Legendary rock bands Breaking Benjamin and Staind teamed up for a co-headlining North America tour and made their usual stop in the Windy City. Also accompanying the two bands were rock artists Daughtry and up and coming rock/country band, Lakeview. Personally, Credit One Amphitheater is one of my favorite venues in the area with it’s open, outdoor atmosphere that features a generous pit for those that want to be as close as possible, two different tiers of hard seats for those that want to be close but also comfortable and a massive lawn back section for those that want to lay out and vibe to the music. Though it was a little on the warm side at 85 degrees, that fans couldn’t have asked for a better day.
Lakeview opened up the evening while the fans continued to fill out the massive amphitheater. Lakeview is an country rock band led by singers Jesse Denaro and Luke Healy who both met while they were touring with different metal bands. The band played a eight song set list to start the night featuring some of their hits such as “Hits Different” “See Me In a Suit” and even covered Hinder’s “Lips of an Angel.”
Up next was notable rock band, Daughtry, who could have headlined their own tour. Led by singer Chris Daughtry, who many still don’t even know was a finalist on American Idol and has gone on to be one of the of the most successful singers despite not even winning. I think one of the most recognizable things you see, or hear, when you see Daughtry live is the raw emotion he puts into his performance. Whether it’s from one of his greatest hits “It’s Not Over” or him doing an acoustic cover of Deftones’ “Change” which was performed beautifully.
Breaking Benjamin was up next as the crowd waited with anticipation for their giant white backdrop to drop revealing the band that’s been rocking the stage since 1999. Though the band has changed drastically since they first started, the heart and soul still remains the same with lead singer Benjamin Burnley guiding the way. Like all previous performances i’ve seen, they did not disappoint. Ben continues to pour his heart and soul into his performance from his soft melodic melodies to his deep, powerful screams that shake to every fans core. Putting on a 16-song set that featured hits of new and old from “Red Cold River” “So Cold to their iconic, encore hit “The Diary of Jane” after 25 years Ben and the gang continue to put on legendary performances.
Staind finally took the stage to cap off the night. Led by singer Aaron Lewis, out of Springfield Massachusetts, the band has been known on an international level since 1995, coming off their most recent album Fallen, recently released last year. The night started off a little rough due to some technical errors that got the lead singer a little heated, but the crew was able to get the sound fixed and the band was back at it. Known for their raw emotional and powerful delivery, The band, continues to captivate its fans with their blend of grunge and alternative rock. The price of the ticket was well worth it for this monstrous line-up, for several bands that are helping keeping rock music relevant in today’s society. Be sure to check out one of the remaining tour dates here, you won’t be disappointed!
STAIND, BREAKING BENJAMIN, DAUGHTRY & LAKEVIEW — SEPTEMBER 14, 2024 — CREDIT ONE AMPHITHEATER (CHICAGO)
