The hard-rocking bands brought their co-headlining tour to Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Thursday. The images, a concert recap and set lists at Local Spins.
‘Freak on a Leash’: Jonathan Davis led Korn through a fan-pleasing set. (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
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For diehard devotees of Korn and Breaking Benjamin, a cold Thursday with a light snow falling proved to be the perfect night for rock ‘n’ roll.
Take it from Korn fans Eric and Samantha who made the two-hour trek from Midland County to Grand Rapids.
It was their first-ever show at Van Andel Arena but the fifth time seeing a band that they insisted keeps them “coming back for more.”
Hard Rock Heroes: Breaking Benjamin at Van Andel Arena. (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
And they certainly got “more” in the form of co-headliner Breaking Benjamin and opener Bones UK, with a nearly packed house on hand for a concert that also raised money for The Shriners and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
With many fans still making their way to their seats, the female-fronted Bones UK trio unfurled groove-laden rock ‘n’ roll, including an impressive tribute to David Bowie with the band’s rendition of his classic 1997 track, “I’m Afraid of Americans.”
Breaking Benjamin followed with a tight performance of a set that opened with “The Diary of Jane” — a fan favorite that quickened the pulse of the Pennyslvania hard rock band’s disciples. Older singles came early and late into the set, with newer tracks sprinkled in between. They closed it out with “I Will Not Bow,” surrounded by enthused VIP fans who filled the stage.
Korn’s nu metal attack, meanwhile, was enhanced by a top-notch light show and a powerful stage presence led by singer Jonathan “JD” Davis, who interacted with boisterous fans throughout the set.
Highlights of the set included “Freak on a Leash,” “Falling Away from Me” and the signature bagpipes of 1995’s “Shoots and Ladders.” The ridiculously catchy “Coming Undone” closed things out with a lot of rock heat on a cold winter’s night.
PHOTO GALLERY: Korn, Breaking Benjamin, Bones UK at Van Andel Arena
Photos by Anthony Norkus
SET LIST: Breaking Benjamin at Van Andel Arena (setlist.fm)
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