Live Words and Photos: DJ
John Cooper of Skillet has frequently made headlines this year for simply expressing his opinions, a so-called “crime.” It’s noteworthy that on this chilly Thursday evening, John discussed having a differing opinion without resorting to negativity or hostility. Ultimately, opinions are just that—opinions. In an era where everything is closely scrutinized, and every statement can be taken out of context and amplified through social media, navigating through public perception has become quite challenging. Despite the challenges, John encourages the idea that we can have varying opinions and respectfully agree to disagree, without succumbing to unnecessary drama. Whether we attend a show with people of diverse backgrounds, religions, cultures, and politics, the common enjoyment of the same bands should be a unifying factor. Amen.
The Rock Resurrection Tour made its mark at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, AL, on November 30th, delivering an exceptional performance. The opening act, Saint Asonia, featuring former Three Days Grace frontman Adam Gontier, set the stage with their new music, including the impressive collaboration with Cooper on “Wolf.” The brief yet impactful set prepared the audience for the long-time Canadian rockers, Theory of a Deadman. It’s good to see Adam doing what he does best, Rock!!!
Our last coverage of Theory of a Deadman was in Huntsville last year at Mars Music Hall, where they headlined and previewed songs from their upcoming album, “Dinosaur.” Tyler Connolly’s Elvis-inspired style, including his hairstyle and retro jacket, adds a unique flair to their performance. The setlist included their self-titled song from their newest offering, a compelling acoustic cover of Alice in Chains’ “Nutshell,” and the customary cover classic the like of “Hallelujah,” A theory staple in “Angel,” and “Bad Girlfriend.” It’s noteworthy that some modern rock/metal bands, including Three Days Grace, Theory, and Godsmack among others, have maintained relevance even years after their major hits, a testament to the enduring impact of their music. Shinedown stands out as a band that has successfully reinvented its sound over the past decade, achieving big commercial success.
As the stagehands prepared Skillet for their explosive performance, featuring intricate lights and arrangements around Jen Ledger’s drum setup, the anticipation grew. John Cooper wasted no time, bursting onto the stage with the band’s renowned energy. The tight performance had the audience moving and engaged.
Favorites like “Rise” and “Hero” resonated with the crowd, while the energy soared with “Psycho In My Head.” John and Kory’s stage presence exuded an infectious, dynamic energy. The catchy tunes continued with “Comatose,” and Adam Gontier joined the stage for a guest vocal performance on “Finish Line.” Special recognition goes to Jen Ledger for her lovely vocals and thunderous drum work, showcasing impressive style and technique.
In terms of production, live stage presence, and overall enjoyment, Skillet stands out as one of the top rock bands. The band’s enduring success is undeniable, despite some unwarranted negativity surrounding them, possibly due to labels like “Christian Metal” or John’s “unpopular” opinions. Regardless of the reasons, at the end of the day, success and the ability to craft catchy tunes should be celebrated not frowned upon based on things that have nothing to do with actual Music. Skillet’s hard work over the years has brought them to this point, and we should appreciate the journey. To quote the great Robert Fripp, “Music is the wine that fills the cup of silence.” Let’s begin there.
SKILLET + THEORY OF A DEADMAN + SAINT ASONIA:
11/10 — Minneapolis, MN — The Armory
11/11 — Brookings, SD — Dacotah Bank Center
11/12 — Waukee, IA — Vibrant Music Hall
11/14 — Grand Rapids, MI — Van Andel Arena
11/15 — Peoria, IL — Peoria Civic Center
11/17 — Youngstown, OH — Covelli Centre
11/18 — Johnstown, PA — 1st Summit Arena at Cambria County War Memorial
11/19 — Mashantucket, CT — Foxwoods Resort Casino
11/21 — Norfolk, VA — Chartway Arena
11/22 — Salem, VA — Salem Civic Center
11/24 — Jacksonville, FL — Daily’s Place Amphitheater
11/25 — Orlando, FL — Orlando Amphitheater
11/28 — Mobile, AL — Mobile Civic Center Theatre
11/30 — Huntsville, AL — Propst Arena Von Braun Center
12/1 — Spartanburg, SC — Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium
12/2 — Johnson City TN — Freedom Hall Civic Center
12/5 — Fort Wayne, IN — Allen County War Mem. Coliseum
12/6 — Evansville, IN — Ford Center
12/8 — North Little Rock, AR — Simmons Bank Arena
12/9 — Wichita, KS — Hartman Arena
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