Chris Daughtry now fronts the band DAUGHTRY, accompanied by Josh Steely on lead guitar, Brian Craddock on guitar, Jeremy Schaffer on drums, Marty O'Brien on bass and Elvio Fernandes on keyboard, backing vocals, and guitar. Currently touring in support of their upcoming seventh studio album, they kicked off their set with the powerful anthem "Changes Are Coming". This song showcases Chris's impressive vocal range and intensity, supported by the stellar musicianship of the band, all set against a backdrop of vibrant lights and strobes. Dressed in his iconic sleeveless shirt, Chris held the audience spellbound with his raw yet refined vocals. Following up with "World On Fire", a personal favorite of mine, they delved into a heavy and dark, apocalyptic theme that resonates especially during the challenging times of the not-so-distant pandemic. The rendition of JOURNEY's "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" was masterfully executed by Chris, even without Lzzy Hale's cameo from the album version.

As the set progressed, unexpected surprises emerged, such as the seamless blend of "Crashed" with LED ZEPPELIN's "Kashmir" and an acoustic rendition of DEFTONES' "Change (In the House of Flies)". The emotional centerpiece of the set was "Pieces", a poignant reflection on loss inspired by Chris's experiences with the passing of his mother and daughter. The addition of Chris's son, Noah, on keyboard for "Over You" was a heartwarming surprise.

Closing out the set with the powerful tracks "Heavy Is The Crown" and "Artificial", the band left a lasting impression on the audience. While some classic DAUGHTRY hits like "Home", "What About Now" and "September" were notably absent from the setlist, it only serves as further motivation to catch them live again. As they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder, and I'm sure the next DAUGHTRY concert will be just as unforgettable.

Setlist:

• "Changes Are Coming"
• "World on Fire"
• "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)"
• "Crashed"/"Kashmir"
• "Change (In the House of Flies)"
• "Pieces"
• "It's Not Over"
• "Over You"
• "Heavy Is the Crown"
• "Artificial"

When the lights dimmed, the venue was filled with booming music emanating from a massive array of speakers concealed behind a large white curtain at the front of the stage. As the curtain fell, the crowd erupted with excitement. The first three songs, "Failure", "Until the End", and "Red Cold River", were absolute face-melters, setting the tone for an electrifying performance. Despite the presence of a large video screen behind them, the stage remained predominantly dark, with intermittent flashes of red or orange light illuminating the band members. True to form, Burnley took the stage clad in his signature black leather jacket and low-fitting baseball cap, adding to the mystique as he almost entirely obscured his face.

The music that enveloped us was nothing short of pure, crisp, and emotionally charged. The absence of visual distractions only heightened the impact of the sound washing over us. For the next three songs, VIP fans were granted access to the pit area, providing them with a more intimate concert experience. Throughout the set, BREAKING BENJAMIN delivered hit after hit, captivating the audience with every perfectly executed note.

In the midst of their 18-song set, Burnley welcomed Chris Daughtry back to the stage for a stunning duet of "Breath". The harmonious blend of their distinct styles and vocal ranges was truly impressive, with their voices intertwining seamlessly. Following this standout moment, "Polyamorous", my second favorite song, took the spotlight, with the accompanying video quickly bringing listeners up to speed on its meaning.

As the set progressed, the band continued to deliver one hit after another, leaving the crowd hungry for more. They brought the night to a thrilling close with their iconic hit, "The Diary of Jane". Despite the impressive 85-minute performance, there was one thing missing for me - the song "Water". It's a hope I cling to, that perhaps with enough attendance at their shows, or maybe with a nudge from this review, the band might just grant my wish and add it to a future setlist. Here's to hoping!

Setlist:

• "Failure"
• "Until the End"
• "Red Cold River"
• "Evil Angel"
• "Blow Me Away"
• "Follow"
• "Angels Fall"
• "So Cold"
• "Dance With the Devil"
• "Crawl"
• "Breath"
• "Polyamorous"
• "Without You"
• "Dear Agony"
• "The Power of Love" (Huey Lewis)
• "I Will Not Bow"
• "Had Enough"
• "The Diary of Jane"

Check out some more photos from the show!
All Photos By Breezy Bird Photography