We traveled to PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey via train. Obviously, I’m never thrilled having to travel to Jersey, but my bands usually only play outdoor arenas. PNC isn’t what I would call an Uber-friendly venue as it was difficult to tell if there was a designated drop-off/pick up area. Supposedly, there is free bus service to and from the nearest train station, but I can’t find a proper schedule online for when the bus is suppose to transport you to the event. It’s easy to board the bus once the show is over, but there is a long line to contend with. It’s basically annoying for people who don’t drive. I’m just grateful we found someone via Lyft to drive us back to Brooklyn. I was worried no one was going to take our request due to the distance, and we’d be stuck with plan B.
The venue also doesn’t allow backpacks of any kind, which is annoying for me because we’re traveling by train. Thankfully, there was free bag check. At least, I know my options now for when I come back in October for Slipknot. It is partly my fault for not fully reading the email sent out by Live Nation, but I really didn’t think a small backpack would be a big deal. They currently have a clear bag policy in place where you can only bring in clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags of a certain size OR a small clutch bag approximately the size of a hand. The venue has also transitioned to mobile ticketing only, and cashless payment for merchandise and alcohol. Danny and I were trying to figure out if they sold anything other than beer at the venue. If you look at the fine print, you’ll see they sell soda, Red Bull and soda too. Of course everything is overpriced, but that is to be expected. I did appreciate that the bathrooms were nice and clean, which I assume is due to the venue being newly renovated.
The opening act was a band called ‘68, which is an impressive duo of only drums and guitar from Atlanta, Georgia. It’s hard to describe their sound, which is furious and hard hitting. From what I gather, ‘68 is a band that embodies the experimental nature of noise punk with roots in both hardcore and metalcore. For a two-person band, they were very energetic and upbeat. The frontman was witty and funny when talking to the crowd, and seemed be in good spirits being the first band on stage.
Now, on to the snoozefest of the night: Staind. I really haven’t listened to Staind since high school, especially since they transitioned to a more post-grunge sound, which is essentially butt rock at its core. For those that may not know, the term “butt rock” derives from the cliche slogan that rock radio stations use to advertise their programming as “nothing BUT rock.” I was also very disappointed to see Staind touring with Korn because it is well-known that Aaron Lewis, their lead vocalist, is a Trump supporter.
How would I describe Aaron Lewis’ performance? Lackluster at best. He looked bored while on stage the entire night as if he was only there to collect a paycheck. He’s the laziest frontman I’ve ever seen live. Lewis barely moved from his spot during their thirteen song set list, and held onto the mic as if he needed it to hold himself up. His lack of enthusiasm was astonishing, and overall, he was just a horrible frontman. I’m not surprised though because, as I mentioned, he’s a Trump fanboy.
Danny tried to say that it was because he’s an older dude, but I was like you’re going to see a distinctive difference between the two lead singers when Korn comes onstage. Jonathan Davis turned 50 this year, he still moves around the stage and puts on the best show he possibly can. The other guys - Head, Munky, Fieldy, and Ray - are wild live and are still phenomenal at what they do. I’m always in awe of Head as his dreads fly through the air when he head bangs during songs. This dude has no excuse. I will say though, the rest of the guys in Staind looked great despite their lead singer’s lack of passion.
I can also do without the political bullshit. As I said before, I attend concerts to escape reality, and have one night of ignorant bliss. This guy really had a t-shirt on that said, “My rights don’t end where your feelings begin.” Halfway through the show, Lewis said he couldn’t say much without causing controversy, so he’d let the crowd speak for themselves. Listen, I’m not here for “Fuck Joe Biden” chants. I don’t like Joe Biden either, but can I get one fucking night off?! USA chants too! How lame. This isn’t one of those xenophobic WWE shows. We’re not at a political rally. To put the cherry on top, he ended the night with a “God Bless America” mic drop like he had just said something so profound. LOL.
