Wed Feb 21st - On a milder than normal February night in northern Illinois, Black Stone Cherry & Saint Asonia would bring their much anticipated co-headline tour the the recently reopened Apollo Theatre AC with support from fellow rockers Any Given Sin. The Apollo Theatre AC, located in the heart of Belvidere, Illinois, has a long history marked by resilience, cultural contributions, and a tragic turn of events. The Apollo, originally built and managed by the Rhinehart family, arose from the ashes of its predecessor, the Derthick Opera House, which was destroyed by a fire in 1917. The theatre, which has a seating capacity of 950, opened its doors on January 11, 1922, with the intention of hosting both stage shows and films. The Apollo stepped into the spotlight in 1926 as the subject and filming location for Don O. Newland's film "Belvidere's Hero," forever embedding itself in the community's cultural narrative. In order to keep up with the times, The Apollo installed air conditioning in 1931, and renovations continued until 1940. However, the 1950s marked the beginning of a downward spiral, culminating in another devastating fire in 1975. In the 1980s, a change in ownership and a subsequent long-term closure cast a shadow over the once-vibrant venue. In 2001, a ray of hope appeared when Belvidere-based insurance agent Maria Martinez spearheaded efforts to revitalize the theatre. The doors were reopened not only as a theatre but also as the Apollo Theatre AC banquet hall, combining historic charm with a modern purpose. Recognizing its importance, The Apollo was named a contributing property to the Belvidere North State Street Historic District in 2012. Earlier last year on March 31, 2023, tragedy struck the theatre again when a severe weather warning forced management to halt a scheduled performance. Moments later an EF1 tornado caused the roof and marquee outside the venue to collapse. Morbid Angel, Revocation, Skeletal Remains, and Crypta's scheduled death metal performance was met with a somber atmosphere, as one person would unfortunately pass away and 48 others were injured among the 260 people who attended. The theatre recently opened up again in October of 2023, hosting rock/metal veterans Taproot as the first performance since the tornado. I have attended many shows over the years at the Apollo and this would be my first one back since the incident. I must say the team responsible for the repair process did a remarkable job reconstructing the venue back to its former glory. Despite the challenges its faced, the Apollo Theatre AC has risen from the ashes once more and remains a staple of Belvidere's narrative as a symbol of resilience, cultural heritage, and the unpredictability of life. Its journey from movie stardom to heartbreaking tragedy has left a lasting imprint on the community it has served for over a century, and looks to continue doing so for hopefully another century.
Courtesy of The Apollo
Any Given Sin is a hard rock band from southern Maryland, USA. The band started in 2015 and rapidly became known for their powerful sound and compelling live performances. Victor Ritchie (vocals), Mike Coner (guitar), Rich Stevenson (bass), and Mike Showalter (drums) form Any Given Sin, which incorporates elements of alternative metal, post-grunge, and hard rock to create an entirely distinct musical identity. The band's adventure began with the release of their debut EP, "Forbidden," in 2015, which received praise for its contagious energy and catchy hooks. This early success paved the way for Any Given Sin's subsequent releases and cemented their position in the hard rock arena. In 2023, Any Given Sin released their latest album "War Within," which further displayed their musical talent and range. Fans and journalists alike praised the album, helping increase Any Given Sin's status as a rock force to be reckoned with. Throughout their career, Any Given Sin has evolved and refined their sound, drawing inspiration from a variety of sources while remaining faithful to their hard-hitting roots. Their passion to their art and constant drive to create music that connects with listeners has garnered them a devoted following and critical recognition. With their unrelenting work ethic and dedication for their craft, Any Given Sin shows no signs of slowing down. As they continue to put in the work to push further up the ranks, the band stays committed to pushing boundaries and making their mark on the world of rock music.
Any Given Sin put on an impressive performance, delivering the audience a dynamic repertoire that highlighted their talent and energy. From the time they stormed the stage with "Insidious," it was obvious that the night would be filled with hard-hitting rock anthems and emotionally driven ballads. With scorching guitar riffs, booming drumming, and leader Victor Ritchie's strong vocals, Any Given Sin immediately captured the audience's attention. As they flawlessly transitioned into "Another Life" and "Dynamite," the excitement only increased. These songs demonstrated the band's ability to create catchy melodies and powerful hooks, with each song immersing the audience deeper into Any Given Sin's world of heavy, melodic rock. "Calm Before The Storm" and "War Within" provided opportunities for introspection, with Ritchie's expressive words and soulful voice reverberating throughout the venue. These tunes allowed the band to demonstrate its musical variety, with dynamic changes in speed and mood that kept the listener interested and intrigued. "Still Sinking" and "The Way I Say Goodbye" kept the intensity up, with anthemic choruses and irresistible rhythms propelling them ahead. The band's exceptional musicianship and cohesive stage presence were on full display, instilling a real sense of excitement and anticipation in the audience. The crowd went wild during the powerful song "House On Fire," which brought the performance to its conclusion. The song was an excellent end to the set, leaving the audience energized and thrilled with its powerful beat and soaring vocals. The performance by Any Given Sin demonstrated their skill and love for music. The band demonstrated once more why they are among the most promising acts in rock music with their captivating stage presence, catchy tunes, and unwavering chemistry. With more writing, recording, and touring under their belt, Any Given Sin is poised to have even more success in the rock music industry.
Founded in 2014, Saint Asonia was originally comprised of former Three Days Grace frontman Adam Gontier, Staind guitarist Mike Mushok, bassist Corey Lowery, and drummer Rich Beddoe. The group's experienced members, who come from a variety of musical backgrounds, added to its distinctive sound, which combines elements of hard rock, post-grunge, and alternative rock. It was Adam Gontier's resignation from Three Days Grace in 2013 that made Saint Asonia possible. Gontier teamed up with Lowery, who has performed with bands like Dark New Day, Beddoe, who was formerly of Finger Eleven, and Mushok, who is well-known for his guitar work in Staind. With Adam's unique and powerful voice mixed with his songwriting abilities, the band would turn out to be a success, especially among those original fans of Three Days Grace. 2015 saw the release of Saint Asonia's self-titled first album, which included hits including "Blow Me Wide Open" and "Better Place." The band gained a devoted following as a result of the album, which demonstrated their ability to write catchy melodies and emotionally driven lyrics for anthemic rock songs. In 2017, Beddoe would depart the band, opening the door for Mushok's Staind bandmate Sal Giancarelli. The following year would then bring the departure of bassist/backing vocalist Corey Lowery, and Adam would recruit his cousin Cale Gontier to take over those duties. Saint Asonia has persevered in pushing the envelope and developing their sound despite the line-up changes over the years. The publication of the group's sophomore album, "Flawed Design," in 2019 cemented their standing in the rock community. Songs like "Beast" and "The Hunted," which featured Godsmack's Sully Erna, showed how far the band had come as musicians while still retaining the rawness and passion that fans had been accustomed to. In 2022 the band released their two latest offerings "Introvert" & "Extrovert." In 2023 the band would re-release the song "Wolf," but this time featuring lead vocalist and bassist John Cooper of Skillet. Saint Asonia has done a great deal of touring over the course of their career, appearing at major international festivals and sharing stages with well-known rock artists. Their reputation as a powerful force in the rock music industry has been solidified by their intense live performances and devoted fan base. The band makes sure that their music appeals to both die-hard followers and new listeners by staying faithful to their origins while venturing into uncharted aural landscapes with each release. Saint Asonia is steadfast in their resolve to write, record, and tour in order to continue making music that profoundly engages listeners and cements their place as one of the genre's most captivating and enduring artists.
Saint Asonia delivered an electrifying performance, stunning the audience with a wide repertoire that demonstrated the band's diversity and raw energy. From the time they approached the stage with "Above It All," it was evident that the night would be packed with both high-energy rock anthems and passionate ballads. As the band began playing "Better Place," the audience exploded in cheers, singing along with a high energy. The song's captivating rhythm and strong lyrics set the tone for the evening, and soloist Adam Gontier's soulful vocals echoed throughout the venue. The excitement level only increased with "The Hunted" and "Chew Me Up," as Saint Asonia demonstrated their ability to deliver hard-hitting, emotionally packed rock tunes. Touring guitarist Tavis Stanley's scorching riffs, together with the tight rhythm unit of bassist Cale Gontier and drummer Cody Watkins, drove the songs ahead, sending the audience into a frenzy. The inclusion of timeless covers from Adam's previous band "Three Days Grace,"brought a captivating twist to the setlist, with Saint Asonia putting their own take on classics like "Never Too Late" and "I Hate Everything About You," as well as "I Don't Care" by Apocalyptica, who Adam has also worked with. These songs paid homage to the band members' musical heritage while demonstrating their ability to reimagine familiar tunes with their unique sound. Original songs such as "So What," "Say Goodbye," and "Devastate" highlighted Saint Asonia's compositional prowess and ability to create emotionally charged music. These songs captivated the audience with their deep words and powerful melodies, resulting in moments of catharsis and connection. The band's cover of The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights" gave a modern touch to the repertoire, with Saint Asonia putting their own rock-infused take on the pop smash. The crowd reacted passionately, dancing and singing along with every beat. The performance peaked with "Riot," a Three Days Grace track that brought the audience to its feet. The song's anthemic chorus and forceful riffs provided an appropriate energy to the evening, leaving the audience motivated and exhilarated. As Saint Asonia finished the night with "Let Me Live My Life," it was evident that they had given a memorable performance. Saint Asonia demonstrated once again why they are some of rock's most exciting performers, with their explosive stage presence, powerful voices, and captivating enthusiasm.
