River Riot 2024 ft. Seether & Skillet

October 18, 2024 – The Astro – La Vista, NE

The Astro amphitheater in La Vista, Nebraska was the place to be on Friday night, October 18, 2024, as 89.7 The River brought Seether and Skillet to town for River Riot. Fans packed the amphitheater and absolutely got their money’s worth with an unforgettable night of rock.

The weather was perfect for an outdoor show, and the night kicked off with Royale Lynn, an emerging country music artist known for her powerful vocals and authentic songwriting that blends traditional country with a modern twist. Originally from Canada, Royale moved to Nashville to pursue her passion for music. Her sound is often described as raw and heartfelt, touching on themes of love, heartbreak, and life’s ups and downs.

Though she’s still rising in the country music scene, Royale has been gaining attention with singles like “Six Feet Deep” and “Redneck Rockstar.” She has over 452 thousand monthly listeners on Spotify, and her latest singles, “SACRIFICE” and “Death Wish,” definitely have a harder rock edge to them.

From the moment she stepped on stage, you could tell she was there to connect with the audience. Her powerful voice and down-to-earth personality made every song feel personal, whether she was belting out anthems like “Six Feet Deep” or slowing things down with a tender ballad.

What really stood out is how genuine she is with the crowd. Between songs, she shared stories about her life and the meaning behind her music, which added an intimate touch to the whole experience. The band kept the energy high, and Royale’s vocals always hit the mark, keeping fans hooked throughout the set.

Her stage presence was magnetic, and you could feel her passion for country and rock music in every note. What a great way to kick off the show!

After a brief intermission, it was time for Seether!

In case you’re not familiar, Seether is a rock band that has made a huge impact on the post-grunge and alternative metal scenes. Formed in 1999, the band is fronted by Shaun Morgan (lead vocals, guitar), with Dale Stewart (bass, backing vocals) and John Humphrey (drums). Known for their heavy, gritty sound and emotionally raw lyrics, Seether has earned a loyal fanbase worldwide.

Their breakthrough came with the 2002 album Disclaimer, featuring the hit single “Fine Again.” Since then, they’ve delivered several successful albums, including Karma and Effect and Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces. Hits like “Remedy,” “Fake It,” and “Broken” (featuring Amy Lee of Evanescence) have become staples in their discography.

Seether has racked up multiple awards over the years, including Billboard Music Awards and South African Music Awards. They’ve also had several #1 singles on the U.S. Rock charts. With a career spanning over two decades, Seether continues to be a driving force in modern rock. They currently have over 7.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and they show no signs of slowing down any time soon.

For photography purposes, this was a challenge for me because the lighting was very dark, but other than that, these guys were just plain fun to watch. Shaun Morgan’s gritty vocals and heavy guitar riffs immediately set the tone, pulling you right into the intensity of their sound. The band doesn’t need flashy effects or over-the-top production—they let the music speak for itself, and it spoke loud.

From the pounding drums of John Humphrey to Dale Stewart’s driving basslines, Seether delivered a raw and powerful performance that hit hard. The crowd got lost in anthems like “Broken” and “Fake It,” with everyone singing along, especially during the emotional moments of the show. Shaun’s connection with the audience felt real—he wasn’t overly chatty, but when he did speak, it was straight from the heart.

The atmosphere was electric, with fans moshing, headbanging, and fully immersed in the experience. Seether’s ability to balance aggression with emotion created an unforgettable live show that left you feeling both exhilarated and connected to their music.

If you’re into hard-hitting rock with depth, a Seether concert is a must-see. This was an awesome set!

Seether Setlist:

Gasoline
Fine Again
Broken (Acoustic version)
Country Song
Wasteland
Rise Above This
Nobody Praying for Me
Dangerous
Judas Mind
Fake It
Illusion
Remedy

As if that wasn’t enough, we still had our headliner for the evening – Skillet!

Skillet is a Christian rock band known for their high-energy performances and powerful, anthemic sound that blends rock, metal, and electronic elements. Formed in 1996, the band is fronted by John Cooper (lead vocals, bass) and includes Korey Cooper (rhythm guitar, keys, backing vocals), Seth Morrison (lead guitar), and Jen Ledger (drums, backing vocals).

They’ve built a massive following with hit albums like Comatose and Awake, featuring fan-favorite songs like “Monster,” “Hero,” and “Whispers in the Dark.” Their music often touches on themes of hope, faith, and perseverance, resonating with fans across the world.

The band has earned multiple Dove Awards, a Grammy nomination, and several Billboard Music Award nominations. They’ve also gone platinum multiple times, with Awake being certified double platinum. They have over 10.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and their latest singles “All That Matters” and “Unpopular,” are absolute bangers!

These guys know how to put on a show. Their set was nothing short of explosive! From the moment they hit the stage, the energy was off the charts, and it didn’t let up for the entire set. John Cooper’s commanding presence and powerful vocals led the charge, while Jen Ledger on drums brought her own fierce energy.

The band feeds off each other’s vibes, and you can tell they love what they do. Korey Cooper’s wild guitar riffs and Seth Morrison’s shredding solos took everything to the next level. The lights, pyrotechnics, and giant video screens created an epic, almost cinematic experience that pulled everyone in.

When they played hits like “Hero” and “Monster,” the crowd went absolutely wild, singing along with every word. It’s not just the music that makes a Skillet show memorable—it’s their passion, their message of hope, and the way they connect with the audience.

They were fantastic!

Skillet Setlist: