Texan Mosaic

by: PAMELA GANDY/Entertainment Editor

Rock bands Breaking Benjamin and Shinedown performed an incredibly energetic and striking show.

The two bands performed a memorable and intense concert on Oct. 19 at the Lonestar Amphitheater and Event Center in Lubbock.

The show began at 7 p.m. with the opening band, Nothing More. However, people began lining up outside the gates as early as 3 p.m. in order to get a spot near the stage. As soon as the gates were opened, people began running toward the stage in order to beat the rest of the crowd.

The show began with a one-of-a-kind performance by Nothing More. The San Antonio natives jumped across the stage as they played. They sang songs from their latest album, including “Jenny” and “Mr. MTV.” They also performed a new song from their upcoming record, “Here’s to the Heartache.”

After their performance, Breaking Benjamin took the stage. By this time, it was dark outside, and the stage was illuminated by multicolored lights. Breaking Benjamin gave an outstanding performance. They were extremely energetic and made a point to include the crowd in their act.

They opened with one of their best known songs, “Failure.” They also sang “Crawl,” “So Cold,” and “Shallow Bay.” One of the standout moments of the show was when they sang a cover of one of Nirvana’s most successful songs, “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” which received heavy applause from the audience.

Breaking Benjamin also thanked military servicemen and women for fighting for American Freedom. They dedicated their performance of “Unknown Soldier” to those who serve in the Armed Forces.

The band was extremely interactive with the audience. During their performance, they asked for all the lights on the stage to be turned off. Then they asked the audience members to turn on their cell phone lights to illuminate the venue. Lead singer Benjamin Burnley thanked the crowd for their participation, and related the lighting of the stage to the audience’s support of the band, saying that the only reason that the band was able to perform was because the fans continued to listen to their music and root for the band’s success. They ended their set with “Diary of Jane.”

After Breaking Benjamin’s performance, Shinedown came onto the stage for their set.

Shinedown began with “Cut the Cord.” In addition to their high level of energy, the stage was equipped with pyrotechnics, which increased the intensity of the song.

The band from Jacksonville, Fla., maintained their energy and emotion throughout the show. They performed many songs, such as “If You Only Knew,” “The Crow and the Butterfly,” “Diamond Eyes,” and “State of My Head.”

Shinedown also made a point to include the crowd in their performance. After hearing an audience member yell out a request, they played an acoustic version of their song “45.” They also thanked the audience repeatedly for coming to the show and showing support for the band.

Shinedown was exceptionally energetic. Lead singer Brent Smith and guitarist Zach Meyers moved back and forth across the stage to see all of the audience members. Their passion and talent were highlighted during the performance.  They were extremely active, and their performance was very powerful.

The crowd was very engaged with the performances. People were pushing their way toward the stage and jumping up and down with the music. Throughout the night, there were many mosh pits and dozens of stage divers. The crowd sang along to the songs with the bands and cheered loudly.

The performance was one that I will not forget. The talent, energy and power of the performers was incredible. I give Breaking Benjamin and Shinedown’s performance five out of five stars.