Word and Live Photos: DJ
Myglobalmind and Screaming Digital Productions
March 11, 2025 – Huntsville, Alabama
The co-headlining show featuring Hinder and Saliva delivered a perfect blend of nostalgia and fresh energy at VBC Mars Music Hall on Tuesday night.
Newcomer Kelsey Hickman kicked off the evening with an impressive opening set that showcased her unique country-hard rock-soul fusion. Her powerful vocals and confident stage presence immediately won over the Huntsville crowd, establishing her as an artist to watch.
Saliva hit the stage next with frontman Bobby Amaru commanding attention from the first notes of “Superstar.” Since joining the band in 2011, Amaru has brought a contemporary feel while staying true to Saliva’s blue-collar roots. The current lineup – featuring Amaru, Brad Stewart (bass), Josh Kulack (guitar), Sebastian LaBar (guitar) and Sammi Jo Bishop (drums) – continues to honor late guitarist Wayne Swinny at every performance, and this night was no exception.
Their performance of “Click Click Boom” (from their Double Platinum 2001 debut “Every Six Seconds”) created one of the night’s most electric moments, with the entire crowd jumping and shouting every word. The emotional high point came during “Come Back Stronger,” a song whose video was filmed just days before Swinny’s unexpected passing in 2023 and dedicated to the fallen guitarist. The band’s delivery of “Your Disease” (their 2002 Grammy-nominated hit) provided another highlight, with LaBar and Kulack faithfully reproducing the song’s signature riffs – a fitting tribute to Uncle Wayne’s legacy.
Hinder closed the night with a powerful set spanning their catalog. Marshal Dutton delivered emotional authenticity on the band’s ballads while maintaining high energy through rockers like “Get Stoned” and “All American Nightmare.” Their cover of Collective Soul’s “Shine” provided an unexpected highlight, while “Better Than Me” created a touching moment with a sea of cell phone lights illuminating the venue.
As expected, “Lips of an Angel” received the biggest response, with the entire crowd joining in a massive sing-along that capped off a night proving rock is alive and well in 2025.
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