Breaking Benjamin and Staind delivered an unforgettable night of music at the BankNH Pavilion as the summer concert season comes to a close.
The vibrant autumn leaves are beginning to transform in northern New Hampshire, signaling the end of another season at the BankNH Pavilion. With just two shows remaining in their summer series, the pavilion has celebrated an incredible lineup of performances, featuring over 50 acts from May to September. This summer offered a diverse musical journey, from country and rock to Kidz Bop and metal, showcasing something for everyone—and this show was no exception.
Breaking Benjamin and Staind have just begun their 2024 North American tour, which will include stops on both the East and West coasts. With Staind releasing new music and rumors that Breaking Benjamin will be following suit, fans were eager to take in the evening’s performances.
Opening the night was Lakeview, a dynamic duo from just outside New York City, consisting of Jesse Denaro and Luke Healy. Both artists have extensive experience touring with various metal bands before joining forces to create a unique sound fans have dubbed “country core.” Their music blends the style of modern country acts with undertones of rock and metal. Earlier this month, they released their self-titled debut album, Lakeview.
Lakeview was a perfect fit for the pavilion, where northern New Englanders’ love for both country and rock music comes together. A healthy crowd had already gathered in the pit and around the pavilion as Lakeview took the stage just after 5:30 PM. The moment the first note of “Hits Different” dropped, the pit lit up with Lakeview fans of all ages, singing every word.
The set featured a solid mix of hits from the singles they’ve released over the past few years, including “Loser,” “Money Where Your Mouth Is,” and “What I Know Now.” A standout moment of the evening was their cover of Hinder’s “Lips of an Angel,” where they encouraged the crowd to sing along if they knew the words. For many in the audience, it was a nostalgic throwback to the early 2000s, and fans enthusiastically joined in.
Another highlight came when the duo performed their hit single “Home Team.” Lakeview shared that the song is dedicated to blue-collar workers—the people who get up day after day, night after night, to make ends meet. Both Denaro and Healy come from that working-class background, grinding daily to make it in the world while pursuing their music careers. Northern New Hampshire, with its strong blue-collar community, instantly connected with the song, and when the chorus dropped, the fans erupted in cheers and sang along. It’s safe to say that Lakeview will be warmly welcomed back to the Lakes Region.
Next up was Daughtry. With a brand-new album on the horizon, fans are eagerly awaiting Shock to the System (Part One) which is set to drop at the end of the month. They had already gotten a sneak peek of what was to come, and the opener, “The Reckoning,” delivered the kind of energy fans had come to love from Daughtry. The music was full and cinematic, and that vibe carried through to tracks like “Artificial” and “Pieces.”Daughtry’s captivating stage presence has been a hallmark of his career, from his American Idol days to his current performances. He continues to resonate with fans through relatable lyrics and powerful vocals. So, it was no surprise when he took the stage packed with energy, ready to deliver a nine-song setlist filled with fan favorites and a few new tracks.
One standout moment came when he performed “The Dam,” a song fans hadn’t yet heard from the new album Shock to the System (Part One). Instead of asking the audience to put their phones away, Daughtry encouraged them to record the song and share it with friends and family, building excitement for the upcoming release. Another highlight of the night occurred when the rest of the band left the stage and Daughtry stepped forward with just his acoustic guitar, saying, “It’s just you and me now.” Bathed in two crossing lights, he performed an incredible rendition of Deftones’ “Change (In the House of Flies).” The melody and vocals were a perfect fit for his voice, creating a truly unforgettable moment.
In recent years, Daughtry has also collaborated on remarkable covers, most notably his version of Journey’s “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” with Lzzy Hale. The inspiration for this cover struck while Daughtry was watching the season finale of Stranger Things and realized the potential for a heavier rock interpretation. His vocals paired with Hale’s were a perfect match, resulting in a massive hit.
“Heavy Wears the Crown” from Dearly Beloved brought another poignant moment in the set. Daughtry shared that the song is about following your dreams and not letting others dictate your path. He reminded the audience that everyone faces negativity, but it’s crucial to stay true to yourself and do what’s right for you.
