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It’s weird to see a band more than 15 years into its career still opening shows; not because those bands may think they are too good to open anymore, but because they usually have enough material and experience to upstage headliners. In the case of Sevendust, who have eight albums, had a band member leave and return, played thousands of shows, hopped labels and more, it would seem to be insanity to have them open if you’re anybody this side of Metallica. Indeed, they have proven themselves just about any way a band can.
Be here we are.
The headliner of the show was Avenged Sevenfold with Seether in the middle spot. While I’m sure there is a certain camaraderie among bands, especially bands who have been around as long as these bands have, I think it would be remiss to assume that there isn’t still the desire to come out and set the bar really fucking high… if for no other reason than simply because you can.
It was evident as they tore through cuts like, “Pieces,” “Strong Arm Broken,” and “Face to Face,” that Sevendust was out to prove that, while they may be playing first, they are nobody’s opener.
To be fair, this opening stint was a one-off show from their own headlining tour. With close to 100 songs in the catalog, and only time to play about seven or eight, the set list was a bit of a surprise. One might expect to hear the classics like “Black,” “Denial,” and “Enemy,” as those would the safe, tried and true choices. Those songs were noticeably absent. As they closed with “Face to Face,” however, it became clear. Sevendust wasn’t there to be predictable; they were there to decimate.
They played about seven songs, all designed for maximum impact. They weren’t their best-known songs. They included songs from some of their less-popular releases. All of the songs, however, worked toward the same goal. With a longer set, they’d have time to create an ebb and flow of songs, alternating between more melodic and heavier songs – weaving in classics with cult favorites. With only 30 minutes to play, however, they tore through the Soaring Eagle Casino’s Outdoor Venue like a tornado – fast and furious.
What fans got was a well-oiled machine. Drummer, Morgan Rose, has been on the cover of just about every drumming publication in the world. He’s continually a fan-favorite in reader’s polls. It’s no wonder why. If there is a drummer that hits the kit harder, I have yet to see him. And his trademark yells that have been the yang to Lajon Witherspoon’s yin were in full effect.
Guitarists John Connolly and Clint Lowery were in lockstep timing with each other, nailing every single syncopated riff with total precision and right fists pumping like pistons.
Lajon Witherspoon was the quintessential frontman. In addition to delivering vocals with his signature combination of melodicism and growl, his ability to interact with the crowd as part of the performance, as opposed to generic “Is everybody having a good time tonight” – isms, shows the mark of a veteran performer at the top of his game.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the night came from bassist, Vince Hornsby. As a bassist, he held it down effortlessly, but his ability to work the crowd complemented Witherspoon perfectly. Charisma is something you can’t teach. You have it or you don’t; Hornsby has it.
In all, Sevendust took 30 minutes and turned it into a clinic on rock music. The only thing wrong with the performance… it was only 30 minutes.
SEVENDUST IS TRULY UNDER-RATED. AS YOU SAY IN THE ARTICLE, THEY HAVE 8 CD’S, COUNTLESS TUNES AND I HAVE PERSONALLY SEEN THEM SHOW UP SHINEDOWN, PUDDLE OF MUDD, AND CHEVELLE. SEVENDUST PLAYED THE SECOND SLOT ON THE CARNIVAL OF MADNESS TOUR…AFTER THEY FINISHED, EVERYTHING ELSE PALED IN COMPARISON – WE LEFT EARLY. YOU START TO WONDER IF IT’S A RACE THING. THERE ARE NOT MANY (IF ANY) TOUGH BANDS OUT THERE WITH BLACK SINGERS, AND LAJON CAN THROW DOWN WITH THE BEST OF THEM. SOMETIMES PEOPLE WILL HOLD YOU BACK IF YOU DON’T FIT THE MOLD AND COME ONTO THEIR TURF AND MAKE ‘EM LOOK SILLY – POLITICS AND SHIT SUCK. I’LL SEE THEM EVERY TIME THEY COME CLOSE TO MY HOMETOWN. I’LL OWN ALL THEIR RECORDS AND WILL SUPPORT ANYTHING THEY DO. I AGREE THAT THE TIME HAS COME TO LET THEM HEADLINE A TOUR – I THINK SOMEBODY’S EITHER JEALOUS OR RACIST.
