Review & Photography by Nathan Vestal for MPM
Last night, the Eagles Ballroom in Milwaukee was transformed into an intimate haven for alternative rock fans as Cory Marks, 10 Years and Theory of a Deadman took the stage for rare, stripped-down acoustic performances.
Known for their high-energy shows and the intensity of their sounds, the bands showed a different side, offering a raw, vulnerable, and captivating experience that resonated deeply with the crowd.
Cory Marks
Cory Marks brought a refreshing edge to Milwaukee’s Eagles Ballroom last night, giving his country-rock sound an acoustic feel. Known for his high-energy anthems blending outlaw country with gritty rock, Cory took the stage solo, with just his guitar and a spotlight, making this show a deep experience that showed off the raw talent behind his electric persona.
Even without the full band behind him, the song’s rock-n-roll grit came through, carried by his powerful vocals and strong, rhythmic strumming. As he moved through his set, including songs like “Blame It on the Double” and “Drive,” Cory shared personal stories about life on the road and his passion for the music that connects him to his fans, creating a genuine rapport with the audience.
The Eagles Ballroom, with its old-school charm and high ceilings, gave an auditory richness to Cory’s performance. Every note echoed beautifully, lending an almost haunting quality to his songs where Cory’s vocals conveyed a depth and emotion that reverberated throughout the historic venue. The lighting was kept simple but effective, emphasizing the nature of the set and letting the music speak for itself.
To close the set, Cory turned up the intensity once more, drawing cheers and applause from the audience who couldn’t get enough. He left the stage with a promise to return with the full band, but this acoustic set will undoubtedly stand out for Milwaukee fans as a rare, personal encounter with the essence of Cory Marks’ music.
10 Years
The ballroom’s ambiance was perfect for the occasion. With dim lighting casting a warm glow and a simple setup on stage, the focus was entirely on the music. Fans gathered close, many of them lifelong supporters of the band, excited to experience this reimagined acoustic sound. Lead singer Jesse Hasek’s voice was front and center, his powerful yet tender vocals beautifully amplified by the setting.
Backed by subtle percussion and melodic acoustic guitar, each song felt almost like a whispered confession, pulling the audience into the emotion of every lyric.
Opening with “Waking Up,” the acoustic arrangement added a haunting quality to the track, creating a fresh take on a fan favorite.
Throughout the set, 10 Years sprinkled in stories behind their songs, bringing a personal touch and connecting with the crowd. Songs like “Fix Me” and “Novacaine” were transformed, stripped of distortion and heavy beats but still resonating with intensity.
Perhaps the highlight of the evening came with “Heart Shaped Box,” a song that seemed to flourish in its acoustic reimagining. Jesse’s voice echoed through the ballroom, filled with raw emotion that brought a few fans to their feet. The intimacy of the set allowed for special moments between the band and the crowd, as Jesse encouraged singalongs and spoke candidly about the band’s journey and gratitude for their fans.
The acoustic show at Eagles Ballroom was a testament to 10 Years’ versatility and the emotional weight of their music. By the end of the night, they had created a truly memorable experience, one that left fans in awe and reaffirmed the band’s dedication to their craft
Theory of a Deadman
When Theory of a Deadman announced an acoustic tour stop at Milwaukee’s historic Eagles Ballroom, fans of the band—and rock fans in general—knew they were in for a unique, unplugged experience. Known for their high-energy rock anthems and catchy hooks, the band gave Milwaukee something special by turning down the amps and bringing a rare intimacy to their performance.
The night kicked off with a fun, Halloween-themed basement setup on stage: spiderwebs, dusty couches, stools, old TVs, acoustic guitars and even a Polaroid camera. The vibe was reminiscent of mom’s basement, with the ballroom’s renowned architecture enhancing the acoustics. Fans settled in, eager to hear their favorite hits reimagined. The anticipation was electric yet comfortable, with the room filled with conversations about past Theory shows, and what this acoustic twist might bring.
From the first strum, Theory of a Deadman captured the audience’s attention. Tyler Connolly’s voice took on a new texture without the layers of distortion, showcasing a raw, almost vulnerable side rarely seen in the band’s standard shows. Hits like “Rx (Medicate)” and “Bitch Came Back” had a refreshing charm, with Connolly’s storytelling lyrics feeling even more personal as they echoed through the venue. The unplugged arrangements allowed the crowd to hear the subtleties in each song, bringing the lyrics to the forefront and giving fans a new appreciation for the band’s songwriting depth.
Between songs, Connolly and the band bantered with the audience, mixing in little ditties of rock classics, such as a Journey medley or a rendition of “Paradise City’. It felt as though they were playing to a group of friends rather than a packed ballroom.
The band played fan favorites but also snuck in some deeper cuts and covers like “Just the Two of Us”, each song carefully chosen to resonate with the acoustic format.
One standout moment was when Connolly talked about portions of ticket sales going to the Gary Sinese Foundation and invited a veteran from the crowd onstage for a soulful rendition of “Wait for Me,” where Connolly’s voice paired beautifully with the acoustic guitar, leaving the crowd silently in awe.
The setlist was balanced and paced well, with enough upbeat numbers to maintain energy with the audience and a few slower, more emotional tunes that showcased a different side of the band. The unplugged versions allowed each band member’s musicianship to shine, particularly in moments when the harmonies layered over the acoustic strumming filling the room.
Theory of a Deadman’s acoustic show at the Eagles Ballroom was more than a concert; it was a connection between the band and their fans in a way that only an acoustic set could deliver. By the time the encore rolled around, the crowd was on their feet, applauding not just the performance but the unique experience they’d shared.
For Milwaukee fans, this was a rare chance to see Theory of a Deadman unplugged, and it’s a night that will linger in their memories long after the last chord faded away.
