On a chilly December evening, Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ, was set ablaze by the raw power and emotional depth of Daughtry, headlining the Adrenaline Gone Ballistic Holiday Tour. Supported by the dynamic acts of Devour The Day and Sleep Theory, the night offered an unforgettable blend of intensity, nostalgia, and musical excellence.
After Devour The Day and Sleep Theory delivered two amazing performances, the house lights dimmed and the stage bathed in dramatic red and blue hues, the roar of the crowd swelled, heralding the arrival of Chris Daughtry and his band. From the opening chords of “The Reckoning,” it was clear the band came to bring us not just a performance, but an experience in itself.
Daughtry’s setlist was a meticulously curated journey through their discography, showcasing the band’s versatility and evolution over many years. The early inclusion of “Changes Are Coming” and “World on Fire” demonstrated their knack for blending poignant lyrics with anthemic melodies. The crowd erupted during the mashup of “Crashed” and Led Zeppelin’s iconic “Kashmir,” a moment that underlined the band’s ability to seamlessly blend their more modern music with classic rock influences.
Mid-set highlights included the emotional resonance of “Home,” where Chris’s voice carried the weight of nostalgia from his American Idol days and connection with his fans. The inclusion of Deftones’ “Change (In the House of Flies)” was a solid cover choice, showing off the band’s grungier side and eliciting cheers of approval from fans.
New material from the Shock to the System (Part One) EP, such as the title track, stood out as a testament to the band’s ongoing creative vigor. The crowd’s reaction proved that Daughtry’s newer works resonate just as deeply as their classic hits. When the band launched into “It’s Not Over,” the room felt like it was moving as one — unified by the driving rhythm and soaring chorus. The deeply personal “Pieces” brought a reflective pause to the energy before escalating again with “Over You,” another crowd favorite.
The encore was a true highlight, beginning with the thunderous “The Dam” and leading into the empowering “Heavy Is the Crown.” In a heartwarming moment, the band sang “Happy Birthday” for bassist Marty O’Brien, adding a personal touch to an already unforgettable evening. Closing the night with “Artificial,” Daughtry left the crowd exhilarated, their blend of post-grunge grit and pop-rock hooks lingering in the air long after the final note.
Chris Daughtry’s voice was the evening’s standout instrument, cutting through the roaring guitars and pounding drums with remarkable clarity and emotional depth. Whether delivering a raw scream or a tender croon, his performance was as dynamic as it was heartfelt.
The Adrenaline Gone Ballistic Holiday Tour stop at Starland Ballroom was a celebration of music’s ability to connect and heal. Daughtry proved why they remain a ever-growing force in rock music, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what’s next. For those in attendance, it wasn’t just a show — it was an unforgettable moment in time, a night where adrenaline truly went ballistic.
SETLIST:
The Reckoning
Changes Are Coming
World on Fire
Crashed / Kashmir
Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)
Home
Change (In the House of Flies)
Shock to the System
It’s Not Over
Nervous
Pieces
Over You
Encore:
The Dam
Heavy Is the Crown
Happy Birthday to You
(Mildred J. Hill & Patty Hill cover) (Sang for Marty O’Brien)
Artificial
GALLERY: Daughtry at Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ (December 10, 2024)
