Earlier this month, Skillet set out on The Aftermath Tour with Adelita’s Way and Eva Under Fire. These support bands perfectly pair with Skillet and their music and what their music is about.
Eva Under Fire was first up. Unfortunately, their set was cut short due to technical problems, but they are fantastic and I highly recommend checking out their music here. Their music was phenomenal, and they were fun to watch with a glowing guitar, the bass player literally beating on his bass with a drum stick, and a head-to-toe “Eva Under Fire” suit!
Adelita’s Way was next, and as always, they knocked it out of the park, playing favorites like “Stay Ready,” “Notorious” “Ready for War” and their newest single and my personal anthem, “I Will Not Be Stopped.” The theme of their songs of never giving up and always fighting were the perfect preamble to Skillet’s songs of being victorious, fighting like a lion, and being legendary.
The Christian Rock band came on stage rocking hard to a full crowd of fans. Fans showed off signs displaying their love for the band, celebrating birthdays, and celebrating a first concert. Vocalist, John Cooper, acknowledged those fans from the stage, and even took video during one of the songs on a fan’s phone. (Queue Napoleon Dynamite: “Lucky!”)
Skillet’s set might be my favorite I’ve seen, with a wall of lights that change with every song, displaying pictures and lyrics. Jen Ledger, drummer and female vocalist for the band, had a risen platform for her drum set–as a photographer who struggles to shoot drummers tucked away in the shadows, I especially appreciate her spotlight. Flanking the drums, there were two risers that would elevate up and down to the ceiling and the guitarists and cellist would play above the crowd. John also had handheld cryo guns for the 3rd song.
Despite the flashy set, Skillet was one of the most humble bands. I witnessed each member have the biggest, most genuine smile while they’re doing what they love. For a band recently celebrating a 20 year anniversary for one of their earlier albums, I’m impressed they still have this passion after so long, and it’s infectious. I really appreciate the risks this band has taken as a Christian Rock band, not fitting into any box for either genre, and I think their success in the rock world comes from that humility and love for people they display, showing the love of Christ, but not being “preachy” about it.
The After Math Tour has dates running through late October. Head to any of the bands’ websites to see if they’re playing near you and get your tickets soon!
Setlist:
Feel Invincible
Not Gonna Die
Sick of It
Whispers in the Dark
Legendary
Lions
Surviving the Game
Awake and Alive
Back from the Dead
Hero
Anchor
Undefeated
Stars (Acoustic)
Comatose
Monster
Rebirthing
Resistance
