On October 23rd Papa Roach came to the New Jersey staple, Starland Ballroom, on there self titled Papa Roach The Connection Tour . They brought along with them supporting acts Pop Evil, and opening act Age of Days whose last day on the tour was Starland. The cold rainy weather didn’t stop the line from wrapping around the building of eager fans awaiting the show. The crowd, ranging from young teens all the way through people in there 40’s and up, really showcases Papa Roach’s drawing and just how long this band has been rocking the stage. Doors opened promptly at 7:00pm and the crowd rushed in…
Warming up the house first Age of Days, joining the other two American rock bands, these Canadians fit right in showing quickly through their set that they can rock with the best of them. Forming after being in various cover bands, the guys in Age of Days started in 2005 and have since signed to Cordova Bay Records. They have released three studio albums to date, the newest being Radioactivity featuring the hit singles “Bombs Away” and “Broken”. Both songs made there way onto there set list as well as some older songs stretching across all three records. The crowd was definitely into the Canadian side of rock as they head-banged and sang along. Age of Days definitely left the stage and this tour with a bang and kick started the crowds energy, now anxiously awaiting the stages next act.
The screen raised, and the banner dropped behind the drum kit, displaying in big bold fashion, Pop Evil. Forming in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2001 this band has followed a distinctive pattern of releasing a new full length record every 2-3 years in their career. Onyx, the bands most recent album earned them a Song of the Year Award at the RadioContraband Rock Radio Awards for there single “Trenches’ earlier this year. Lead vocalist Leigh Kakaty wasted no time interacting with the crowd as half way through the set he walked across the audience while performing, after which making his way to the back of the packed Starland Ballroom standing on one of the bars and performing a cover of “Eye of the Tiger” by 80’s arena rock band Survivor.
Finally the main act the Vacaville, California rock sensation Papa Roach came out on stage with guns blazing performing “Burn”. The audience instantly not only coming to life but kicking it up a couple notches from the previous bands. The fact that this band has been tearing it up since 1993 is apparent in their on stage presence, never skipping a beat and always being high energy. Each of there sixteen songs during their set had more and more singing from the audience as they played hits from all seven successful albums in this bands career. Watching this band live, it is to no wonder why they have been nominated for two Grammy’s and an MTV Music Award. Ending their set with the fitting song, and single that got them the MTV nomination, “Last Resort” it’s safe to assume that everyone in the audience that night left with a smile on there face.
Written By Jesse K. Murch
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