Tour Review: Flyleaf, Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace

Tour Review: Flyleaf, Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace

Every year, there are tours that people mark on their calendars months in advance. They rarely question themselves as to if they should, want or can go: they just do it. I’m always intrigued when bands start talking about tours and who they’ll possibly be on the road sharing the stage with for months at a time. Every single person has their favorite bands they’d love to see on tour together. The gossip as to who is in the final acts is always a little maddening for those of us that have waited patiently for certain bands to hit the road again. There’s not a doubt in my mind about one specific tour always being a guaranteed show stopper: Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace. This time around however, another amazing band is added to the bill: Flyleaf. Each of these bands are in their own rights beyond talented and put on a hell of a show as headliners, but add them together as a whole: you have a new meaning to a damn great night of music and entertainment.

The tour has just begun and one of the first 5 stops is in Mankato MN. It’s freezing and there are tons of people already in line scoping out the tours merchandise through the windows. It’s almost hard to tell what band is “the favorite” as the amount of people wearing every bands shirt is almost overwhelming. Everyone here is here for every single band. There’s no doubt that it’ll be a show to remember. And no one is disappointed.

On stage first is the female lead band: Flyleaf. Just releasing a new album and music video, the rave on this band is quite understandable. The crowd is immense and packed with kids from the age of 11 to adults of 50 something. Flyleaf starts off with a bang and leads us into a story of inspiration. The connection in which each band member has with the crowd leads you speechless in a way. The energy and charisma of everyone on stage, amps up the volume of the crowd a few more notches. Mixing songs off their first album Flyleaf like “I’m So Sick,” “Fully Alive,” “All Around Me” to their newest album Memento Mori’s “Again,” “Beautiful Bride,” “Arise,” “Missing” “Set Apart This Dream” and “Have We Lost” are played as well. During each song, Lacey sweeps people off their feet by surprising them with the large voice she carries within. Each song is dedicated to inspiring others to being something more for themselves but for others as well. To not be afraid of being yourself and believing in the gifts you already have. If there’s one thing to be said about Flyleaf, it’s the power of inspiration this band has. For those 30 plus minutes they’re on stage, you believe and find contentment in the world around you. With Sameer and Jared guiding with guitars, Pat creating the rhythm and James following through with drums, Lacey is left to create melodies with her dynamic voice. There isn’t a better band to start this show off right.

-My rating based on voice/instruments sound, stage presence and entertainment- 9/10

Second to hit the stage is Breaking Benjamin. It’s been a little while since they’ve been on the road but releasing a new cd not too long ago makes up for the absence. Starting off the show with “So Cold” and moving into other hits like “Polyamorous,” “Sooner or Later,” “Breath” and “Diary of Jane” are played as some of the fans favorites. Introducing the newest CD Dear Agony, “I Will Not Bow,” “Dear Agony,” “Give Me a Sign” and a tribute to the soldiers “Into the Nothing” are represented proudly. An acoustic song is also thrown into the mix with Ben and Aaron playing “Dream On” by Aerosmith. The uniqueness of lead singer Benjamin Burnley’s voice is something to marvel at just listening to on a CD, but listening to him live is even better. Watching Mark engage with everyone in the crowd lets everyone feel apart of one another. Aaron’s ability to play the guitar while charming each note is something every guitarist needs to practice. Let’s not forget Chad sitting in a jaw dropping drum set, playing beats very few have talent for. The crowd involvement is something to behold with this band. Everyday problems are forgotten while these four guys play an unforgettable bill. This band is well known for it’s love of our US Soldiers and every show they’ve played, a tribute to those heroic men and woman is never forgotten. We all took a moment to remember those who have fallen but also to those who are still serving. It’s one more thing to admire about Breaking Benjamin.

-My rating based on voice/instruments sound, stage presence and entertainment- 9/10

Last to hit stage is Three Days Grace. Like Flyleaf and Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace just dropped a new album as well. What better way for these three bands to push their new records than with a tour together? The energy of everyone in the building is astounding to behold within the first few songs. The bill consists of hits like “I Hate Everything About You,” “Animal I have Become,” “Just Like You,” “Never Too Late,” “Riot,” “Pain,” “Home” and their newest single “Break” rounds out the show. With a few extra songs in between, every single person in the crowd sings every word to each song. With a little surprise for the fans, Adam appears on a mini stage by the sound booth in the middle of the floor while Neil plays an unforgettable drum solo while the entire drum set turns in a circle. Turning back to see Barry wail some major guitar rifts, anyone with a camera is madly clicking away at the sights before them. Rounding out the rhythm is Brad on bass, head banging to each note he creates. Only when you don’t think the night could get any better, the stage is lit up with pyros and heat! The crowd goes crazy while upping their volume 5 times louder than what it already was. It’s a perfect ending to an unbelievable night of great music, talented musicians and unattainable energy.

-My rating based on voice/instruments sound, stage presence and entertainment- 10/10

This tour is by far one of the best tours to see this year! Every band has it’s own individuality but as a whole, they make for an unforgettable evening as one of the best tours to ever be created. Find a city near you and get your tickets to see Flyleaf, Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace. It’s a tour to experience at least once in your lifetime and one that you’ll want to repeat every year from here on out.

To see photos from this show, go to www.stillcodaphotography.com

Make sure you check out tour dates and each band’s websites for upcoming information!

Flyleaf:
www.flyleafmusic.com
www.myspace.com/flyleaf
Twitter: @flyleafmusic

Breaking Benjamin:
www.breakingbenjamin.com
www.shallowbay.com
www.myspace.com/breakingbenjamin
Twitter: @breakingbenj

Three Days Grace:
www.threedaysgrace.com
www.myspace.com/threedaysgrace
Twitter: @threedaysgrace