Gosh, Tracy. I sure hope it’s not a race thing. Lajon has MORE THAN PROVEN he’s one of the best frontmen in rock today. I would hope that the rock/metal community is big enough to see past non-issues like race or sex when it comes to people who can just throw it down.
I have seen Sevendust well over a dozen times now – they NEVER disappoint. Funny how you say they should only “open” for Metallica, because in my recent top 30 bands ranking, I listed Metallica # 1 and Sevendust # 2. It kind of sucks when they have shorter sets, but as stated, that just gives them the opportunity to blow your mind with a crazy set. Love these guys forever.
I have been a fan of Sevendust for well over a decade. For one reason or another, due to military service or moves, I only recently got to see sevendust in concert. Seeing them up close and hearing their music on cd,dvd, youtube, live, acoustic, etc. I must say SEVENDUST IS SO ABSOLUTELY UNDERRATED!!!
It is as though they have no one advocating for them! Many artists do not want “excessive commercial” success rather the respect they deserve… I feel Sevendust gets neither. No disrespect to either band but clearly 7D should definitely lead!!!
This show was an absolutle disappointment from a audio perspective. not sure what the hell the sound guy was doing or if the mixer was off for everyone but the sound was horrendous until Avenge. ive seen every sevendust show in my area and out, and have met the band numourus times. great humble people with loads of talent that deserved more than opening slot on this show. seether put the entire crowd to sleep except the country song which radio junkies lapped up like kool aid. the energy of Avenge was excellent and bookended by 7dust tearing up the stage left a hole in the show. 2 cents.
Agreed. I was sitting 10th row on the right side and that whole column of speakers was just not right. Couldn’t blame it on Sevendust for it, though. I also agree about Seether. While they nailed the songs, I would’ve liked them to at least act like they cared a crowd was there. Not even simple, “How’s everybody doing tonight?” I expected more from them. But Avenged put on a good show, too.
Sevendust is the best band to never “make it” big. their energy is second to none. i have been a long time fan and will always be. morgan is an animal. i wish i could just focus on him, but with clint, john, vinnie and LJ pull you from all sides. if there is a show within driving distance, i am there. underrated is an understatement!!
I have to agree with what the prior posts said. 7dust consistently puts on a great show. There is no reason that they should be opening for anyone. I too saw them on the carnival of madness tour and after they played I left. They have so much material to pull from. Even when they headline there is no way they can play all of their more popular songs. The last show in Milwaukee they didn’t even play bitch or black. Kind of strange nit to hear those lately after hearing them live for many years. Morgan truly is an amazing drummer. I know everybody has seen him throwing his drumsticks to the front row and having them throw them back only to keep playing without missing a beat. Clints backup vocals and occasional full songs “hurt” sound beautiful. I don’t know how these guys do it. They are always on the road. Check their schedule and see. Even after all the touring I have never seen a bad performance. I never miss a show. If you get the chance go and see them you will not be dissapointed. Sevendust has arrived! Sevendust has arrived!
I’ve had the chance to see them only twice but both were memerable. First time was my 22nd birthday during the animosity tour in indy I got to drink a beer with em, definately a day i’ll never forget. Second time was them with drowning pool opening at 8 seconds in indy last year, wish i could say it was all a great memory like the 1st but I can’t. My dad is also a fan so me and my 50 year old dad go and get right up by the gate drowning pool just got done time for Sevendust crowd was going crazy as was I then with the heat and pushing my dad passed out, security got him off the floor maybe a minute before they came out and crowd went crazy. Even though i was far away with him to see if he was all right (he was determined to see Sevendust) it was still a great show.After all this he still wants to go again, great band great harmonies, and great songwritters.