Staind Rocks PNC Music Pavilion with Breaking Benjamin and Daughtry as Openers
On a cool September evening, the PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte came alive with the sounds of rock and alt-metal as Stand headlined an unforgettable night of live music. The much-anticipated event saw Breaking Benjamin and Daughtry warm up the crowd with electrifying performances, building the energy for the main act.
Daughtry: Bringing Heart and Power
The night began with Daughtry, the rock outfit fronted by American Idol alumnus Chris Daughtry. They brought a blend of heartland rock and post-grunge power that was both emotionally charged and adrenaline-pumping. With hits like “It’s Not Over”, “Home”, and “September”, Chris Daughtry’s raspy yet soulful voice held the crowd captive. His passionate delivery and connection with the audience added an intimate layer to the massive rock event.
A special highlight of their set was a powerful rendition of “Heavy is the Crown” from their latest album, Dearly Beloved. The track’s heavy guitars and anthemic chorus had the entire pavilion singing along, reaffirming Daughtry’s place as one of the most consistently engaging live acts in the rock scene. By the time they left the stage, anticipation for Staind had reached its peak.
Breaking Benjamin: Setting the Stage on Fire
Up next is Breaking Benjamin, whose thunderous riffs and emotionally charged lyrics stirred the crowd right from the first note. Known for hits like “The Diary of Jane” and “So Cold”, the band didn’t hold back. Lead singer Benjamin Burnley’s powerful vocals resonated through the venue, and the synergy between the band members was electric. Their setlist spanned both old favorites and newer tracks from their 2018 album, Ember, offering fans a dynamic experience filled with both nostalgia and fresh intensity.
The light show, synchronized with the pounding beats of their songs, gave the performance a larger-than-life feel. As the band wrapped up with their anthem “I Will Not Bow”, it was clear that Breaking Benjamin had primed the crowd for an evening that would continue to deliver.
Staind: The Ultimate Headline Performance
As the headliner of the night, Staind emerged to a roaring audience, ready to bring their signature fusion of hard rock, post-grunge, and alternative elements. The bands set was a high-energy spectacle from the start, with a mix of pyrotechnics and immersive visuals. The audience was on their feet from the opening track “Lowest in Me”, a powerful anthem that perfectly encapsulates the band’s message of resilience and unity.
Lead singer (Aaron Lewis) captivated the crowd with both his vocals and stage presence, effortlessly commanding the venue as if performing to a much smaller, intimate crowd. Tracks like “Right Here” and “So Far Away” were emotional highlights, their lyrics echoing themes of overcoming adversity, while fan-favorites “It’s Been Ahile” and “Mudshovel” had the entire audience screaming along.
The band’s musicianship was top-notch, delivering flawless guitar solos, driving bass lines, and heart-thumping drumbeats. The chemistry between the members was evident, as they fed off the energy of the crowd to deliver a show that was both technically precise and emotionally charged
Staind set list:
- Lowest in Me
- Eyes Wide Open
- Fade
- Right Here
- Not Again
- Here and Now
- Something to Remind You
- Raw
- Outside
- Wannabe
- Better Days
- So Far Away
- For You
- It’s Been Awhile
- Mudshovel