Black Stone Cherry is a hard rock band that was formed in Edmonton, Kentucky. The band was formed in 2001 and was originally made up of Chris Robertson (vocals, guitar), Ben Wells (guitar, backing vocals), Jon Lawhon (bass, backing vocals), and John Fred Young (drums, backing vocals). Lawhon would depart the band in 2021 to take an indefinite hiatus from music and performing, and Steve Jewell Jr would join as their new bassist/backing vocalist. According to frontman Chris Robertson, the inspiration for the band's name came from a pack of Blackstone Cigars, which come in different flavours, including cherry. Growing up in a small town, the members of Black Stone Cherry connected over their mutual love of rock music and began performing together at a young age. They established a sound that combined elements of Southern rock, blues, and heavy metal, drawing inspiration from old rock titans like Led Zeppelin and Lynyrd Skynyrd, as well as recent groups like Soundgarden and Alice in Chains. Black Stone Cherry's breakthrough moment occurred in 2006, when the band signed with Roadrunner Records and released their self-titled debut album. The album included major singles such as "Lonely Train" and "Hell and High Water," which earned critical praise and established the band as rising stars in the rock world. Subsequent albums, such as "Folklore and Superstition" (2008), "Between the Devil & the Deep Blue Sea" (2011), and "Magic Mountain" (2014), "Kentucky" (2016), "Family Tree" (2018) & "The Human Condition" (2020), cemented Black Stone Cherry's reputation for creating hard-hitting, emotionally driven rock songs. Tracks like "White Trash Millionaire" and "Me and Mary Jane" demonstrated the band's infectious energy and ability to write great tunes. In 2023 the band released their latest offering, "Screamin' At The Sky". Throughout their career, Black Stone Cherry has toured widely, performing with rock legends such as Motorhead, Black Label Society, and Alice Cooper to name a few. Their energetic live performances and down-to-earth approach have won them admirers all over the world, cementing their position as one of rock's most dynamic live bands. In addition to their musical endeavors, Black Stone Cherry is also known for their humanitarian initiatives and dedication to giving back to organizations like The Boys and Girls Clubs of America. They have taken part in several charity events and fundraisers, using their platform to support causes that they believe in. As they continue to compose, record, and tour, Black Stone Cherry remains committed to their art and passionate about making music that touches listeners on a visceral level. With each record, the band pushes limits and explores new musical frontiers, guaranteeing that their legacy in the world of rock music lives on for years to come.
