BROUGHT TO YOU BY: MARSWORTH
BLOSSOM MUSIC CENTER
CUYAHOGA FALLS, OHIO
The evening of August 4th 2023 rocked the souls of a number of metalheads as a huge show shook Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. The band that was to warm up the crowd was Butcher Babies, but I was held in administration for their entire set waiting for a press pass meant for strictly the headliner, Mudvayne. I’m sure they tore the house down, but I’ve never worked with a more strict band in my life. Next to take the stage was Nonpoint, GWAR, and Coal Chamber. These bands are not a part of my strong suit so my opinions can be taken as incredibly sour and unpalatable to others and that’s a-okay.
Nonpoint put their hearts and souls into their performance, but I’m not sure many people were familiar as I looked into the crowd of still standing attendees and a handful of ecstatic fans. The flashing and changing lights behind the band made it seem a lot more desirable as a crowd member. Perhaps they seemed a bit less memorable after GWAR had taken the stage. This was my first time actually seeing the band and they had my jaw on the sticky floor the entire set. Have you seen these guys? Oh my, it sure is a performance. Dressed to the nines, incoming/ outgoing characters, gallons of fake blood, yet they still never let their theatrics get in the way of their music, even when they’re “mutilating” Vladimir Putin. Lastly, it’s awful but I sincerely don’t remember Coal Chamber’s set whatsoever.
The main act, Mudvayne, was seriously breathtaking (in a frightened and also awestruck way). Again, I never knew what this group looked like and just like GWAR they never missed a note even with their eye-catching stage wear. It’s not often that you can see the amount of passion an artist puts into their band, but it’s more than evident with singer Chad Gray. He wants every member of the audience to feel seen and included. If you’re lucky enough to be within the first five or so rows, you’ll get splattered with sweat, saliva, and maybe even hold Chad Gray up when he leans into the crowd. Honestly, I may not have loved the four openers but Mudvayne definitely know how to put on a hell of a rock show.
Mudvayne is:
Chad Gray – Vocals
Greg Tribbett – Lead Guitars, Backing Vocals
Ryan Martinie – Bass, Backing Vocals
Matthew McDonough – Drums