The entire set was filled with sing-alongs and engagement between Daughtry and the crowd. He set a welcoming tone for the evening, ensuring that this was a show everyone could connect with and enjoy together.
As the evening shadows deepened, Breaking Benjamin took the stage, continuing their strong legacy in the rock world. Since their emergence in the late ’90s and early 2000s with Saturate, the band has captivated audiences with hit songs like “Polyamorous,” “Skin,” and “Medicate,” which launched them into the spotlight. Currently, the band is celebrating the 20th anniversary of their sophomore album, We Are Not Alone, released in the summer of 2004 and featuring powerful tracks like “So Cold” and “Sooner or Later.”Kicking off their set, the band opened with “Dark,” as Shaun Foist’s silhouette loomed behind his elevated drum kit. The crowd’s excitement grew as Keith Wallen, Jasen Rauch, and Aaron Bruch joined, culminating in the entrance of frontman Benjamin Burnley. The band launched into “Failure” from Dark Before Dawn, instantly igniting the audience’s energy.
Breaking Benjamin’s familiarity with the Bank of NH Pavilion was clear, as Burnley took a moment to reflect on the band’s bond with their fans. “When we get together, we sing together,” he declared, and the crowd echoed his words throughout the night, especially during songs like “Red Cold River,” “Evil Angel,” and “Blow Me Away.”
One of the most memorable and humorous moments came after their performance of “I Will Not Bow.” Burnley, joking about his “old age,” mentioned that the deep, guttural screams were now giving him serious heartburn, quipping that they were turning into “Dad Rock.” In good spirits, he asked the crowd, “Does anyone have any Tums?” Fans, mostly of a similar age, responded by tossing Tums and Rolaids onstage. Burnley graciously accepted one, joking about a “Tum circle,” creating a light-hearted, intimate moment with the audience.
The night ended powerfully with “Diary of Jane” from Phobia. The crowd passionately sang along, their voices joining Burnley’s in a strong finale that solidified the band’s unbreakable connection with their fans. As Burnley wrapped up the night, he expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, “It’s been a fucking amazing night; see you next time.”
Staind closed the night with a powerful mix of old and new music. Since debuting with “Suffocate” in 1999, they’ve captivated nu-metal fans with their raw, gritty sound. Their breakout hit “Mudshovel” set the stage for their iconic second album, Break the Cycle, featuring favorites like “It’s Been Awhile” and “Outside.”While Staind’s sound has evolved—partly influenced by Aaron Lewis’s solo country career—they’ve retained the heavy emotional edge that fans adore. Their latest album, Confessions of the Fallen, released this month, strikes a balance between the aggression of their early days and more melodic, introspective elements, showcasing their growth while staying true to their roots.
The set kicked off with Van Halen’s “Unchained” over the PA, signaling the start. Aaron Lewis, in his signature ball cap and holding a cigarette, opened with “Lowest In Me” from Confessions of the Fallen, instantly captivating the audience. They followed with a blend of hits, including “Fade” from Break the Cycle and “Right Here” from Chapter V.
A highlight of the show was Lewis’s raw emotional performance, especially during “Something to Remind You,” a minimalist song featuring just guitar and vocals. He held notes that hushed the crowd, drawing everyone in. During “It’s Been Awhile,” Lewis urged the crowd to join him, and it was a powerful sight to see fans pouring their hearts into the lyrics that defined their youth and continue to resonate as they’ve grown into adulthood.
While Lewis may not move around the stage like many frontmen, the energy he generates is captivating. His long-held notes and vocal growls encourage the crowd to sing along, creating a memorable experience for every fan.
The evening concluded with “Mudshovel,” the song that put them on the map. A single spotlight illuminated Johnny April as he began the familiar bass intro. Lewis then invited the crowd to sing along, raising his arms in a “come on” gesture, ending the night on an energetic, unforgettable note. The entire evening was filled with talent and nostalgia, and the tour continues through the end of October.
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