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Breaking Benjamin / Staind |   | |
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Rock Titans Unite: On a warm October Texas night, the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion was packed with rock fans eager to witness a powerhouse lineup featuring Breaking Benjamin, Staind and Daughtry. With a mix of nostalgia, intense energy, and heartfelt performances, the night was nothing short of electrifying.
Daughtry Opens with Raw Emotion Daughtry, fronted by American Idol alum Chris Daughtry, set the stage on fire as the opening act. Despite being the first on the bill, Daughtry drew a massive crowd, many of whom clearly came early to catch his performance. The band opened with “The Reckoning,” sending a jolt of energy through the crowd. Chris Daughtry's raspy yet powerful vocals were on full display, effortlessly hitting both the high and emotional notes. As the band played through tracks like “It’s Not Over,” the single “Damn” off their new EP Shock to The System (Part One) and “Over You,” the audience was clearly connected to the emotional weight of the lyrics, often singing along word-for-word. The set reached a crescendo with “Artificial,” a song that felt poignant on a fall evening under the Texas sky. Daughtry addressed the crowd before starting “Artificial,” thanking everyone for coming out, and asking everyone to be true to themselves, to follow their dreams and not be artificial. Daughtry's polished yet emotional delivery served as a perfect warm-up for the night’s heavier acts. The crowd was amped and ready for more. Staind: Melancholic and Heavy Next up was Staind, and their set did not disappoint. Aaron Lewis and company brought the kind of raw, emotional intensity that has made them post-grunge icons. Kicking off with “Lowest in Me,” Staind immediately drew the audience into their dark, introspective world. Lewis’ voice was a mixture of melancholy and grit, perfectly suited to the emotional weight of songs like “Right Here” and “So Far Away.” Staind’s performance struck a perfect balance between heavy guitar riffs and emotionally charged lyrics, resonating deeply with long-time fans. When they launched into their biggest hit, “It’s Been Awhile,” the crowd erupted, singing the chorus in unison. The set felt like a journey through heartache, self-reflection and catharsis, all amplified by Staind's impeccable live sound. Arron added a personal note that he had driven in to the show directly from fishing that afternoon, which was a reflection off his country roots. As they closed their set with “Mudshovel,” Staind unleashed an intense wall of sound, reminding everyone of their heavier roots. The guitars were loud, the bass thunderous and the crowd responded with wild energy. Staind left the stage with the audience both emotionally drained and exhilarated, setting the perfect tone for Breaking Benjamin’s closing act. Breaking Benjamin: A Thunderous Finale Breaking Benjamin took the stage last, and they brought the house down. Opening with “Failure,” the band immediately captured the audience with their hard-hitting sound and tight musicianship. Lead singer Benjamin Burnley’s vocals were as powerful as ever, seamlessly switching between melodic verses and ferocious screams. The setlist was a mix of old favorites and newer hits, blending post-grunge anthems with a polished, modern rock sound. Songs like “Red Cold River” and “I Will Not Bow” had the crowd screaming along, while deeper cuts like “Follow” pleased long-time fans. The band’s energy was infectious, and their connection with the audience was strong, as Burnley often interacted with the crowd between songs. Breaking Benjamin’s set also showcased their musicianship. Guitarists Keith Wallen and Jasen Rauch traded intricate riffs and solos, while the rhythm section provided a solid foundation, keeping the energy high throughout. The lighting and visual effects added to the intensity, making the entire performance feel larger-than-life. Being no strangers to the Pavilion this show will mark the 11th time Breaking Benjimin has taken the stage here. As they closed with “Diary of Jane,” a track that has become synonymous with the band’s legacy, they hit the opening riffs and the entire venue exploded. Thousands of voices sang along, creating a moment of unity between the band and the audience. The sheer intensity of the performance made it feel like the night had built to this exact moment. Breaking Benjamin left the stage to a roaring ovation, their final note hanging in the air as fans screamed for more. A Night to Remember Overall, the Breaking Benjamin, Staind and Daughtry concert at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion was an unforgettable night for rock fans. Each band brought their unique style and energy to the stage, from Daughtry’s emotional ballads to Staind’s heavy, introspective sound and Breaking Benjamin’s thunderous, crowd-pleasing finale. It was a night of raw emotion, powerful music and a shared experience that will resonate with fans long after the final note faded away. Breaking Benjamin Setlist: Failure Until the End (pyro) Vega Red Cold River Evil Angel Blow Me Away Follow So Cold Dance With the Devil Crawl Breath Polyamorous Without You Dear Agony I Will Not Bow Had Enough The Diary of Jane Staind Setlist: Lowest in Me Eyes Wide Open Fade Right Here Not Again Here and Now Something to Remind You Raw Outside Wannabe Better Days So Far Away For You It's Been Awhile Mudshovel Daughtry Setlist: The Reckoning Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) (Journey cover) Pieces It's Not Over The Dam Home Over You Heavy Is the Crown Artificial |
                       Staind                                  Daughtry                       
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