Evanescence delivered a stunning performance to kick off their Fall North American Tour, with help from opening act Veridia.

The first night of a new tour is always full of surprises. The band is expected to make a few mistakes while working out any kinks during the concert. That’s in addition to the inevitable hitches that happen during a live show.

Tonight’s show was mistake free, even though, with a new setlist, previously unplayed songs, and opening night jitters, there were plenty of opportunities. It went smoothly, so much so one would think it was the end of the tour instead of the beginning.

The opening act was Veridia, an alternative-rock band out of Nashville. Vocalist Deena Jakoub displayed great passion with a playlist that fit her voice perfectly. The band was tight and played flawlessly throughout their set taking full advantage of the opportunity to open for a famous band by making new fans with their performance. It will be interesting to see how they grow in stature.

The wildly eclectic audience who packed the South Side Ballroom to see Evanescence were rewarded with a marvelous night of music. With no introduction, and the band already onstage, Amy Lee came running out in the darkness. She instantly captured everyone’s attention with her booming voice on “Everybody’s Fool.”

In her standard Goth dress of a black top and a white skirt, Amy moved gracefully across the stage. The next two songs were full of emotion before the pounding drum beat preceded “The Other Side.” The had rock ballad captivated the crowd with soulful lyrics and hard rock beat.

Ms. Lee played the piano beautifully and her powerful voice filled the venue. While singing “My Heart Is Broken,” she moved to center stage and danced like a rock star. Her theatrical moves during the band solos were as fun to watch as the songs were to hear.

Amy put all of her emotion into every song and the crowd responded accordingly. She sang a few deep cuts that hadn’t been played live since 2004, but they sounded fresh and new.

The audience jumped and the cameras began filming at the first notes of “My Immortal.” It started as a piano solo with expressive words and melody before the rest of the band joined in at the midpoint of the hit song. The crowd continued to roar for the theatrical “Your Star.”

The two-time Grammy-winning group switched back to hard rock and Amy unleashed her vocal range on “Whisper.” The decibel level kept rising for the popular “Call Me When You’re Sober.” The energy level in the venue grew with every word she sang.

The audience then watched in amazement as Amy put every ounce of her soul into “Imaginary.” She moved with the grace of a ballerina for their biggest hit, “Bring Me To Life.” The combination of vocals, music, and theatrics turned it into an unbelievable set-ending song.

The band came back out quickly for their encore of “Dirty Diana.” The words built upon previous words in true storyteller fashion and became an almost defiant anthem. The band jammed while Amy moved like a rock goddess to end the show. The love shown by the audience was uplifting.

Veridia is a band to watch in the future. They have a new EP, Pretty Lies, that is getting a lot of airplay.

Evanescence became world-famous a few years ago, took a hiatus, and is back producing wonderful music again. Amy Lee has one of the most beautiful, and powerful, voices in rock and uses it to command the audience.

It’s no wonder they’ve sold over 25 million albums, with more to be sold with the release of their Ultimate Collection Box Set. The lyrics are meaningful, the music is tight, and the vocals are engaging. As the principal member of the band with heavy turnover, they will stay on top and be musical mainstays as long as Amy Lee wants them to be.

They are on their Fall North American Tour through Thanksgiving, with more dates to be announced soon. Make it a point to see them when they come to a venue near you.

Thanks to South Side Ballroom for their help and hospitality.

Joe Guzman was on hand to record the event for National Rock Review.

Default Gallery Type Template

This is the default gallery type template, located in:
/home/nrrmedia/public_html/sites/nrr-wp/wp-content/plugins/nextgen-gallery/products/photocrati_nextgen/modules/nextgen_gallery_display/templates/index.php.

If you're seeing this, it's because the gallery type you selected has not provided a template of it's own.

Veridia
Website | Facebook | Twitter

South Side Ballroom
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Event Date: 28-Oct-2016