By: Michael Bragg (Photo Gallery & Review) of MJBragg Photography
Simpsonville, SC (August 14th, 2018) – With a collection of gold and platinum albums between the two and a song collaboration that has led to a cross country tour packing out venues along the way Evanescence and Lindsey Stirling have come to Simpsonvile, SC this evening. Lines backed up at the gates waiting in anticipation for this evenings performance that features both groups with a full backing orchestra. Filled with a captivating light show mixed amongst the angelic sounds of Amy Lee’s powerful vocals and Lindsey’s high energy choreographed stage antics the crowd was in for a treat. Each group with 14 song sets enthralled the audience holding their atttention till the very end.
Evanescence took the stage first with Amy Leetaking to the piano for a soft intro into “Never Go Back” followed by “Lacrymosa.” With a range of vocal abilities and musical dynamics Amy led her band and the orchestra through their set in a storybook manner. Ups and downs of raw emotion pouring out from each song filled with atmospheric sounds. The hit song “Bring Me To Life” known for its upbeat rock format was especially nice to hear in a stripped down version that still offered much energy as the crowd sang along. A technical glitch going into “Secret Door” caused a minor set back that was quickly resolved amongst an onstage laugh from Amy as the group moved forward with the rest of the show. Audiences used to the in your face rock show from Evanescence seemed to be impressed with the orchestrated, striped back arrangements of the bands songs. “My Immortal” has always been a favorite of mine and though already known for its laid back approach this song still remained a stand out for the evening. The feel of the song even more empowering with the added arrangements was something that just grabbed you. I noticed one lady who began to cry as she sang along to every word. Closing out the set with “Imperfection” Amy Lee and her band Evanescence left the crowd stunned at their perfomance on a high note.
After a short set change came Lindsey Stirling who many people first came to know from her 2012 “America’s Got Talent” auditions. Rising to the stage from behind the drum set with “The Arena” Lindsey wasted no time going into her ballerina, acrobatic stage moves as she played her violin fervently. Back and forth across the stage in her coat tails outfit Lindsey commanded your attention. The precise movements from the back up dancers along with every beat of the music and use of stage props was spot on. Followed up by “Moon Trance” and “Shadows” Lindsey and accompaniment never let off the gas keeping a stage full of motion watching heads turn left and right trying to take it all in. With wardrobe changes throughout the night matching the themes of songs and guests appearances by Amy Lee to add some vocals to songs like “Shatter Me” there was no page of entertainment left unturned. Mid set Lindsey did take a moment to show some footage of her 15yr old self throwing in some laughs as she decsribed how much of a fan she had been of Evanescence and Amy Lee and what an honor it is for her to share the stage with someone she has admired for so long. Stirling filled the show with songs like “Crystallize,” “Hold My Heart,” and Beyond The Veil” along with her consistancy of acrobaticsm even throwing in Michael Jackson’s famed “Moonwalk” dance move to the audiences delight. Lindsey closed the night with a “Phantom of The Opera” medley. I was truly held in amazment throughout the night at how Lindsey has brought violin playing to a whole other level and the amount of stage presence she has. Maybe Piers Morgan is thinking twice about his red “X” during Stirling’s auditions now as he has been memorialized with a Tombstone holding his name on Lindsey’s stage.
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Copyright – Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography
