Breaking Benjamin with Three Days Grace, Dorothy and Diamante
Budweiser Stage
Toronto, Ontario
September 2, 2019
Although it was the first week back to school for most, and the unofficial end of summer, it didn’t stop music lovers from gathering at Budweiser Stage in Toronto for a show featuring an amazing line up of talent. Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, Dorothy and Diamante brought their “A” games to the crowd that night.
The evening started with blue haired raven Diamante. This young Boston raised, California based songstress has a voice as vibrant as her style. I personally had never heard of her before, but she really left a great impression on me with her performance. Her energy was endless with tons of headbanging and jumping around. The band performed a tight, well performed set. They started things off right for the evening.
Dorothy took to the stage next. This gorgeous, confident powerhouse put on a killer set. I was intrigued by her presence and the way she performed. Her vocals where powerful and the intonation was spot on. I did a bit of research on her background and realized at one point in her life she was living the Rock and Roll life style, until one day she was called out on her destructive behavior. This rock bottom moment was a defining time in her career. She straightened up and now has emerged to the beautiful butterfly that has finally come from her shell.
Bon Jovi‘s Living On A Prayer comes over the airwaves indicating it was almost time for Three Days Grace to hit the stage. In reality, it’s a smart intro song, it gets the crowd pumped and singing, primed and ready for their set.
The lights dropped and Three Days Grace made their way to the stage, much to the delight of their hometown crowd. The audience went nuts, showing their love for the band. (Actually, me included. Their music is on loop at my house.) They are one of my favorite bands and I’m so proud that they are Canadian. Not only was I focusing on getting the shots, but really enjoying the moment, singing every song as they went along.
Included in their 13 song set was Mountain, Pain Killer and Never To Late.
A special guest of the band, 12 year old James Walst, nephew to Matt and Brad, came out to perform Animal I Have Become on guitar. It was apparent that the musical gene is multiplying within that family. He did a great job and appeared to be having a blast.
Leading into I Hate Everything About You, Matt divided up the crowd for audience participation to the song, having one side scream I , and the other half screaming Hate.
I love seeing them perform. Not only are they energetic, but always on point. The hometown crowd seemed to agree.
It was now time for the headliners Breaking Benjamin. The lights dimmed and they made their way to the stage, much to the delight of their fans.
Breaking Benjamin are known for their interaction with the crowd, and their young fans. On several occasions that night they brought up young kids to the stage and had them experience it from were they stood.
Throughout the evening, between sets, The Shriners would make announcements regarding a guitar give away, free entry with the purchase of a Breaking Benjamin CD, where all the proceeds went to The Shriners Hospital for Sick Children. That act goes to show the level of morality from Breaking Benjamin.
Breaking Benjamin would perform a 17 song set list, including a medley of covers, including The Emperial March / Cowboys From Hell / Smells Like Teen Spirit / Bohemian Rhapsody / Enter Sandman / Bulls on Parade ending with a drum solo.
The band put on a tight set, and really seemed to be enjoying themselves, often times you could see singer Benjamin Burnley embracing bassist Mark James Klepaski.
A heavy show that really dives into the social aspect. Well worth seeing!
All Photos by Sue Hebert Sadzak.
©2019. Please DO NOT copy or use without permission.
Diamante
Dorothy
Three Days Grace
Breaking Benjamin
