Last week, I had the privilege of getting to see the Dark Horse tour in Omaha. The headlining band was Nickelback but they weren’t the only group making an appearance. Alongside them were Shinedown, Breaking Benjamin, and Sick Puppies.

Sick Puppies kicked off the night and, from the first note, they kicked ass. Their teenage dressy-emo-goth-trendy look fit right into their sound as the emerging face of new-age alternative rock. I know that rock traditionalists are going to argue that this band really doesn’t qualify to be in the category but I’ve got to insist. This Australian trio has been touring over the last few years constantly to sold-out rock shows. They’ve accompanied some of the biggest names in the music business on tour. In addition, their sound literally rocks the house. I found myself listening to the melodic voice of Shimon Moore and mesmorized by the tiny (yet talented) bassist, Emma Anzai. Combined with the amazing drumming of Mark Goodwin and you have a band worth hearing (and seeing).

Shinedown’s portion of the concert was disappointing; I found myself realizing that they are a radio band. During the entire performance, there was no balance. It was just loud. The singer and front man, Brent Smith, doesn’t have a stage presence. Towards the end of the set, they did pay homage to Slipknot’s loss of Paul Gray. But I was appalled when Smith announced to the audience that the death had “speculations” and those aside, the widow is pregnant. To me, those statements should have gone unsaid and been left private. They then launched into a rendition of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man”, which seems an odd choice, but the audience joined in. It truly saved Shinedown’s show and the vibe was much more energized after that.

When Breaking Benjamin took the stage, I was expecting some big production. Sick Puppies and Shinedown both had graphics in the background for their performances. However, Breaking Benjamin took a different tone. With each song, the accompanying video played on the screen behind them. There weren’t any fancy lights or effects, just the spots on each member. It was simply four guys in jeans and t-shirts pouring their souls into the music. For the first minute or so, I could hear the adjustments being made to lower the volume and increase the quality of the sound. It made all the difference for those listening. Breaking Benjamin put on a bare bones concert but there was an intensity that those preceding them had lacked. Admittedly, I was the only person who screamed when they announced “Polyamorous” as the next song (it echoed, so I know). It was truly an amazing but simple performance. Ben Burnley showed that they haven’t lost their appreciation for the fans by repeatedly thanking the audience and the other bands. Talented and humble, what a combination in a rock band!

As it came time for Nickelback to take the stage, the crowd was buzzing in anticipation. The lights went out and the arena got quiet; which made the opening that much more of a shock- simulated gunfire. There wasn’t time to recover before blasts of pyrotechnics shot fire from the base of the stage to the ceiling. Even in the very back row of the balcony, I was able to feel the immense heat. The lights that followed constantly changed color and the graphics were moving all over the screen. It made it hard to focus. When the band took the stage, none of it stopped either. I got another shock when they began to play. The volume was so loud that I couldn’t understand anything. Let me be clear, I was sitting in the nose bleed section and it hurt my ears. I was unable to discern any of the melodies or harmonies. I couldn’t differentiate between the guitar and the bass. I’m sure there was a drum but I honestly can’t recall a beat. It was about three or four songs in (I’m not sure because they didn’t stop playing in between and it all bled together) when Nickelback took a break. Chad Kroeger announced they were “taking it back to high school” and started “Photograph”. I could hear a bit of his voice but still wasn’t able to understand the words. At this point, my ears were killing me and ringing. I left. The show just wasn’t worth permanently damaging my hearing and I could already tell they weren’t going to live up to the hype.

I wish that bands would employ sound technicians that understand; volume does not cover a lack of quality. You can’t fake talent when the show is live. Now, I know that Shinedown and Nickelback are both successful. Their radio hits are heard all the time. But what is created and modified in a studio is not the same as what is heard when in concert. Fans expect to be entertained and the caliber of the artist to be what they are used to hearing. It isn’t impossible either! (As evidenced by Sick Puppies and Breaking Benjamin.) Rock music was once on the fringe but it has become mainstream and big business. However, it should still make you want to sing the lyrics, still make you bob your head, still make you feel moved by the music.

Though, I didn’t enjoy the entire night; I still had a great time. I got to hear two of my favorite bands showcase just how good they really are and left the venue wanting to see both, Sick Puppies and Breaking Benjamin, again.

Picture Sources: Dark Horse, Sick Puppies, Shinedown, Breaking Benjamin, and Nickelback.