Aaron Lewis – Charlotte Metro Credit Union – Charlotte, NC – 10/26/2017
The night started out like what I’d like to think how most country concerts should start, with Aaron Lewis, drink and cigarette in hand, instructing the audience to stand up, remove their hats and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. After the tip of his Trump hat to the crowd, the former Staind front man promptly opened with own country-themed anthem, “Country Boy.”
Throughout the night, Lewis and his band alternated between Staind songs and Lewis’ originals, occasionally botching lyrics due to what the singer joked may have been tied some activities he partook prior to the show beginning.
The Charlotte fans seemed to be comprised of a mix of country fans as well as fans of Staind that had apparently followed Lewis to his journey into country music. And who could blame them? Lewis’ crooning, soulful and emotionally raw voice that always stood out on all of Staind’s music actually translates to the country genre better than some might expect it to.
The main support on the evening came via Atlanta’s Blackberry Smoke. The band’s country infused southern rock and roll easily won the crowd over , with the band only further endearing themselves to the Charlotte audience with deftly performed renditions of classics from both Tom Petty and The Beatles.
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All Writing and Photography: Maq Brown
http://www.maqbrownphotography.com/
