Uproar Festival

Uproar Festival at FMB Amphitheatre

Uproar has always been one of the last of the Summer/Fall festivals that fans flock out to; showcasing some of the biggest names in Rock music year after year, this year was no exception. Featuring two side stages and one main stage, fans for sure got their monies worth.

P.O.D. headlined one of the side stages and made sure you felt like you were watching a main stage band with the amount of energy being set off. At one point, singer, Sonny Sandoval walked on the hands of the fans as he sang, pumping everyone up. For sure a don’t-miss-band when you go.

On the other stage, Fozzy headlined but for most fans and I, In This Moment stole the show on this stage; not to take away the great set Fozzy put on with lead singer and former WWF wrestler, Chris Jericho, who has a great stage presence. Their new album, Blood is topping the charts and incorporates a new sound along with singer, Maria Brink’s intense screams and clean vocals. With a short set, the band did everything they could to give it all to their fans - from their elaborate microphone stand that had long sheets of white linen that was draped across the stage, to the makeup being worn by each member. Brink stands out with her beauty and vocals - she becomes a center point and when she went to the soundboard and told the crowd she wanted a circle pit, they obeyed her commands. Playing just a few dates on Uproar, it’s a shame that only a few cites will catch ITM, so be sure you check them out on tour.

As fans made their way to the Main stage, many where surprised to hear Papa Roach will not be playing tonight and the word spread like wildfire as to the reason why? The rumors the next day were confirmed that singer, Jacoby Shaddix would be having vocal surgery. This is the same surgery that singer, Adele had and will require no talking for a few months. Hope to see Papa Roach back on tour in early 2013.

Time slots were moved up to account for this cancelation, but going forward Staind, Godsmack, and Shinedown will all be playing longer sets.

Adelitas Way opened the main stage and since coming on to the Rock scene, have made a huge splash; they just hit # 1 on the Active Rock charts with Criticize. Being an opening band came to be rough on a tour like this, but the guys did not let up with the energy. The crowd got into it right away and singer Rick Dejesus pours everything he has when he is on stage, along with the rest of the band. They ended the set with two of their biggest songs, Sick and Invincible.

The band, Staind followed and put on a killer set. Singer, Aaron Lewis has bounced back and forth with Staind, as well as his solo project but sounded solid and refreshed. Opening with Eyes Wide Open, you could feel the intensity in the lyrics; this was followed by Right Here, Now and For you. Guitarist, Mike Mushok has one of the most intense playing styles and never misses a riff. Every song has deep lyrical content and somehow touches everyone in the crowd. The night ended with Lewis & Mushok playing, Something to Remind You; Lewis’ voice sounded so amazing on this as it ripped in.

Up next was Godsmack. Now, last time I saw them in July I was disappointed with their set and from all the shows with Godsmack, I never once saw a bad show so I was surprised. Heading into tonight, I was curious what the night will behold. Right off the bat they opened with The Enemy and they sounded like the Godsmack I know and love. They continued with Keep Away and Cryin’ Like a Bitch. Sully Erna was on point and throughout the night, he seemed to be enjoying the crowd’s reaction. At one point, he even told the Chicago crowd they kicked ass and would tell the next city how Chicago ruled.

I was glad to see the drum duel was back in the set and it’s mind blowing to see Erna and Shannon Larkin playing off each other. I have to say, the Chicago crowd was worked up and returning the energy as they ended the set with Whatever and I Stand Alone. Welcome back Godsmack!

Shinedown ended the night with a great performance, opening with Sound of Madness. Brent Smith looked to be in top form and in the best condition of his life. This tour was a chance for Shinedown to shine, excuse the pun, after opening in the past for Godsmack and Staind - it was now time for Shinedown to headline. Guitarist, Zach Myers was suffering from a pinched nerve in the neck but you could never tell with him still running all over the place. Berry Kerch and Eric Bass kept perfect rhythm with drum and bass as they tore into Enemies. This was the first time I have seen Shinedown use pyro on stage, along with great lighting, gave the songs even more power to them.

Maria Brink came out to sing with Smith on Devour and blew everyone away - between Smith’s clear vocals and Brink’s growls and screams, it made the song that much better. They slowed it down with, I’ll Follow You, Unity, and .45. Myers and Smith walked out to the soundboard to sing Simple Man; everyone sang along and allowed for them to connect with the crowd. They ended the night with an encore of Second Chance and Fly From Inside, leaving the crowd wanting more and with the upcoming dates that run till the end of September, fans will be able to get two or three more songs.

Please be sure to check out the dates for upcoming dates at http://www.rockstaruproar.com

Camera used for tonight Canon EOS 7D

Lens Used tonight Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II

Both can be rented by clicking here www.cameralensrentals.com?adid=pl

Review and Photos by Peter Lizano