Trepidation - that was the emotion I left my office with on Friday night before heading to Stir Cove for the “Carnival of Madness” experience. But – silly, silly me. I gotta learn to trust both my instincts and the marketing staff at Stir more! It wasn’t ‘madness’ that night, it was hard-rockin’, fist-pumpin’, head-bangin’, loud and proud rock and roll. I was introduced to some bands I had never heard of, and some I knew about but never had seen. Was I ever surprised and thrilled at the same time.
The night was supposed to start early, leading off with the local band, Emphatic. However, due to vocal problems (thanks for the tip, Mike!), things were delayed a bit. No problem for the 300 or so attendees, it just meant a little more time to sip a beer and gear up. So, around 6:30, the band Adeliltas Way took the stage and I was hooked. These boys out of Vegas were good. They played a 5 song set, closing with their song ‘Invincible’, which is now the official theme song for WWE Superstars. The band has only been in the main stream for a couple of years, but I think this tour will raise the bar for them, and the exposure will give them a chance to make their mark in the hard rock genre.
The crowd continued to saunter into the venue, and by the time Black Stone Cherry came on, I would say the numbers had doubled. It was another sign of the good things to come.
Black Stone Cherry hails out of Kentucky and their act is rife with energy and some pretty strong and impressive vocals. I thought for a moment I was witnessing the head banging routine of Wayne and Garth (you know who I mean) there was so much hair flying and jumping around, but it was a solid , and very enjoyable set. I loved the way these boys played their audience just as much as I loved the way they played their guitars. If you like southern rock, or hard rock – if you’re a fan of the Black Crowes – you might want to pick up one of this band’s three studio albums and give it a whirl.
So – now it’s getting a little darker, the clouds are a little heavier and the crowd is much larger and a little rowdier, but having a great time. It’s very entertaining to watch the build to the crescendo at these types of music fests.
Alter Bridge was next up. You might recognize some of the members of this band – if you don’t already know them. Three of the guys used to perform with Creed – but they have definitely formed their own sound, their own soul and their own following. The light show was tuned up and as the clouds decided to open up a bit, the boys did as well. The band out of Orlando likes these smaller venues – I think it gives them a more intimate feel with their crowd. Their crowd likes the connection as well. Some of the lyrics are pretty dark, and in a live performance it can be a little unsettling – but not the way these guys present it. I was taken aback and so pleasantly surprised at how good they really are. There is a hint here and there of some grunge or some metal leanings, but it is definitely in my book as hard rock thru and thru.
Once Theory of a Deadman arrived on stage, the crowd was pretty full and pretty solid. If you didn’t arrive til that point in the show, you really missed out. Yes, these were the headliners, but you can’t count any of the other bands that are on this tour out. They are all creative and worthy on their own.
Hailing out of British Columbia, Theory has been around about 10 years and their popularity grows as they tour extensively. With four studio albums to their credit, they have had a number of top ten hits on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks charts, including ‘Bad Girlfriend’, which hit #1. They’ve achieved platinum sales. They’ve toured with Motley Crue, Godsmack, Daughtry and performed with another visitor to Stir – the band Hinder. So, yeah, they’ve got cred. They too have a great light show and a high energy presentation. In a world of hard and grunge rock stars, they’re a pretty ‘easy on the eyes’ bunch as well. This band leaves you feeling sated, no doubt about it. It was raucous, and bold, and the lyrics will suck you in.
So – trepidation? Yeah, that was me. But you know what, I stayed thru the intermissions, I stayed thru the rain, I stayed to the very end. And I left with a smile on my face and a slap to my head that said – why would I feel anything but fulfillment. The gang at Stir knows what they are doing, and this was a great night for the tour. Carnival of Madness is such a cool name – but for me, it was a Carnival of Gladness by the time I heard the last note. Thanks again Stir Cove! You ‘rock’ my world.
