Words and Photos: Adam Colwell
https://www.pixelsoftheimagination.com/
Franklin got loud and gritty on October 24th when Seether rolled through town with Daughtry, P.O.D., and Kami Kehoe on their The Surface Seems so Far tour for a night that felt like a throwback to the golden age of rock radio but with the next round of starts opening up giving it that modern edge. The crowd at FirstBank Amphitheater was packed and ready from the moment the gates opened, with fans already screaming along before the first guitar riff hit.
Kami Kehoe opened the night with a fury that proved why she’s been making waves lately. She might have been the youngest act on the lineup, clocking in at only 22, but her stage presence was effortless and seemed like she had been doing this for decades. Her mix of soulful vocals and rock energy had people definitely vibing with her set, not just waiting for the headliners. You could tell she gained some new fans by the end of her performance.
P.O.D. came next and immediately brought the energy up several notches, hitting the amphitheater straight out the gate with “Boom”! Throughout the set, the crowd engaged time and time again, especially during “Youth of the Nation”. The band sounded tight and full of life. There was something special about hearing those early 2000s anthems echo through the Tennessee hills. Sonny Sandoval worked the crowd like a pro, jumping between rap verses and heavy choruses that had everyone shouting the words back.
Daughtry followed with a polished and emotional set that reminded everyone why he’s still one of the most powerful voices in rock. His vocals were huge, and songs like “It’s Not Over” and “Home” hit just as hard as they did years ago. The band’s newer material fit right in but a little heavier and edgier, blending seamlessly with their older hits. Kami Kehoe even joined in with Chris on stage. It was one of those sets where you could look around and see everyone belting the words, hands up, phones out, just soaking it all in.
When Seether finally took the stage, the night turned darker, literally as the stage got moodier and the music got heavier. Shaun Morgan’s voice was as raw and gritty as ever, and the band’s setlist struck a perfect balance between aggression and emotion. Tracks like “Fine Again” and “Fake It” had the crowd jumping, while “Broken” brought out the lighters and phone lights for one of the night’s most powerful moments. The sound was thick and perfectly mixed, letting the band’s signature growl and melody blend together just right.
By the time the final notes rang out, everyone knew they had just seen a lineup that hit all the right notes for rock fans. It was a blast of nostalgia with proof that these bands still know how to put on a show that drivees the crowds wild. Seether’s stop in Franklin was loud, emotional, and unapologetically rock, reminding everyone that this genre still has plenty of fight left in it.
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