Staind with Arson City

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September 10, 2023 – Stir Cove – Council Bluffs, IA

On Sunday night September 10, 2023, Staind made a stop at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and it was a very rainy, but epic night of rock music!

The concert kicked off with Arson City, a hard rock band formed in 2013 out of Omaha, Nebraska. The group consists of Patrick Wilson on lead vocals, Mark Beckenhauer on rhythm guitar, Matt Denker on drums, Matt Dibaise on lead guitar, and Matt Oliver on bass guitar. The group has over 15.4 thousand monthly listeners on Spotify, and it’s easy to see why. The band’s explosive energy, impeccable musicianship, and powerful stage presence left us all in awe. Their set included bangers like, “City of Fire,” “Not Coming Home,” “Horror Show,” an awesome cover of Journey’s “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)”, and other songs from their library. What an awesome way to start the night!

After a brief intermission and short delay because of the rain, Staind took the stage, and Stir Cove came unglued.

As the rain poured down and the band took the stage, there was an unmistakable sense of anticipation in the air, and the audience knew they were in for an intense and heartfelt performance.

Frontman Aaron Lewis, with his distinctively haunting voice, immediately transported us into Staind’s world of introspection and raw emotion. The concert began with “Lowest in Me,” and Lewis’s vocals conveyed the pain and intensity of the lyrics with raw authenticity. His stage presence was understated yet commanding, as he poured his heart into every word he sang.

Guitarist Mike Mushok’s riffs and solos were a standout throughout the evening. He showcased his technical skill and emotional depth, effortlessly switching between melodic arpeggios and face-melting solos. His synergy with Lewis was evident, and together they created a sonic landscape that resonated deeply with the audience.

The rhythm section, consisting of bassist Johnny April and drummer Sal Giancarelli, provided the foundation for Staind’s sound. Their precision and tightness in the performance allowed the songs to breathe and evolve, making every moment feel organic and genuine.

Staind’s setlist was a well-balanced mix of their iconic hits and a few lesser-known tracks from their previous albums. Songs like “Right Here,” “So Far Away,” and “It’s Been Awhile” had the crowd singing along in unison.

The stage setup was minimalistic but impactful, with moody lighting that complemented the emotional intensity of the music. There were no elaborate pyrotechnics or flashy visuals, allowing the focus to remain on the music and the emotions it evoked.

As the concert came to an end, Staind left the stage to a standing ovation.

The band’s authenticity, combined with their musical prowess, created an evening that allowed the audience to connect with their own emotions and experiences. It was a night of powerful rock music that will resonate with fans for a long time!

Staind Setlist: