When we walked into the venue, I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw this PINK Korn hoodie. Yes, a pink Korn hoodie. If that doesn’t say Kayla, then I don’t know what does. It was literally screaming at me to buy it. I only hesitated for a few seconds when Danny told me the price before I marched up to the merch table to buy it. As if the price was going to stop me from living out my dreams (plus, there was no line yet). My whole life is full of bad decisions. I may never see another pink Korn hoodie again, and I’d regret it for the rest of my life. It was actually quite a weird experience because I was literally looking at my wardrobe before the show, questioning why I didn’t own a Korn hoodie for the possibility of it getting cold at night. If you’ve ever been to Jones Beach, you’d know it can get quite chilly in the evening because the theater is right on the water. I don’t know if God was looking out for me or trying to financially ruin me like he often does. Either way, I don’t care because it made me super happy and excited. It’s my most prized possession right now. I officially have a hoodie for Korn and a hoodie for Slipknot that I love so much. Only second to seeing Korn that evening, this new hoodie made my whole day.
First up, Jeris Johnson! He’s an eclectic blend of pop, rock and rap musical influences that claims to be the future of rock. He thinks the rock scene has gotten quite stale and boring within the past 10–15 years, stating he’s here to shake up the statue quo and piss off old rock fans. LOL. I read an article Paper did on Johnson, and he commented on the pop punk revival we're currently in. While he thinks the resurgence has put a much needed spotlight on rock, the Machine Gun Kelly revival isn’t that ground breaking to the genre.
"If I'm being honest, I could turn on that new Machine Gun Kelly album for my fucking grandma or my mom and she'd probably like it. You know what I mean? To me that's not honestly what rock is about. Rock has always been the genre that makes your fucking mom go, 'Turn this shit off!’”
“The problem I have with it — and I do have a fucking beef with it — is that it sounds like a nostalgia trip. It doesn't sound like the future to me. It sounds like shit that could have been made back then; it doesn't feel like a next evolution really of it. [Instead,] it's hitting everybody in the feels, and then that's why people are latching on to it."
Honestly, I like this guy and I couldn’t agree more with him. MGK thinks he’s a godsend to the rock genre right now because he’s bringing attention to it, but he isn’t doing anything I haven’t already heard before. Like brah, Travis Barker was doing this with Blink 182 twenty years ago. You’re not THAT great at being original.
Johnson has found notoriety on Tik Tok with over one million followers by revamping famous rock songs. He’s a big fan of bands like Slipknot, Nickelback, and Papa Roach. What’s impressive is he’s actually gotten to work with some of his faves already. Johnson did Last Resort (Reloaded) with Papa Roach and a remix of his song damn! with Chad Kroeger. It’s funny because Johnson has this grunge-y tone to his voice that is very reminiscent of Kroeger. He’s also done a remix of Can You Feel My Heart with Bring Me The Horizon, who I just got to see live! It wasn’t until he started playing his rendition of Raining Blood (Slayer for those of you who don’t know) on stage that I realized I knew who Jeris Johnson was. Finn Mckenty had cosigned Johnson in one of his Youtube videos I watched for his creativity and for being a refreshing addition to the rock scene.
I loved Johnson’s energy on stage. He’s both talented and quite hilarious live. Before his song My Sword, he came out with a real sword and asked if anyone wanted to be decapitated tonight. LOL. He also made me laugh when he said “scream for real instruments” when transitioning into more rock heavy songs from the more electropop rap arrangements. Johnson’s actually an established musician in multiple instruments despite the bad rap he gets from ignorant naysayers of the genre. I like that he’s trying to do something more original in the metal realm because lord knows we really need it. I also love how he kept shamelessly promoting himself, asking everyone to follow him on Instagram lol. Overall, Jeris Johnson was really fun to watch live and I’m glad I got the chance to discover his music through this concert.
Up next was Palaye Royale! I didn’t even know Palaye Royale was even playing until an hour before the show. it didn’t seem like they were even advertised. They’re an ensemble from Las Vegas that identifies as a fashion art rock band. Their stylistic choices are very reminiscent of the glam rock era. I remember discovering Palaye Royale back in 2020 after hearing songs like You’ll Be Fine, Hang on to Yourself, and Little Bastards. I also really love Punching Bag from their upcoming album, Fever Dream, releasing at the end of October. I was so excited to see them live, but the crowd was mostly dead during their performance. I’ve noticed the crowds at Korn concerts are very weird. They always seem to be asleep until Korn comes on stage… then, the crowd is electric. You’re better off seeing opening bands in smaller venues where they are headlining themselves. The old metal crowds are growing ever so boring and complacent. The lead singer, Remington Leith, jumped into the water during their last song on the opposite side of where we were seated. I have no idea why, but I can only speculate that it was the unresponsive crowd. Maybe one day, I’ll get to see them in a better setting. Danny almost got in trouble during this set because some hoe snitched to security about his Powershot camera, but the rules clearly state online that you’re allowed to bring a camera in as long as it doesn’t have a detachable lens. Jokes on you bitch, because we are rule followers and I’m not looking to have my new Sony taken away.
