The “Break the Cycle 25th Anniversary Tour” brought back some nostalgic from late-90s and early-2000s to a sold-out Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston, Michigan Sunday night. It was a perfect night to let your hair down and rock out to some of the best rock & roll music we grew up with. Staind didn’t come alone the band brought some very close friends along for the ride. Joining Staind on tour are Hinder, Hoobastank, and Seether. I heard the venue was sold out so I was expecting the usual crowd build up as the night went on. It was an early start time with the six a clock sun giving the band Hinder a last-minute suntan for the summer. Hinder kicked things of in style with “All American Nightmare” and following up with their 2005 classic “Homecoming Queen” from their debut album, Extreme Behavior. Frontman Marshal Dutton loved the energy from the crowd throwing horns to the fans including a very young fan in the front row. The seven-song set ended with the crowd favorite “Get Stoned” with everyone joining in on vocals.
Remember me saying earlier I expected the usual crowd build up that wasn’t the case. From the pit all the way to the top of the hill the scene spelled DAMN! and we were still waiting on Hoobastank to hit the stage. The band from California who formed in 1994 hit the stage like a prized fighter with a left hook with “Same Direction,” and “Remember Me.” Frontman Doug Robb after the first two decided to take a poll during the concert asking the crowd where are we. Fans could be heard shouting out Clarkston, Detroit. Robb wanted to settle it so he asked the fans are we in Clarkston low cheers of yes could be heard or are we in Detroit, ok i see we are in Detroit that’s where we are. Robb also told the crowd we’re here tonight to be happy and have fun and to sing kumbaya sing-alongs. The 9-song nostalgic set included “This is Gonna Hurt,” “Out of Control,” and “The Reason.” The band ended the set with a banger “Crawling in the Dark” Robb strolling up and down the stage like a wild look for his prey.
Getting back to the 2000’s part of the show the band Seether took the stage kicking the set off with “Gasoline” and “truth.” Bass player Corey Lowery came out whaling the strings and moving about like a man who drank a case of red bulls. Lowery traded shreds with bassist Dale Stewart throughout the set. The crowd was wired up and letting loose smiles from ear to ear displayed on their singing faces. Frontman Shaun Morgan tucked back slightly in the dark and sometimes fogging setting like a creepy Halloween scene. Seether had that heavier, moody type atmosphere that was well received. An emotional highlight from the set came during +Rise Above This” a tribute to Morgan’s late brother who appeared on the LED behind the drummer, Detroit showed the love for his late brother with ear popping roars, a moment that will always be remembered and never forgotten. The setlist changed from time-to-time songs included in the set “Pig,” “Words as Weapons,” and “Fake It” before closing with “Remedy.” Morgan shredding the guitar and belting out some heavy vocals hasn’t changed or slowing down anytime soon. Before the set ended Morgan thanked the other bands on the bill. Drummer John Humphrey was hitting the drums extra hard tonight I’m sure he damaged a few sticks tonight.
After shocking the body with a three-band rager it was time, well a two-minute countdown that took place before Staind hit the stage shortly after 9:30 and was about to deliver the knockout punch to the sold-out crowd with a 1.2.3. in your face melter. Aaron Lewis and the boys hit with “Open Your Eyes,” “Warm Safe Place,” and “Fade.” Before “Fade” Lewis asked the crowd how many in attendance are seeing us for the first time and well a good portion of the venue raised their hands, Lewis said wow what did we do to deserve this we thank you. Other hits from the set included “Pressure,” “So Far Away,” and “Outside” a song that changed the band lives. The 15-song set ended with “Mudshovel” the bass guitar shinning bright in the beginning delivering a bucket full of endless energy taking place all set long.
Staind definitely broke the cycle tonight and probably will for years to come. Beig in the business for over 20 years you know what is needed to stay fresh and continue to draw in all aged genres. Staind delivered a flawless set feeling like we never left the 90’s and that was a nostalgic trip down memory lane in Clarkston, Michigan. If you like it raw then you’re going to love Lewis’s vocals you must since you ended up at the show tonight. Checkout the tour in a city near you and see why the tour is selling out. Like it was all night long “Horns up, America! Keep rocking!”
