Theory of a Deadman, Sevendust, und Return to Dust

Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman were the first act to sign to 604 Records, Chad Kroeger from Nickelback’s record label. The affiliation with Kroeger allowed lead singer Tyler Connolly the opportunity to collaborate with him on numerous occasions. Releasing their debut self-titled album in 2002, the band went straight in at number 4 in the Canadian album charts. Connolly’s raspy and rough vocals give the band a country edge, a distinctive quality now synonymous with TOAD. The success of their debut scored them a Juno Award for New Group of the Year. In 2005 “Gasoline” their second album featured their first number one single “No Surprise”. Having toured with the likes of: Mötley Crüe, Black Stone Cherry, Stone Sour, Alter Bridge and Drowning Pool saw them perfect their performances whilst gaining in popularity with the crowds. Once the band hit the stage they are fully in the zone, met by a sea of screams. Dividing the crowd into male and female, Connolly calls for each to scream to see which side is louder before going into the track “Gentlemen”. The crowd go wild throwing their metal horns in the air as they raise their arms steadily fist-pumping as the red and blue lights dart across the stage. Occasionally Dave Brenner (guitar) and Dean Beck (bass) toss their plectrums into the audience as they scramble to make a catch. Slowing it down, Connolly dedicates “All Or Nothing” to the ladies of the crowd which is met with high pitched screams before the band let the crowd to sing the chorus acapella. Leaving “Bad Girlfriend” and “Lowlife” for the encore goes down a storm as Connolly roams to the front of the stage singing into the crowd as they sing it even louder back. One thing you can be sure of is that Theory of a Deadman know how to put on a blooming good rock show.

Whether a small or big concert hall or festival stage, Sevendust delivers the goods and well at that! The first time I saw 7D, I arrived at a moderate size arena they were playing at just at the tail end of their set. Much to my dismay I also missed an autograph session they held in the lobby after that by a hair's breadth. Since then, however, I saw them rock the afternoon concert stage electric fashion at Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar three years ago. Singer Lajon Witherspoon's voice is nothing short of amazing as his impressive vocal range and style can morph from loud and gravelly to quiet and melodic, making for a great sing-along! Just recently during the end of the first leg of their current tour, they played a more intimate concert, namely an acoustic set at a Knights of Columbus Hall in my home state. It put the music in a whole new perspective and with a catered lunch and open bar, made for a true party atmosphere. Drummer Morgan Rose provided a hypnotic back beat with his bongo drum set and guitarists Clint Lowery and John Connolly along with Vince Hornsby's bass playing created melodies that were nothing short of intricate and infectious. In addition, I was finally able to get closure on a missed meet&greet from four years ago, something I told Witherspoon I had been angling to do since then when I spoke with him after the concert and was gracious about taking a picture with me for posterity as well. A grand day out!