Photos & Review by Greg Hamil for MPM
Static X & Sevendust brought the third leg of their co-headlining tour to the Five Flags Center in Dubuque, IA. Fans were lined up early on a gorgeous night in anticipation of a hard rockin’ evening. The show was announced quite a while ago, so everyone wanted a spot up front to catch the full force of all the bands scheduled to perform. In support for this show was Lines of Loyalty and mid-west favorites Dope.
Despite being the first to perform and having a short set, Lines of Loyalty wasted no time diving into their energetic brand of rock. For only being a three-man band, their musicianship and energy were evident from the start. The set was impactful and at times, inspiring. During a short break in the set, vocalist and guitarist Nubz Morrison announced that he had not done a hard drug in over 10 years which brought a roar from the crowd.
Making good use of their time on stage, Lines of Loyalty showcased their musical prowess with impressive vocals and guitarwork from Nubz. The driving rhythm section of Redo Ianni on bass and Shane Madsen on drums anchored the set.
The band fed off the energy of the early arrivers who were singing along with enthusiasm. They delivered a performance that felt both intimate and electrifying.
Lines of Loyalty used their time wisely. They proved themselves to be talented and exciting band well deserving of being seen on a bigger stage with a longer set.
Lines of Loyalty setlist: Hurts to be Human – Blackout – My Addiction – With or Without You – Winless War – Because of You – I’m Not the One
Dope, a mid-west favorite, brought their signature sound to the stage next. Launching into the set with “Blood Money”, they immediately established a connection with the crowd. Edsel Dope commanded the stage with iconic presence, belting out powerful vocals with a little rap mixed in.
Edsel’s interaction with the crowd was the highlight of the set acknowledging longtime fans and welcoming the new ones, creating a sense of camaraderie. The band delivered a mix of fan favorites and newer tracks including “Die MF Die”, “Sick”, and their unique cover of “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)”.
Dope wasn’t given a long set, but with the time that they had, they delivered a high-octane experience. Each song kept the energy levels high throughout the performance. Their performance at the Five Flags Center proved that after decades in the music scene, they can still energize a crowd and leave a lasting impression.
Dope Setlist: Blood Money – Bring It On – Bitch – Debonaire – Die MF Die – Sick – Die, Boom, Bang, Burn, Fuck – You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)
Sevendust launched into their set with “I Might Let the Devil Win” sending the crowd into an immediate frenzy. Lajon Witherspoon’s charisma commanded the stage with his powerful vocals, effortlessly transitioning between aggressive growls and soulful melodies.
The rest of the band were equal to the task with Clint Lowery and John Connolly’s intricate guitar lines. Morgan Rose and Vinnie Hornsby rounded things out with thunderous drumming and pounding bass lines.
Not leaving anyone out, Sevendust pounded out a mix of new tracks, while keeping the long-time fans happy with the classics. “Truth Killer” and “Till Death” showcased the bands evolution, while classics like “Enemy”, “Denial”, and “Face to Face” satisfied the veteran fans in the crowd who responded with mosh pits and singalongs.
The Five Flags Center was the perfect arena for this high-octane performance. Witherspoon’s vocal performance and stage presence and the band’s tight musicianship combined with a sold setlist kept the crowd engaged the entire night.
Sevendust were masters of musicianship and crowd engagement. They delivered a great set that showcased the best of their musical prowess. They delivered an unforgettable performance at the Five Flags Center proving that they remain a force in the rock genre.
Sevendust Setlist: I Might Let the Devil Win – Truth Killer – Alpha – Till Death – Pieces – Hero – Denial – Black – Enemy – Splinter – Everything – Bitch – Face to Face
As the lights dimmed one last time, “Time Warp” blasted through the speakers. The crowd pulsated with industrial energy as Static-X stormed the stage. While the tragic absence of frontman Wayne Static loomed large, the original members – Tony Campos, Ken Jay, and Koichi Fukada – along with new vocalist Xer0, delivered a powerful and emotional tribute to the band’s legacy.
Xer0, adorned with a sleek, glowing mask echoing Wayne Static’s signature style, commanded the stage with confident vocals. His performance wasn’t an imitation; he brought his own unique growl and stage presence to the music, honoring the past while forging his own path.
The setlist was a potent mix of fan favorites and newer tracks from their 2020 album, “Project: Regeneration Vol. 1.” Songs like “Hollow” and “Terminator Oscillator” ignited the mosh pit, while deeper cuts like “Love Dump” and “Sweat of the Bud” unleashed waves of nostalgia.
The stage production was very theatrical. Video boards lined the sides and back of the stage, showing clips worth of the bands style. Smoke bubbles floated around the stage for the bulk of the set, while a cast of assorted, oversized characters appeared throughout the nigh.
A particularly touching moment arrived with “Cold,” a song dedicated to Wayne Static. The entire venue fell silent as the band poured their hearts into the performance, a testament to the enduring bond between the musicians and their fans.
Static-X’s Dubuque show wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of a band’s legacy and a testament to the power of music to transcend loss. The evening left fans headbanging and emotional, eager to see what the future holds for this revitalized industrial force.
Static X Setlist: Hollow – Terminator Oscillator – Love Dump – Sweat of the Bud – Wisconsin Death Trip – Fix – Bled for Days – Black and White – Z0mbie – Get to the Gone – I Am – Cold – I’m With Stupid – Push It
As the crowd filed out into the warm spring night, everyone looked drained but satisfied. Whether there to see just one band or all, no one left disappointed. It was a great night that one could only hope comes around again very soon!
