By Adam Waldman
BEST LARGE VENUE PERFORMANCE:
Shinedown at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, NY
Shinedown has been one of those “bucket list” bands for a while. Though they tour regularly, this past summer was the first time that they came anywhere close to my area. To be fair, there is only one large venue nearby. Up until this summer, the only rock acts that performed there were fell squarely into the classic rock category. This summer was the first to feature modern hard rock acts. It’s hard to a imagine a better show breaking the barrier than Shinedown.
Though Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is an amphitheater with covered seating in front of the grassy hill (for general admission seating), Shinedown’s performance reminded me of the arena shows of my youth. Big, bold, loud, energetic, and wildly entertaining. It was unlike any show that I’ve seen at the venue before. Not only was it my favorite Bethel Woods show ever, it was among my favorite concerts of all-time (dating back to 1982). There’s a reason why Shinedown is one of the elite rock bands of this generation.
An added bonus of the show was seeing Badflower as an opener. They not have been headlining on this tour, but they performed as if they were, and will be in the future.
CLICK HERE to read the review of the show.
BEST SMALL VENUE PERFORMANCE:
Blacktop Mojo at Woodbury Brewing Company, Woodbury, CT
Hard Rock Daddy jumped on the Blacktop Mojo bandwagon early on in the band’s career. The ride has only gotten more exciting with each passing release. Watching the growth of these rising stars has been incredible. When I first spoke with frontman Matt James, he was a bit apprehensive. Understandable given that it was his first interview. Through the years, Hard Rock Daddy has continued to feature music from these Texas rockers, and my friendship with James has continued to grow (albeit from a distance).
After years of being connected mostly online, I ventured out a few hours away to meet up with the band at the Woodbury Brewing Company in Woodbury, CT. I thought that I would be the only one to travel that far. I was wrong. Because of their music, and their warm attitude and gratitude towards fans, it felt like being invited to a private concert for friends. The show started with some challenges due to a blackout, but Blacktop Mojo handled things like seasoned professionals.
This was the first time that I saw the opening band, Lullwater, as well. They put on a helluva show. It was a bit bittersweet talking them afterwards because I was introduced to their music by a friend (and major Hard Rock Daddy supporter) who passed away earlier in the year.
CLICK HERE to read the review of the show.
HONORABLE MENTION
Eddie Money and John Waite at NYCB Theater at Wesbury
To celebrate his 70th birthday, Eddie Money came home to New York to commemorate the occasion, performing with his good friend John Waite as the opening act. The show took place in March, months before Money’s cancer diagnosis was revealed. At the time, I had no idea that it would be my last opportunity to see the “Moneyman.” Nor did I have any idea that I would be among the lucky ones to celebrate his final birthday on earth. It feels a bit surreal now having watched his health struggles and eventual passing on his AXS TV show “Real Money.” Because of the show, I felt like I got to know Money and his loving family. Seeing him perform on stage with his children was something that I’ll never forget. This show, in retrospect, feels like a cautionary tale. Don’t take for granted that your rock and roll heroes will always be around. If you have to chance to go and see a live performance, do whatever it takes to do so.
CLICK HERE to read the review of the show.
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I saw Shinedown and I was blown away and have a whole new passion for them. I see they are playing again in Bethel and I am hoping it is the under the Deep Down tour. The website doesn’t show that one on their list.