Back to Atlanta for Project 961

Sunday, October 3, 2010
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre – Alpharetta, Georgia
Project 961 Family Reunion Concert

Another outdoor concert in Atlanta. I feel like I was just here. At least this time I’m not melting from unbearable heat. Local station 96.1 put on a concert with a lineup strong enough to entice me into a quick weekend trip. Unlike last time I headed further into the “Dirty South,” this trip went smoothly. And a couple of unique concert experiences made it all the more worthwhile.


Opening the show to a smaller than expected crowd was local band Knee Deep. This group was decent, featuring both a male and female singer. It’s a good formula to follow considering the success of Skillet. I see a lot of potential in Kneedeep, but they have a lot of little quirks to overcome as they hone their craft. I hope they stick together and I have a chance to check them out again in the future.

Next up was a new group called Taddy Porter. Prior to this show I had only heard their first single “Shake Me.” To be honest, I thought it was ok, if not a tad catchy. But nothing that would make me run out and buy the CD. Its cases like this where I am not afraid to admit I was wrong. The boys from Stillwater, Oklahoma put on a hell of a show. The music was spot on, modern rock with a southern blues edge. The band showcased a variety of song styles, a unique look and an entertaining performance. Plus, its fun to listen to other fans around you trying to figure out if that really is Shaun White onstage (bass guitarist Kevin Jones looks like his twin and does the “Flying Tomato” nickname proud!)

And to answer your unspoken question… yes, I did run out and buy their self titled debut album right after the show.

After the stage was cleared from Taddy Porter, the hometown boys of Sevendust took the stage. Probably the main reason I made the trip in the first place, this band has become one of my all-time favorites through the years. This was the second time I’ve seen them this year and, as usual, they did not disappoint. The side stages were filled with family members young and old (trust me, it gives you a whole new perspective to see a frail looking elderly woman singing “Enemy” with all her might.)

Come to find out that the overwhelming presence of people wasn’t just because of the band’s hometown ties. Turns out it was was lead singer Lajon Witherspoon’s birthday. He informed the crowd of this with teary eyes and went on to explain it was his first time to ever play his hometown on his birthday. Lajon continued to be emotionally overwhelmed when he was joined onstage by his family and was presented with a birthday cake by the guys from Shinedown, all while the crowd joined in to sing him “Happy Birthday.”

Following Sevendust were Wales’ hard rockers, Bullet for My Valentine. We saw these guys for the first time earlier in the year at Rock on the Range. They have a huge following in the U.S. and know how to work a crowd. Unfortunately the guys were working at a disadvantage at this show. First, there were a ton of sound issues that didn’t really get resolved until a few songs in. This may have been caused by the second problem, bad logistical planning. The band played a show the night before in Albany, New York. That’s a pretty long haul from Atlanta, especially since they had to be back in Rhode Island the next night. So if their primary equipment couldn’t be brought in, it’s very likely they were playing off of backup instruments and gear. Regardless, I’m always excited to see Bullet for My Valentine.

Next to the stage were Buckcherry. Hailing from Los Angeles and led by tattoo-encrusted front man Josh Todd, these guys do justice to the live show. I’ve seen them several times before, but never from up front. It was obvious that the band feeds off the crowd’s energy, especially Todd who doesn’t seem to be capable of holding still even if his life depended on it. Of all the bands so far, the crowd was by far the most active for Buckcherry, singing along to old songs and new releases alike. Once could argue that this was due to the large number of hits they’ve had over the years. But a part of me wonders how much of it has to do with the content of their lyrics – a stereotypical blend of sex, drugs and rock and roll. Then again, does it really matter?

And then there was one. It was finally time for the headliners, Shinedown, to perform. I wondered how much I would enjoy this performance? After all, I had recently witnessed the Carnival of Madness tour (albeit from the back of the stadium) complete with elaborate stage setup and a raging light show. Would I be able to enjoy them without the pomp and circumstance?

The answer was… of course! Shinedown’s lead singer Brent Smith is a force to be reckoned with and something that must be experienced up close at least once in a fan’s life. In my opinion, he is one of the best front men around right now, a balanced blend of singer, storyteller and actor. You’d get your money’s worth out of him alone. Luckily, he’s supported by the other members of the group who are equally worth the price of admission. Lead guitarist Zach Myers (originally from my hometown of Memphis) provides quite the show himself. In fact, he and Smith seem to feed off each other while on stage.

The highlight of the show was definitely the acoustic encore set, which Smith explained was a precursor to their upcoming winter tour. The band will be playing all acoustic performances in smaller club settings. The shows will be somewhat of a “Storytellers” style, where fans can ask questions about the band and their favorite songs. Unfortunately, this tour won't be making a stop close to me. Which leaves the question... Who will I be seeing next?