Staind & Breaking Benjamin @ Bridgestone 04.27.2025
Sunday April 27, Bridgestone arena hosted the Awaken The Fallen tour with Lakeside, Wage War, Breaking Benjamin, and Staind. The night took on four powerhouse performances one after the other delivering a unique blend of high energy and raw musical power that has the crowd on their feet from beginning to end.
Lakeview started the night off strong with a gritty blue-collar county sound mixed with screaming vocals. The duo, Jesse Denaro and Luke Healy, brought their presence with resonating lyrics and continuous energy. As the first opener, they didn’t just warm up the stage – they lit a fuse.
Wage War was the second opener, cranking up the intensity to 10. They started off their set in a flashing light fury. Followed by heavy riffs and fierce screams. Their performance was beautiful and ferocious all at once. It was a perfect balance of art and passion.
Now it’s time for Breaking Benjamin. The anticipation. The first up for the co-headlining tour. They instantly captivated the crowd with immersive and dynamic lighting and pounding drums that seemed to shake the floor. A red iris was projected behind the dual staircase as they performed Blow Me Away. Red and blue lights circulating. Guitar picks flew, heads banged, and the crowd sang along in perfect unison. Nash, the Predators’ mascot even got in on the action tossing out some shirts. They ended their set with the ever classic, Diary of Jane.
Staind was the closing band of the evening. They balanced their signature sound with heartfelt acoustic moments. Lead singer, Aaron Lewis, strolled out under a lone spotlight with his acoustic guitar, smoke encompassing his body, and sang Epiphany. Voice sounding just as beautiful as when it was released 24 years ago. The set moved like moonlight through fog – soft and ethereal. The rest of the night was fueled by amazing hair flips by guitarist, Mike Mushok, and audience members singing along.
It was a night that was hard-hitting and heartfelt. Each band brought their own style and together they crafted a night that no one will soon forget.
Photos by Jess Gruneisen