By: Michael Bragg (Photo Gallery & Review) of MJBragg Photography
Charlotte, NC (August 4th, 2019) – As the rain moved out the fans moved in to the Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre for tonight’s rock show. Papa Roach has brought their “Who Do You Trust” tour to Charlotte, NC along with guests Asking Alexandria and Bad Wolves. Various colors of hair and mohawks along with the standard rock ‘n’ roll black attire filled the venue as show time neared.
Bad Wolves
First for the evening was Bad Wolves. Following a wave of success from their hit cover of “Zombie” by The Cranberries the group has gained a mass of fans. Opening the show with “Learn To Live” the group was greeted by loud cheering and applause providing motivation for the band. Having followed up with another hit song “Here Me Now” that features Diamanté for a duet the band had fans wanting more. Being an attempted suicide survivor himself frontman Tommy Vext spoke to the crowd about the need for unity in today’s crazy world, valuing self worth and encouraged attendees to hug one another as he led into the song “Remember When.” Currently out supporting their new single “I’ll Be There” released on July 26th fans were eager to hear the new song. With Tommy inviting everyone to join the “wolfpack” fellow members Chris Cain (guitar), Doc Coyle (guitar), Kyle Konkiel (bass) and John Boecklin (Drums) provided a high energy, in your face rock show setting the bar high for the rest of the night.
Asking Alexandria
Asking Alexandria following up kept the energy high. Intro music put the fans in a frenzy as Danny Warsnop (lead vocals), Ben Bruce (guitar), Cameron Liddle (guitar), Sam Bettley (bass) and James Cassells (drums) walked out on to the stage. Kicking the show off with their brand new single “The Violence” released on July 10th the band immediately had the crowds attention with their intense stage presence. Hard hitting drums and bass had the subwoofers pounding as the crowd jumped in rhythm with the members on stage. The five piece went on to fill out the set with other riff driven songs like “Into The Fire,” and “When The Lights Come On” from their latest 5th studio, self titled (Asking Alexandria) album. Slowing it down mid set for a few songs frontman Danny was able to showcase the vulnerability of his voice on softer acoustic based songs like “Vultures.” From their origins in England to America Asking Alexandria has proven time and again their relativeness in today’s rock scene. With charting hit songs to playing sold out shows, major festivals and touring with music industry icons like Guns ‘n’ Roses, Alice In Chains and more the band it’s easy to see this band is going to be around for a long time.
Jacob Shaddix / Papa Roach
Waiting for headliners, Papa Roach, to take the stage the excitement of the crowd continued to grow. Formed in 1993 and having sold over 20 million copies of their previous 9 albums the band continues to be a driving force in the rock scene. With their newest 10th album release of “Who Do You Trust” in January of 2019 Papa Roach prove yet again why they are a mainstay. As the lights came up Jerry Horton (guitar), Tobin Esperance (bass) and Tony Palermo (drums) were welcomed by the fans followed by frontman Jacoby Shaddix (Vocals) who broke into the latest albums title song to start the show. Papa Roach spent the evening taking the crowd on a musical journey of hits spanning their career. Fan favorites such as “Getting Away With Murder” and “Scars” had the audience, at times, singing over the band.
Papa Roach
Shaddix spoke to the crowd thanking them for years of support allowing them to achieve their “American Dreams” with a special shout out to former and current members of the military as well. A stand out moment of the night was the group taking time to reflect on the days mass shootings in El Paso, TX and Dayton, OH requesting a moment of silence in remembrance of the lost lives. As the packed out amphitheater grew quiet it was an eerily somber moment. Jacoby reflected the same positive message both previous bands had done stating that we all need to “Elevate” above the the hate as he joined the crowd performing that song. Making rounds through the crowd he took time to shake hands before fighting “Gravity” by crowd surfing back to the stage encouraging fans to have fun and do the same against event staffs wishes.
Songs “Come Around” and “Renegade Music” were other new songs mixed into the set from the new album showing consistency in the bands sound. As the group moved to close the night they reminded everyone that you are “Born For Greatness” and choose your one path by not letting others dictate your life.
Being called back to the stage for an encore Papa Roach covered the hit song “Firestarter” by The Prodigy in honor of frontman Keith Flint who passed away on March 4th, 2019. Bringing it all back to where they started the group ended where it all began by performing their first his “Last Resort.”
The current leg of the “Who Do You Trust” tour continues with dates through September 1st ending in Las Vegas, NV.
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Copyright – Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography
Papa Roach
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Asking Alexandria
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Bad Wolves
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