Scott Stapp made a glorious return to the Machine Shop in Flint, just three months after his last sold out performance here.

Prior to doors opening, there was a crowd of 20+ fans waiting outside, the loyal fans of Scott Stapp showed up in droves. Juli Witt, of Stapp’s Street Team, greeted them and brought them in as the band prepared for the night’s concert. Here they were able to observe some behind the scenes stuff and watch the band as they performed their sound check. As the band played, Stapp would make comments referencing, “take this part out, add a bridge here, start the song at this point, repeat here.” It was very interesting to see how much Stapp puts into making up his set list.

Opening up the show was the Australian band Monks of Mellonwah. Formed in 2009, this alternative rock band pleasantly mixed the modern sounds of bands such as Elbow, Radiohead, Muse, and U2 with the classic sounds of Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. They are also known as The Monks or MOM.

Comprised of Vikram Kaushik (Vocals, Guitar), Joseph de la Hoyde (Lead Guitar), Joshua Baissari (Drums), and John de la Hoyde (Bass), this Sydney based band released a couple of EP’s prior to their recently released full-length, Turn The People, and are out on tour with Stapp in support of this album. These young musicians definitely impressed the crowd and had them moving along to the beat of their music. They were a good choice to warm the crowd up for Stapp.

Stapp took the stage and impressed me as much as he did a few months ago when I saw him; he is a great performer. He has all the charisma and swagger that made great singers such as Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley stars.

His show featured a nice mix of Creed hits interspersed with his new material. Every song off his recently released Proof of Life album are as impressive as the songs he recorded with Creed making this a night full of great tunes. Stapp put together a fantastic touring band that was able to bring these songs to life. His band included Chad Szeliga (Drums), Andy Wood (Lead Guitar), Travis Comer (Rhythm Guitar), and Andy Waldeck (Bass).

Stapp owned the stage from the moment he stepped on it. His band is equally dynamic and together these guys make a great union. Together, these guys have the same makings that made such bands as the Beatles, KISS, or Motley Crue great. There is this something that these bands had that made them great, and Stapp’s band also has it.

The only let down for the evening was when Stapp’s performance came to an end and it was time for us to leave. I will continue listening to Stapp’s Proof of Life album and patiently await his next return.

Set List: Slow Suicide, Who I Am, What If, My Own Prison, Surround Me, Faceless Man, New Day Coming, Arms Wide Open, Higher, Hit Me More, One Last Breath, Only One, Jesus Was A Rock Star, What Would Love Do, Amazing Grace (Guitar solo by Andy Wood), Crash, My Sacrifice, and Proof of Life.

Our photographer, Thom Seling, was on hand to catch both bands in action. Here are his images from that night.

Scott Stapp:

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Monks of Mellonwah:

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About The Author

Erik's interest in music began at an early age. In high school, he was the co-host of the underground metal show the Social Mutilation Hour, on 89.5 WAHS, under the name of Neurotik Erik. During this period of his life, he independently promoted shows under the name of Ding Dong Ditch Productions. Erik would rent out local VFW Halls, use space at Oakland Community College Auburn Hills Campus, or simply throw basement parties around the Detroit area. While at college at Ferris State University, he became head of the student run organization, Entertainment Unlimited, and continued to promote shows, but on a larger scale. He also helped start an underground magazine, 'Outpunk', where he interviewed bands and wrote music reviews. Additionally, Erik joined the staff at the Ferris State University Torch and wrote on a larger scale.