The Maine Savings Amphitheater in Bangor was packed to the brim on September 21st, with a sea of eager fans that stretched as far as the eye could see. It was the evening of Shinedown’s “Revolutions Live” tour, and the anticipation in the air was palpable. With special guests Papa Roach and Spiritbox opening the evening, the stage was set for a musical extravaganza.
Opening Act: Spiritbox
Spiritbox took to the stage as the sun began to set, the purple hues of the sky providing a perfect backdrop for their electrifying performance. Opening with “Jaded”, the band set the tone for an evening that was to be nothing short of spectacular. With Courtney LaPlante’s powerful vocals and the band’s cohesive energy, Spiritbox commanded attention.
Through a concise seven-song set, Spiritbox demonstrated why they’ve been gaining traction in the rock community. Their fusion of melodic verses and heavy breakdowns kept the crowd engaged. The pinnacle of their performance was, undoubtedly, their closing song “Holy Roller”. The amphitheater echoed with the crowd’s voices, singing along with LaPlante, ensuring that Spiritbox’s opening act was one that would be remembered.
Second Act: Papa Roach
By the time Papa Roach came on, the atmosphere was already buzzing. They didn’t waste any time, diving straight into “Between Angels and Insects”, a throwback that had long-time fans of the band screaming every word.
But it was their covers that became the talk of the evening. Papa Roach’s rendition of 2Pac’s “California Love” was an unexpected delight. They blended their hard rock style with 2Pac’s iconic verses seamlessly, offering a fresh yet respectful take on the hip-hop classic. Following this, their cover of The Prodigy’s “Firestarter” was an explosive performance that had the amphitheater vibrating with energy.
Closing with “Last Resort”, Papa Roach left the Bangor crowd in a frenzy. The timeless track saw fans of all ages chanting along, with Jacoby Shaddix’s energy never waning. Their set was a potent mix of old classics and fresh adaptations, reminding everyone of their lasting presence in the rock scene.
Headliner: Shinedown
The night was far from over, and as Shinedown’s set began with the powerful “Diamond Eyes”, the crowd was ready for more. Brent Smith’s commanding vocals, combined with the band’s tight performance, had fans on their feet. Their follow-up with “Dead Don’t Die” and “I’ll Follow You” showcased their versatility, moving seamlessly from hard rock anthems to emotive ballads.
Shinedown’s decision to cover Jimmy Eat World’s “The Middle” was a genius move. It brought waves of nostalgia and had the audience singing along to every word, reliving their own memories associated with the song. However, their rendition of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man” was the highlight of their set. Shinedown has covered this song multiple times throughout their career, and every time, it’s a soulful homage that evokes raw emotion.
The night concluded with “Cut the Cord”. With its catchy riffs and hard-hitting chorus, it was the perfect end to a fantastic night. Smith’s vocals soared through the amphitheater, encapsulating the energy and spirit of the evening.
Closing Thoughts
The “Revolutions Live” tour at the Maine Savings Amphitheater was more than just a concert; it was a journey. Spiritbox set the bar high, ensuring the crowd was primed for what was to come. Papa Roach brought a nostalgic trip down memory lane while introducing fresh adaptations that showcased their versatility. Finally, Shinedown, with their impeccable stage presence and masterful set list, provided the grand finale to a perfect evening.
Bangor, Maine was treated to an evening of raw energy, powerful vocals, and musical genius. Shinedown’s “Revolutions Live” tour is a testament to their longevity in the industry and their ability to continuously evolve and captivate audiences, both old and new. If this performance is anything to go by, this tour is set to be one for the books.
