The Amity Affliction have been around the music scene long enough to know how to get the crowd going - and they did it with great skill at the Vans Warped Tour at Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts - Vans Warped Tour at Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center 07 24 18
Of all the women who have impacted the music industry, Joan Jett is without a doubt one of the most influential. In fact, I don't think there's a person over the age of 10 who can't sing the chorus of "I Love Rock and Roll." To be able to photograph this living legend was a dream come true for me and all the other photographers - it was the most crowded photo pit of the entire day. The pavillion was jammed with fans, as well, and the sides and back of the stage were packed with other Warped artists and VIPs. Joan Jett's voice was strong and loud, her attitude and guitar skills were as was as badass as ever, and the Blackhearts kicked ass right along with her.
Asking Alexandria - Vans Warped Tour at Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center 07 24 18
Asking Alexandria's raw power and smooth-as-silk vocals shouldn't work together, but they absolutely do! They also have a whole lotta fun on stage, making them a crowd favorite.
Motionless in White - Vans Warped Tour at Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center 07 24 18
Motionless in White are one of my favorite bands to photograph. Their intensity, drama, and overall stage presence are over the top - it's enough to drive the fans nuts and make photographers lose their sh** trying to capture it all.
Bush, Stone Temple Pilots, and The Cult at Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center - July 19, 2018
Live Review: Bush, Stone Temple Pilots, The Cult at Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
By Laura Fox
Torrential rains, extreme heat, and gusty winds didn’t dampen the spirits of concertgoers at Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center Friday, July 19. Clad in plastic ponchos, garbage bags, or just their soggy clothes, they soaked up a great night of rock and roll as the Revolution 3 tour rolled through town. LA-based Julien K were the first to take the stage, getting the crowd warmed up with their edgy, electro-rock sound.
Post-punk/metal giants The Cult were up next. Somewhat ironically, the heaviest downpour of the night was during their second song, “Rain.” At the end of the song, however, an announcer came on stage and told everyone in the lawn to come down and sit in open sections of the pavilion; he didn’t have to ask twice!
Stone Temple Pilots started their set with their mega-hit, “Wicked Garden.” Frontman Jeff Gutt, who joined the group in 2017, nailed the rock star role, performing with great energy and passion, along with an in-your-face attitude and tons of crowd interaction.
Veteran band members Dean DeLeo on guitar, Robert DeLeo on bass and Eric Kretz on percussion also showed the fans lots of love. With the exception of “Meadow,” and “Roll Me Away” from their latest studio album, “Stone Temple Pilots” the band stuck to classic hits from their older albums, ending with another huge single, “Sex-Type Thing.”
Bush’s set started dramatically, with percussionist Robin Goodridge silhouetted behind his drumset, sticks raised. Then the first iconic riff of “Machinehead” rang out from the darkness, and lead singer/guitarist Gavin Rossdale leaped onto the stage. The crowd went nuts, lunging to their feet and shouting wildly.
The commotion never really died down as Bush powered through their biggest hits, plus an amazing cover of the Beatles’ “Come Together.” Rossdale, along with Chris Traynor on guitar and Corey Britz on bass, made constant eye contact with the audience, which they ate up. Rossdale, in particular, was in constant motion, pacing from front to back and side to side throughout the set.
By the time Bush closed their set with “Comedown,” the temperature had also come down. The rain had also stopped, leaving concertgoers basking in the echoes of the heavy-hitting show they had just experienced.
Bush
Stone Temple Pilots
The Cult
Lindsey Stirling and Evanescence with Cellogram at Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center 07/12/18
Cellogram
Evanescence
Lindsey Stirling
Live Review by Laura Fox
Co-headliners Evanescence and Lindsey Stirling, currently on tour together, have distinctly different musical styles, visual and performance aesthetics, and messages, yet they complemented each other perfectly. Accompanied by a local orchestra, both acts artfully wove beautiful stories throughout the night, bringing thunderous applause, cheers, and tears to the adoring crowd.
The night’s headliner, Lindsey Stirling, reminded me of a Gaelic faerie – she danced, ran, leaped, beat back demons, and even moonwalked, all while furiously playing the electric violin. But along with her spritely and energetic music, she also shared a deeply personal and inspirational message about her struggles with anorexia and depression. Backup dancers, multiple costume changes and stunning background graphics completed the big-production, sensory experience you’ll just have to see first-hand to understand.
In contrast, Evanescence’s performance was dark and almost dreamlike. Although Evanescence is comprised of five extremely talented musicians, all eyes were on Amy Lee as she strode onto the stage. Her rich vocals and commanding stage presence masterfully pulled the audience into her world. When Evanescence was joined by Stirling on stage for “Hi-Lo,” the crowd absolutely erupted.
Openers Cellogram, which consists of cellist Dave Eggar and percussionist Chuck Palmer, engaged the audience with their enthusiasm and antics. Their eclectic set included a lively mix of classical, rock, folk, tribal, bluegrass, and jazz that was just about perfect for a balmy evening under the stars.
