With all the negative talk about rock’s decline, one of many positives I would like to point out about rock in the 21st century are the tour packages. Three to four decades ago you would get a headliner and if you were lucky a decent opening band. Today’s tours include multiple headliner worthy bands as well as the opening acts. Concert tickets may have seen an uptick but so have the shows. This evening would be no different as headlining heavyweights Breaking Benjamin would roll into New Hampshire’s Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion accompanied by Chevelle and Three Days Grace. Thirty years ago, bands of these statures would be touring the country on separate headline stints. In 2019 we get them all on the same stage. Pretty sweet if you ask me.
Upon arriving at the venue, the parking lot seemed to be a bit quiet which raised a concern of low-ticket sales. After a few pre-show beverages in said parking lot we ventured into the pavilion. Now if you haven’t taking in a show at the Bank of NH Pavilion you are missing out. Set on the shores of New Hampshire’s largest lake, Winnipesaukee, it is by far one of New England’s best venues. With easy in and out access and plenty of pre and post show entertainment it’s the perfect setting for a show. Not to mention the venue itself has a wide variety of food and drink options with short lines and not a bad seat in the house. And with an abundance of shows ranging from top country and rock artists there’s no doubt you’ll find something to your liking.
Now back to the quiet parking lot. As mentioned, I was a bit concerned with attendance. As we entered the pavilion in the midst of Three Days Grace set, I could see why it was quiet as the house was packed for the Canadian rockers. The tone was set and the evening was off to a great start of metal!
Next up to take the stage was the Illinois three-piece veterans Chevelle. At this point things were in full swing and the crowd was already whipped up from Three Days Grace. Not being very familiar with Chevelle I wasn’t sure what to expect. I heard some rumblings from friends that they were a pretty boring show, so my expectations were not very high. The crowd seemed excited, lets see if Chevelle could match the excitement of their crowd. To my surprise they crushed it! By the end of their set I was truly impressed and had incentive to investigate this band further.
Rounding out the night was the band I was looking forward to most and by the reaction of the crowd I would say I wasn’t the only one, PA natives Breaking Benjamin. Touring in support of their latest record, Ember which by the way is a killer record, founding vocalist Ben Burnley and company would hit the stage with my favorite off of the aforementioned album “Red Cold River”. Wow! What a way to kick off what would be a 16 song setlist including a very cool medley of Pantera, Nirvana, Queen, Metallica and other rock royalty. With a great balance of songs from their 6 album catalog there wasn’t a disappointed fan in the near capacity amphitheater.
Backed by multiple screens, drummer Shaun Foist high on his riser a great light show and plenty of flames the show matched the performance. If it were only Breaking Benjamin taking the stage on this evening the price for the ticket would have been well worth it. Add two other headline worthy acts and a couple openers this is a deal you cannot miss. I have seen Breaking Benjamin on multiple occasions and plan to continue to do so as they get better each time. If they are passing through your area myself and the nearly 10,000 fans that joined me on this late summer evening recommend getting to this show. You work hard for a paycheck, spend it wisely on a great value and amazing night out. Check out Breaking Benjamin now and be sure to pick up a copy of their latest effort Ember.