The most interesting thing about Staind’s set is that I didn’t hear many people singing their songs out loud until they got to their butt rock radio hits like “Outside” and “It’s Been Awhile.” Also, everyone knew those really conventional songs with the motivational lyrics like “So Far Away” and “Right Here.” There was a big pop for “Mudshovel” though, which is on the heavy side and one of their first singles. It’s the only Staind song I still like. So, in reality, I don’t know who was really there to see Staind because the crowd connection just wasn’t there.
Korn FINALLY took the stage after a canceled 2020 tour, and the previous August show having to be postponed due to Jonathan Davis contracting Covid. Despite JD dealing with after effects of the virus, he still looked and sounded great. The stage had a throne to help JD get through their set list. I know there had to be times when he was struggling. I’m sure there was oxygen on the side of the stage when they took quick breaks in between songs. The fact that JD refuses to cancel despite the hardships he’s had to endure, and continues to pull through night after night actually means a lot to me. He knows the fans need this. That I really needed this. JD joked to the crowded that third time’s a charm, and apologized for having to reschedule the August show. The thing is he doesn’t have to, but he does anyway. I would have been okay with Korn cancelling if meant JD would have proper time to recover from Covid.
Munky also contracted Covid during the tour, but luckily he was back on stage for our show. He looked like his usual goofy self, running past the speakers towards our side of the stage with his big ol’ cheesy grin to look into the crowd. These dudes still had all the energy in the world, despite both JD and Munky having been sick recently! What was Aaron Lewis’ excuse?!
Unfortunately, Fieldy was not on this tour with Korn due to taking time off to deal with some personal issues that have caused him to fall back on old habits, and create tension with those around him. I’m hoping he heals from whatever he’s been dealing with behind closed doors, and takes the stage again with Korn. I will say Ra Díaz from Suicidal Tendencies did a phenomenal job filling in for Fieldy. His bass solo with Ray on drums was honestly sick.
The crowd was wild for Korn. It felt really good to see that type of support for them. Although we were sitting off to right side of the stage, this was probably the closest I’ve ever gotten to Korn. I love when I can see, clear as day, that they’re actually humans on stage playing these songs. They’re not a mere myth or legend that only appears on my phone’s screen. Sadly, from this angle, we couldn’t see Ray on the drums, which is disappointing.
Set List:
Insane
Falling Away From Me
Here to Stay
Victimized
Cold
Dirty
Shoots and Ladders (with snippet of One by Metallica)
Clown
You’ll Never Find Me
Coming Undone (with snippet of We Will Rock You by Queen)
Can You Hear Me
Freak on a Leash
Encore:
It’s On! / Trash / Did My Time
Twist
A.D.I.D.A.S.
Blind
It was amazing to hear the classics again like Falling Away From Me, Here to Stay, and Freak on a Leash. Seeing Jonathan playing bagpipes again on stage to Shoots and Ladders is still nostalgic to me, and got a thunderous pop from the crowd. I finally heard their new song Can You Hear Me live. This song hits home for anyone whose ever lost a loved one, and trying to will themselves to go on without them. I loved that Korn dusted off one of their more obscure songs from Issues called Dirty. Listening to Dirty now as an adult weighs a bit heavy on me since Jonathan’s lyrics bluntly paint a picture of someone struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. Nonetheless, I still love the song because of the sheer emotion you can hear in his voice.
I was ecstatic to hear some of my favorite songs that do not get played as often live anymore like It’s On and Trash. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve played Trash in the past year. I adore Jonathan’s dances during songs. That quirkiness that he was bullied for when he was young and has brought us songs like Clown, is the very thing I love about him. And lastly, Jonathan’s famous “Are you readyyyy?” rumbling throughout the crowd as Blind closed out the set for the night. I’m appreciative of Danny straining his arm just to film all these songs for me because he’s tall and can see above the sea of heads in the crowd lol.
Overall, it was a great night. I feel blessed to have been able to see Korn again on stage after all this time. I’m thankful for the band’s health and will to carry on during this tour with the pandemic still raging on. I’m also most grateful for Danny taking me to see the band I love most in this world. It absolutely means more to me than he’ll ever know. With the world set
a blaze around me, there’s nothing more motivating than hearing the music that’s always gotten me through the dark times.
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