LIVE PICS AND REVIEW: 3 DOORS DOWN WITH POP EVIL

Multi-platinum rockers 3 Doors Down brought the music to Boston on a beautiful September night to the historic Orpheum Theatre. Built in the 1850s, this is one of the oldest theaters in the U.S., and it feels like it. It’s reminiscent of what I would picture to be the place great President Lincoln was assassinated at. It’s a fantastic place to see a show providing an intimate vibe, no matter where your seat is. And with plenty of inexpensive parking nearby along with a great selection of adult beverages on hand I recommend the Orpheum for a show.

On that evening, we would not only get one of the south’s premier rock bands, but the bill would be rounded out by Red Sun Rising and Pop Evil. Unfortunately, due to the treacherous Boston traffic, I did not make it in time to see Red Sun Rising, which was upsetting as I’m really taking a liking to them, with their hot new singles “Amnesia” and “Emotionless”, these guys are poised for a major break-out. Once again, very disappointed I didn’t get in on time for them.

Pop Evil would take the stage next. Another band I’m very excited about these days. They flew under my radar for quite some time. Having been on the scene for over a decade, I have recently had the fortune of seeing them three times in the past year, and each time I see them I like them more and more. Lead by Leigh Kakaty on vocals, these guys are a must see live. I absolutely love the energy these guys bring to their live show, and the music backs it up. With anthems such as “Trenches”, “Footsteps” and “Take It All” you are guaranteed to be on your feet, Pop Evil is a must see live.

Now onto headliners: 3 Doors Down. Now I must admit the last time I saw 3 Doors Down, about five years ago, I walked away disappointed. On that evening, they were the headliners, and they sounded great but didn’t even give us an hour’s worth of music. I’m not sure why this was, but I walked away upset and since then, I tucked them away for a while. But being a big fan of their music, it was time to revisit them live. So did they win me over once again? Absolutely!

Original members Brad Arnold (lead vocals) and Chris Henderson (guitar), along with long time member Greg Upchurch (drums), and the latest additions Chet Roberts (guitar) and Justin Biltonen (bass) would deliver in a big way. With a full screen backdrop, with their support of American Troops on full display, 3 Doors Down would give one of the better shows of 2016. They would open with something off of their 2016 album Us and The Night, “Still Alive”. With a 17-song, hour and a half setlist spanning their six album, 15+ year career. With an arsenal of hits that 3 Doors Down have produced, including “Duck and Run, “Here Without You”, “When I’m Gone” & the one that launched them, “Kryptonite”, there wasn’t time for a beer run or bathroom break. I forgot how many great songs this band has put out. Start to finish, 3 Doors Down showed Boston a great time and won an old fan over again. I’m so glad I made it to the show – and not only restore my faith in a band I’ve always liked but that night, they blew me away. 3 Doors Down is a must see show. And word to the wise, if a band has an off night don’t allow that to play into your final judgement, give them another shot as I’m glad I did and should have years ago.