five and even a photo or two.

New Jersey born and Pennsylvania raised Benjamin Burnley IV of Breaking Benjamin followed. I have never seen them before but was familiar with their music and enjoyed their performance. Lead singer and guitar player Benjamin Burnley sounded great and belted some amazing rock and roll, mixed with the modern heavy metal screams to complete their unique sound. Many know that Burnley has a recurring illness (Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome), which is an acute brain disorder resulting from a lack of thiamine. This essential vitamin changes sugar into energy. When you have too little thiamine, your brain doesn’t have enough energy to work properly. The most common cause of thiamine deficiency is chronic alcohol use which in his case, almost ended his career. Burnley plays in the dark or without spot light or bright flashing lights in front of him due to the sensitivity of how his illness affects him. None-the-less, he doesn’t perform like he has a lack of anything and certainly not energy. Burnley played for an hour, spoke to the audience often and seemed grateful to be in front of his adoring fans, all of whom he defines as his home crowd. The band is comprised of Benjamin Burnley (lead vocals & rhythm guitar), Jasen Rauch (lead guitar & electronic strings), Keith Wallen (rhythm guitar & backing vocals), Aaron Bruch (bass & backing vocals), and Shaun Foist (drums & electronic percussion). They completely rocked the house and were a perfect tee-up for Alice In Chains.

Alice In Chains (AIC) then finally came to stage to finish out the night and were AWESOME! I’ve been a big Alice In Chains fan but unfortunately have never had the opportunity to see the original front man and co-founder of the band Layne Staley perform before his passing. To this day he lives on as any alternative rock station will play AIC with Layne’s vocals. However, I must say the band has come together wonderfully and filled a tough seat in Layne Staley with new front man William DuVall. Since 2006, DuVall has fronted Alice In Chains, sharing vocals and guitar with co-founding member Jerry Cantrell on three albums following the death of Layne Staley in 2002. Original AIC band member and co-founder Jerry Cantrell said about DuVall when hiring him that he already knew DuVall and told him to just be himself rather than emulating Staley. Jerry highlighted that Alice In Chains was always better with two vocals supporting each other, so they worked well with DuVall and it was apparent. Not only do they sound similar but DuVall also brings a new look and feel while still maintaining the bands hard alternative rock image. I loved the show and the performance as they played throughout the night. Gavin Rossdale of Bush returned the favor and joined AIC on stage for “Man in the Box” as the show wound down to its conclusion.

It was a great lineup and a perfect way to cap off a great summer of music at the PNC Bank Arts Center! I’m already looking forward to next season!

For more info please visit http://www.aliceinchains.com

Setlist

Again
Check My Brain
Grind
Them Bones
Dam That River
Hollow
Down in a Hole
Angry Chair
Man in the Box
Nutshell
The One You Know
Bleed the Freak
No Excuses
Would?
Rooster

Sevendust

Concert Reviews

September 16, 2022 – Starland Ballroom, Sayreville NJ

Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry

The heavy hitting, alternative metal, heavy metal, hard rock band Sevendust blew the roof off the Starland Ballroom last Friday night as they played explosively to a packed house of fans. The band played their entire Animosity album (plus a few extras) to the roaring delight of the crowd. The band celebrated their 20th anniversary of their album “Animosity” (21st actually due to Covid) which is the third studio album by the American rock band hailing from Atlanta, Georgia. The album was released on November 13, 2001 and appeared on the Billboard 200, remained there for thirteen weeks, peaking at No. 28, and was certified gold on March 11, 2002.

Sevendust is comprised of: Lajon Witherspoon (lead vocals), Clint Lowery (lead guitar, backing vocals), John Connolly (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Vinnie Hornsby (bass), and Morgan Rose (drums, backing vocals).

It was my first time seeing Sevendust and by the end of the first song I was a fan! Sevendust played with tremendous energy and for as hard metal rock as their music is, the stage presence of each member and the front-man work of Lajon Witherspoon were very welcoming, uplifting, and created an amazingly feel-good environment. I didn’t want it to end. They obviously have a huge following of superfans, as people traveled from all over and many from great distances to see them play. The crowd knew every word to every song and sang along with Lajon and team to each belting lyric. The fans were having a blast and surfed the crowd being passed along on their backs from the back of the floor to the pit in front of the stage. They were having an amazing time and feeding off the fun and positive energy of Sevendust.

I must acknowledge the security working at the Starland Ballroom. About 6 of them were lined up with backs against the stage with the knowledge of the level of crowd-surfing that was to come. I had one eye on the band and the other on the safety of our photographer (Estelle) as the pit was tight with security and other photographers. Security caught and hauled every surfer over the rails and were gently (in most cases) escorted back out to the crowd. It was such a cyclical pattern of surfing that I noticed some of the same individuals coming through for a 5th, 6th and even 7th time, resembling an amusement park ride you take over and over again. Singing with a smile, Lajon and Sevendust welcomed the fun and the energy, fist-bumping and slapping hands with fans as they safely landed stage-front before being escorted away.

Opening for Sevendust were: Burden of the Sky, Bastardane & Nonpoint.

Working backwards from the headliner and playing just before Sevendust, Nonpoint brought the same tremendous, fun energy to their playing as Sevendust and made for a great pairing. Prior to Nonpoint, Bastardane played with thundering prowess and were anchored by drummer and heavy metal rock royalty, Castor Hetfield, son of Metallica’s James Hetfield. It was fun to see him play with similar mannerisms. It was a great evening of Rock & Roll.