Black Stone Cherry delivered a standout performance, with a wide setlist full of hits and surprises. The bands enthusiasm was evident from the moment they hit the stage, with the audience ready to hear Black Stone Cherry's riff-heavy rock anthems. Taking the stage to the iconic sports anthem "The Hey Song," they would begin their set with the rowdy "Me And Mary Jane," as the band wasted little time in getting the crowd rocking. Guitarist Ben Wells was full of fire tonight, and his stage presence was out of this world as he flew about the stage, pumping his fist and raising his guitar while eliciting infectious laughter from frontman Chris Robertson. The song's infectious groove and catchy chorus set the tone for the evening, transporting the crowd to Black Stone Cherry's world of Southern-infused rock. As they flawlessly transitioned into "Burnin," the intensity only increased. The audience were captivated by the band's excellent musicianship, energy and Robertson's gritty vocals, which had them on their feet and singing along with each word. These tracks served as a welcome contrast to the heavier, more adrenaline-fueled songs in the setlist, showcasing the band's range as songwriters and performers. "Again" and "Nervous" demonstrated Black Stone Cherry's versatility, with evolving variations in tempo and atmosphere that kept the audience engaged. These tracks allowed the band to show off their musical abilities, with blazing guitar solos and booming rhythms propelling the songs ahead. On top of the bands four core members, Jeffrey Boggs would be seen in the background aiding the band by taking over the bongo & conga duty on select songs. Ben Wells would take a moment to shout out the 104.9 The X (WXRX) radio station and thank them for always supporting the band throughout their career, as it felt like they had grown up playing Northwest Illinois. Chris Robertson would add that many bands adopt a home away from home, and for Black Stone Cherry, this portion of Illinois was the first place they ever considered their second home. He would continue that after 17yrs of coming back you can always expect it to be "just as trashy and just as friendly as it's always been." The anthemic track "White Trash Millionaire" would continue the setlist, as it prompted loud cheers from the audience, as fans enthusiastically joined in on the chorus. It would be followed by one of their latest hits "Screamin At The Sky,"which serves as the title track off of their latest album. These songs showcased Black Stone Cherry's ability to create stadium-sized rock anthems that connected with listeners of all ages. Prior to "Like I Roll," guitarist Ben Wells would emphasize to the crowd that they were just getting into gear and apologize for the hangovers tomorrow. He would go on to dedicate the song to "everyone marching to the beat of their own drum. The weirdos, outcasts and the badasses." The track offered a moment of reflection, with Robertson's emotional vocals communicating vulnerability and genuine passion. Robertson would take a minute to explain the next song, "Give Me One Reason" by Tracy Chapman, is a "top shelf song" that everyone has heard at least once and he expected full crowd participation in help singing it or they would restart the song. Sure enough Robertson would stop the song a few seconds in while exclaiming "I thought we were having a good time?! Let's try that one more time, don't make me look stupid, please sing along." The crowd would happily step up the participation as the band went on to perform the cover flawlessly, which included a killer solo from Robertson who would tell the crowd "a guitar is like a woman, you have to know how to touch em," and ended with a short drum solo from John Young. Before starting the next song, "When The Pain Comes," the band would ask the crowd to help promote the track by calling their local rock stations and requesting it. A mashup of "Can't You See" by the Marshall Tucker Band, the band's own ballad dedicated to the men and women of the US Military "In My Blood," and Tyler Childers' "Whitehouse Road" was a highlight of the evening. This surprise medley wowed the audience, with Black Stone Cherry putting their own take on these legendary classics and demonstrating their musical influences. As the night wore on, the band would encourage the audience to give it up for Saint Asonia & Any Given Sin, expressing that this has been one of the most enjoyable headlining tours of their careers. The immensely popular "Blame It On The Boom Boom" and "Lonely Train" brought the event to a rousing close, with the band providing a high-energy performance that left the audience wanting more. As the final chords died away, the audience broke out in applause, demonstrating Black Stone Cherry's enduring appeal and unparalleled musical presence.
With this being the seventh stop on the 17-date co-headline run, fans will still have a chance to catch the tour if it hasn't already passed through a city near you. You can check out the remaining dates and purchase your tickets here. Following the conclusion of this tour, Saint Asonia will embark on an 11 date headline tour, with support from Any Given Sin or Kingdom Collapse depending on the date, as well as joining up with Staind in late April to be apart of "The Tailgate Tour", which will also feature Seether & Tim Montana and run until mid May. Fans can check the dates and grab their tickets for both of those tours here. They will also be performing alongside Seether at the Big Growl in South Bend, Indiana on May 3rd. If festivals are more your style, you can catch the band performing on the Saturday May 18th date of the annual Sonic Temple Festival in Columbus, OH. They will then bust out their passports and head north across the border to attend Canada's Summer Kickoff Concert, which will feature Bush and Skillet on June 21st. Kicking off on March 8th, Black Stone Cherry will be joining the legends in Lynyrd Skynyrd & ZZ Top for the first half of "The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour" until the April 19th date. This June, Black Stone Cherry will tour Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany, performing a series of headline events, as well as making an appearance at popular festivals such as: Hellfest, Graspop Metal Meeting, Nova Rock Festival & Download Festival. Later this year, the band will perform at Zakk Wylde's "Berzerkus Fest" on September 14th, followed by a performance on September 27th at this year's massive 10-year celebration of the "Louder Than Life Festival" in their home state of Kentucky. With lots more opportunities to see either band as 2024 progresses, I recommend any fans of either band grab their tickets and attend one of these shows, as you're sure to be in for an unforgettable evening of rock mastery.
Review & Photography By: Nick Buzinski
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