February 26, 12 Stones made a stop in Virginia Beach for their Acoustic Tour. Joining them on tour was Davy Williamson and on this show, Virginia Beach favorite, Hostile Within.
The midweek show offered a very intimate setting for fans to connect with the post grunge band. The night was such a good reminder of how important live music is and how musician support is needed, and showcased how people connect through music.
Hostile Within, normally a heavy rock band, set up with just 3 of their members, trading their full drum set for a cajon box, their softened acoustic set was a great set to enjoy right after work and ease into the night. They played songs off their upcoming album. Their newest single releases March 13, look out for Dead Man’s Chest. They ended their set with a beautiful cover of “When I’m Gone” to honor the late great Brad Arnold from 3 Doors Down. This offered a moment of connection with everyone in the room.
Coming out of Willmington, NC, Davy Williamson was next in the set. The duo played a variety of energetic and slower songs acoustically, and told stories in between. Everyone was singing when they were closing their set with Blue October’s “Hate Me” cover. Immediately after their set, the crowd was around them talking to them and connecting, and jamming right with the band members at the barricade when 12 Stones came on stage.
Only 2 members of the 5 man group are touring for the 12 Stones acoustic tour. It was mesmerizing to hear normally heavy songs played on 1 (or 2, depending on the song) guitars. The slowed down pace and simple melodies translated the weight of the lyrics, with special mention of “Lerlene,” written for vocalist Paul’s grandmother at her passing: “Yesterday we watched the colours fade, as shadows danced across your fragile face. And on the inside we’re dying just to let you know we’re there, and that we care. So close your eyes and drift beyond the stars and light our way, we’ll be okay”
The minimal set allowed for more audience interaction and story-telling than a regular tour would allow. Paul shared a lot about the early days of 12 Stones, and battling addiction and the songs that came out of that.
Between all the bands sharing that night, the strongest message received was how important live music is, and how important it is to support musicians. Most musicians are fitting in these tours alongside their full time jobs, so any early ticket sales or merch sales support the art and allow those musicians to tour and perform fans’ favorite music.
Their acoustic set is winding down, but follow them on their socials for upcoming shows.
12 Stones setlist:
That Changes Everything
Photograph
Crash
Anywhere But Here
Anthem for the Underdog
Nothing to Say
The Way I Feel
Lerlene
World So Cold
Running Out Of Pain
Bitter
Waiting For Yesterday
Save Yourself
Let Go
Bury Me
Stay
Lie To Me
Broken
