Review and Photos by Greg Hamil for MPM
On a warm September evening along the Mississippi River, the Back Waters Stage would prove to be an ideal venue. Nestled beside the Q Casino, it offered an intimate yet expansive setting. The open-air environment would allow the music to breathe, and the riverfront backdrop added a touch of serenity to what would become a high energy night.
Lacey Sturm would be the opener, while Bush would be headlining. Both performances would be different forms of alternative rock but would be a perfect mix that would be a tribute to the genre’s enduring power.
The gates opened promptly at 6:30 p.m. Fans of all ages made their way in; everyone trying to get up front, or at the very least getting a good spot to watch the show. Some wearing vintage Flyleaf tour shirts, while others in ‘90s Bush tour shirts. It was a clear night with the stars and moon shining brightly. The perfect setting for a night that would blend the haunting vulnerability of Sturm’svocals with the gritty power of Gavin Rossdale & company.
Lacey Sturm emerged promptly at 7:30 p.m. to a roar from the crowd that is usually reserved for a headliner. The former Flyleaf singer, now a solo artist, jumped immediately into her set with “State of Me”. The song immediately showcased her signature blend of ethereal melodies and visceral screams.
The setlist was a journey through her solo work and Flyleaf classics. From the haunting vulnerability of “Terrible Mistake” to the explosive energy of “I’m So Sick”, Sturm’s voice soared with fury and grace. Josh Sturm’s (Lacey’s husband’s) guitar riffs complimented Lacey’s vocals with heavy melodic riffs and emotional depth. Tom Gascon’s drums shaped the live energy of Sturm’s performance while Ben Hull rounded out the rhythm section adding texture and weight to the band’s sound.
The emotional crescendo came during “All Around Me” with the crowd singing every word in unison, some breaking down in tears. The surprise highlight of the night came when she performed a cover of Breaking Benjamin’s “So Cold”. Her reimagined version of the song gave it a haunting vulnerability that made it her own.
Between songs, Sturm spoke about her life’s journey through pain, faith, and healing. “Music saved my life and I hope tonight, it helps you too” she said to thunderous applause letting her know that the message had touched everyone in attendance.
Sturm’s 12 song set would have been a perfect performance all on it’s own. But as it turned out, it was the perfect prelude to what was yet to come!
Lacey Sturm Setlist: State of Me – I’m So Sick (Flyleaf) – Thief – Rot – Are You Listening – Terrible Mistake – Reconcile – So Cold (Breaking Benjamin cover) – Wonderful – Not Your Fight – Fully Alive (Flyleaf) – All Around Me (Flyleaf)
During the break I had a chance to walk around and take in the crowd. What stood out to me was the diversity. Parents brought their kids to see bands they grew up with. College students mingled with Gen Xers. But all were united by a love for music that speaks to our similarities, differences, and the messy beauty of being human.
By 9:00 p.m., the stage was reset, the lights lowered, and the opening riff of “Scars” signaled the arrival of Bush! Gavin Rossdale, now in his late 50s stormed the stage with the energy of a man half his age.
The evening progressed with a relentless sonic assault. “Machinehead” had everyone jumping with fists in the air. “Greedy Fly” and “Swallowed” took longtime fans back to the golden age of post-grunge. Rossdale’s voice was gravelly, unmistakable, and as powerful as ever. Chris Traynor’s guitarwork blended heavy riffs with melodic textures. Corey Britz’s bass added depth to Bush’s sound, but he also contributed with amazing backing vocals. Nik Hughes’ drums brought a dynamic and precise style to the band’s rhythm section.
The new material met with enthusiastic applause. “I Beat Loneliness” and “The Land of Milk and Honey” proved that Bush isn’t just in the game for nostalgia. They are evolving. The new songs were a bit darker in tone, reflecting the band’s maturity without losing their cutting edge.
Rossdale’s stage presence was as magnetic as ever. Dancing and jumping across the stage, leaping onto monitors, and even jumped into the crowd during “Everything Zen”. He high-fived fans and even sang with them in the pit. His connection with the audience was the kind that makes live music irreplaceable.
Before launching into “Glycerine”, Rossdale stood alone with his guitar. After a glitch and change of guitar, said “This one’s for anyone who’s ever loved and lost”. A quiet fell across the crowd as he performed the song. Everyone hanging on every work of the ballad that helped define a generation.
The show concluded with “Comedown”. A final assault on the crowd that left a fan saying “That encore was pure magic”.
The Bush and Lacey Sturm show in Dubuque wasn’t just a show; it was a celebration of resilience and connection. Sturm’s emotional depth and Bush’s legacy created a fantastic evening. For the fans, it was more than a concert. It was a journey through decades of music that still matters.
Bush Setlist: Scars – Machinehead – Bullet Holes – I Am Here to Save Your Life – Greedy Fly – Quicksand – The Land of Milk and Honey – I Beat Loneliness – Swallowed – 60 Ways To Forget People – Everything Zen – Heavy Is the Ocean – Flowers on a Grave – More Than Machines – Glycerine – Comedown