As the sun was slowly setting, it was time for Evanescence! I actually attended Korn and Evanescence’s first tour together back in 2007 at PNC Bank Arts Center in Jersey. When she mentioned it had been 15 years, I was like wow… I’m so fucking old. I’ve never really been a fan of Evanescence, but I do really love some of the songs off their newly released album, The Bitter Truth. Broken Pieces Shine and Wasted on You are amazing songs. Amy Lee is still a powerhouse of a singer after all these years. She sounded incredible live and I enjoyed the band’s on stage performance, even if I haven’t listened to Evanescence much over the years. It was great hearing songs like Call Me When You’re Sober, My Immortal, and even Bring Me to Life. The live rendition sounds so much better than the nu metal influenced studio version with the awful male vocals. I’m sorry, not sorry.
When Evansecense got to Use My Voice in their set list, which is off of the new album, I noticed a shift in some people in the crowd, especially the old looking hag diagonally to my right. She gave this annoyed look to, who I assumed was, her partner. I hate how racist and conservative Long Island is. Amy Lee can’t even sing a song about the power of speaking out, and not allowing people to silence you in the wake of social injustices without people complaining it’s “too woke.” People always have a lot to say, but are annoyed about a song called Use My Voice. I bet that salty bitch felt like Amy was calling her out LOL. There were also these redneck looking assholes ranting about it as Danny and I walked back to the bus station after the concert. Evanescence put on a great performance, but here you are being a little bitch about one song because you probably have hateful views on current social issues and know Amy Lee was talking to you. Despite the bitchasses in the crowd, I did enjoy Evanescence’s set a lot more than I had initial thought.
Last, but certainly not least, KORN! There’s really not much to say, I mean you all know how I feel about this band. This is my sixth time seeing Korn, and it’s hard to believe that most of the concerts I’ve attended have been from 2016 and on. I was too young to see them during the Korn/Life is Peachy/Follow the Leader/Issues eras, so I guess I’m trying to make up for lost time. Sadly, Munky couldn’t be at the show. Due to a family emergency, he had to fly back to California for the day. We’re also still missing Fieldy at these shows, but I hope he’s doing well while taking time away from the band. It still was an amazing show though!
Korn has released 14 albums since their debut in 1994, so they have quite the catalog to choose from when curating their set list. I can never really predict what they are going to play at shows, which keeps me on my toes. They opened up with Rotting in Vain, which I love hearing live because it’s become a classic among Twist and Freak on a Leash, which feature Jonathan Davis’ famous scatting. I was so excited to hear them play some of their iconic songs from the first album, especially Ball Tongue. It’s always been one of my favorites from the self-titled album. The way Jonathan sings the lyrics is so chaotic. Danny wanted them to play Cold again, but instead they played Idiosyncrasy off The Nothing. He ended up asking me about this song afterwards, which makes me happy seeing him interested in newer Korn material. Funny enough, they still haven’t played Danny’s favorite Korn song, Somebody Someone, since we’ve been going to Korn concerts. Selfishly, I always want to hear more songs from Issues too. Korn ended their set with the beloved track, Freak on a Leash, however, this time around Amy Lee joined them on stage for a surprise duet. I’ll never get tired of hearing this song live, but the addition of Amy’s voice made for a different experience. I remember when this duo performed an acoustic version of this song together back in 2007 when Korn was on MTV Unplugged. Again, I feel so old. 😅
I’ll forever be grateful for Korn. These guys are willing to yield their body and mind just to put on an amazing show for us. I noticed Jonathan having to take oxygen between each song, and I’m really hoping he was able to take a much needed break after this tour. It means the world to me the sacrifices these guys make for their fans. I’m sad that my two year streak of seeing Korn has come to an end. I don’t know when they’ll be back, but I’ll be here waiting. I’m committed to seeing Korn as much as I can before they decide to retire for good. I’ve missed too many shows in the past, but I’m glad I have my life-long best friend to forever go to concerts with.
Set List:
1. Rotting in Vain
2. A.D.I.D.A.S.
3. Here to Stay
4. Start the Healing
5. Ball Tongue/ Need To/ Divine
6. Idiosyncrasy
7. Porno Creep
8. Blind
9. Falling Away From Me
10. Alone I Break
11. Got The Life
12. Let the Dark Do the Rest
13. Y’All Want a Single
Encore:
2. A.D.I.D.A.S.
3. Here to Stay
4. Start the Healing
5. Ball Tongue/ Need To/ Divine
6. Idiosyncrasy
7. Porno Creep
8. Blind
9. Falling Away From Me
10. Alone I Break
11. Got The Life
12. Let the Dark Do the Rest
13. Y’All Want a Single
Encore:
14. Shoots and Ladders (with a snippet of One by Metallica)
15. Twist
16. Freak on a Leash (with Amy Lee)
15. Twist
16. Freak on a Leash (with Amy Lee)
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