From Ashes to New Headlines Elevation Downtown Grand Rapids to a sold-out crowd with support from Not Enough Space, Until I Wake, and Magnolia Park
Friday, October 20, was a hyped night before the show even began. Grand Rapids was the place to be; the line stretched around the entire building to get in, with doors opening at 6 pm, with every band represented in merch worn by the concert goers, ready to see their favorite musical artists take the stage. The venue was dark and loud, the PERFECT experience before a show. With the ceiling being low, I was curious to see how these heavy bands were going to move about the stage, and they did not disappoint.
Not Enough Space was the perfect band to energize the room and get everyone hyped for their music and what was to come from the other bands. Both female vocalists brought the heavy, and the entire band rocked the stage. Going on first doesn't mean a band should be slept on, and Not Enough Space proved that by bringing a headline-worthy performance to the stage. Their short set was heavy, energizing, and incredibly fun to watch and experience.
Until I Wake took to the stage with an obvious lineup change with drums, bringing a first-tour drummer who was incredibly talented, and fit in as he was meant to be there. The band packed that stage and brought the energy and crowd surfing for their set. Although they have had their share of changes as a band recently, the group worked well together to also provide a headlining experience- Their stances on stage, with the movement fitting the music, the crowd ate it up.
Magnolia Park was the perfect addition to this tour lineup- I had never encountered their set live before, but they sounded just like they do on streaming platforms. Such a talented group, and they moved around the stage like they owned it and were taking it home. It made me excited for the next time I get to see them live; their set was incredible.
The energy shifted in the room as soon as “Backstreets Back” started playing over the loudspeakers; the entire venue lit bright and blue. Collectively, the crowd started dancing and singing along. Following the song, the lights went black, and the crowd erupted in screams, anticipating the band's arrival on stage to thunderous, pitched noises from everyone in the room. Quite the welcome for their first headline tour in two years! Everyone but Matt arrived on stage in the dark to the beginning of “New Disease”; Lance donned his new mask, a solid red one covering the bottom half of his face. Matt joined the stage on his own and was welcomed with thunderous yells and cheers. The band was welcomed onto that stage by the sold-out crowd and played such a well-picked list of hits. It’s clear this tour was meant to be because From Ashes to New brought it. With hits such as their newest “New Disease”, and “Nightmare”, “My Fight”, “Monster in Me”, “Heartache”, “Scars that Im Hiding”, “Hate Me Too”, “Barely Breathing”, “Dead to Me”, “My Name”, “Through it All” and “Panic” as well as others, the band truly made an incredible setlist come to life and had the entire crowd following along, never wanting the evening to end.
It was Matt’s birthday as well as Mental Health Day, with Matt’s inspirational dialogue between songs that makes anyone struggling with a hard time feel less alone. You know that when a vocalist champions for mental health, they have been through it too and want their listeners to feel as though they relate and be a part of something bigger. No one in that room felt alone; in fact, it was such an intimate venue packed to the brim, and we all felt like family. This was my fourth time seeing the band live, and every time I can count on Matt to talk me out of feeling low and despondent.
Through the entire set, the band played hard and had the fans fully locked in and engaged, singing along. The sold-out crowd was loving every single minute of the show, myself included. Being a fan of a band I am covering has proven to make the experience so much sweeter. This band keeps pushing forward and making huge strides in the music industry, and adding Jimmy Bennett to From Ashes to New was such an amazing decision, as he was already part of the band and a staple at every show live.
The “New Disease” Tour has been an incredible experience to witness, with sold-out crowds at multiple venues, and every band that joins the stage bringing their all. The lineup was insane, and the music brought everyone together in venues all across the United States. It’s so exciting watching a band you've enjoyed for years make a headline tour of their own. Until next time, this show has us all riding the adrenaline rush, craving more.
NOT ENOUGH SPACE
UNTIL I WAKE
MAGNOLIA PARK
FROM ASHES TO NEW
