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Live reviews
Longevity for bands especially in rock music with fluctuating trends is a rarity, Sanctus Real however are one of the exceptions. With a career spanning over sixteen years the Grammy nominated band boast not only an abundance of accolades but six studio albums with Sparrow Records as well as three independent releases. The real beginnings of the band came about in 1996 when lead singer Matt Hammitt met guitarist Chris Rohman at Toledo Christian School in Ohio. It wasn’t long before they collaboratively began writing and playing together and eventually leading youth worship at school and church and soon the band expanded to solidify the full line up including drummer Mark Graalman and bassist Matt Kollar, and thus Sanctus Real was born.
Bound by faith and friendship, the band have gone from strength to strength with continued success in the Contemporary Christian music charts. Having played a mixture of Christian Music festivals such as Easterfest, Pulse Festival and Glory at the Gardens as well touring with heavier contemporary rock artists like: Relient K, Pillar and The O.C. Supertones has broadened their live audiences. Delving into their vast back catalogue you’re guaranteed to hear some of the classics like ‘Run’, ‘Lead Me’ and their debut ‘Promises’ every track is full of heart and soul, fully engaging with the audience as they spread the word of God through praise and worship. You can really feel the passion the band have for their music and it message, clearly an aspect which has been the driving force for their career. One thing is for sure, Sanctus Real are here to stay.
Sanctus Real’s cover of U2’s Beautiful Day is one of my favourite tracks, I’ve listened to it over and over again, but never over listened! The pop rock Christian music band have produced some incredible music over the last 20 years, with several successful albums. Watching a band perform live who can support themselves on their instruments, as well as producing incredible vocals is something that I believe makes a talented musician and a great performance.
They opened the show with the title track from We Need Each Other, the album that received their Grammy Award nomination, and the crowd erupted into cheers, with their arms in the air, welcoming the band on stage. From the moment they came on stage to the moment they left, the atmosphere was electric. Everyone was singing along to their hits such as The Fight Song and I’m Not Alright, and the band were encouraging everyone to dance.
Chris Rohman gave some amazing guitar solos, and Matt and Pete’s harmonies were spot on. As well as very talented musicians, the lighting and sound was incredible, the entire performance was perfect. After the show the band said they’d hang around and they came out for photographs, which was awesome, as not many artists would take the time to do that!