Alice In Chains, Breaking Benjamin, Bush, The L.I.F.E. Project @ MN State Fair | 8-25-22
Review by Adaline & Scott Cornell | Photos by Scott Cornell
Aromas of deep fried food on a stick permeated through the fairgrounds on a brilliantly perfect, late August day at the Minnesota State Fair. The L.I.F.E. Project opened the four band bill strong. A five-piece including guitarist Josh Rand of Stone Sour fame and Paralandra singer and guitarist Casandra Carson. Carson is extremely comfortable with her incredibly strong voice and wields it effortlessly. Flanked by Rand and bassist Jaron Gulino, Carson swooned the crowd and left many commenting on how strong her vocal game is. With incredible talent and professionalism and a definitive sound that lends its success to Carson’s vocal prowess. It’s clear why The L.I.F.E. Project was chosen as the opener for a bill with three household names in alternative and hard rock. Expect to see much more from The L.I.F.E. Project as they too become a household name.
Bush opened with “The Kingdom”. After, vocalist Gavin Rossdale began to address the crowd and it became apparent that Rossdale’s mic was not on. Without interacting with the crowd despite Rossdale’s best effort, the four-piece quelled any confusion by quickly transitioning into ”Machinehead”.
”Everything Zen” brought the crowd to their feet and during the bridge, fans clapped along. Early on, the vocals sounded muddy at times and the bass levels audibly rattled staging with their excess but both got sorted out in quick fashion. By the halfway point, Bush’s setlist was filled with nothing but huge hits and recent singles, executed to perfection. Rossdale spent little time in one spot and sang from every possible perch on stage.
During “Flowers on a Grave” Rossdale surprised everyone by taking a large lap through the crowd and up into the grandstand. While returning to the stage Rossdale took time to give a lucky fan a long, well appreciated hug. Rossdale explained “We gotta protect the ladies,” alluding to the meaning of the recent single “More Than Machines”. Rossdale soloed “Glycerine” and the remaining band members rejoined him for “Comedown” to close out the 10 song set. Rossdale added self affirming sentiments at the end before exiting the stage.
A huge white curtain dropped to reveal Breaking Benjamin, this show produced hits and pyrotechnics abound. From the first note Breaking Benjamin had the crowd on their feet and eating out of their hand. Impressive stage dressing and lighting design, the quadruple “B” logo could be seen strategically placed on stage . Namesake and front man Benjamin Burnley wasn’t at the helm of lead vocalist for the first few songs, at least not as much as he has in the past. Allowing some of those responsibilities to fall on the guitarists flanking him.
Burnley didn’t need to instigate the crowd much. The fans knew the cues and hit each on time. Burnley made mention that hearing the fans singing along is his favorite part of performing. That said this five-piece just wants to perform and put on a great show. They take the stage, nail each and every note and let the music speak for itself. A sixteen-song set with an acoustic cover of “Who Wants To Live Forever” by Queen at the midpoint. Just prior to the cover, Burnley stated that he and the band relish in the moments when the fans join in without prompts.
Concertgoers held mobile phones high across the venue during “Give Me a Sign”. Burnley took time and made certain that fans embraced the beauty in the moment. Perched upon a monitor, Burnley emoted during “I Will Not Bow” to the glee of many female fans. Burnley stated that without influences like Bush and Alice In Chains, Breaking Benjamin just wouldn’t exist. “My first concert was Alice In fucking Chains, guess what my second concert was?!?” Right on cue the crowd responded in unison, “Bush!”. Knocking out their biggest hits to wrap the night, Breaking Benjamin just doesn’t disappoint.
Iconic alternative rockers Alice In Chains closed out the first night of the Minnesota State Fair with a continuous string of hits. Three video panels lined the back of the stage and extended above the performers. Abstract visuals played throughout the set. Jerry Cantrell with his signature look flanked to the right of front man William Duvall. Bassist Mike Inez flanked Duvall, opposite Cantrell. Drummer Shawn Kinney, perched atop drum risers, honored the late Taylor Hawkins with his portrait on the crowd-facing skin of his kick drum. Playing through their back catalog of hits, fans sang along with “Again”, “No Excuses'', ''Grind”, ''Down in a Hole”, & “Man in a Box”.
Beaded curtains lined the outer areas of the stage and were lit from below and projected upon which brought a coziness to the stage during slower songs. Alice In Chains brings an alternative energy that differed from the openers but was very complimentary. When Duvall implied his desire to the crowd, they immediately obliged and carried on long after without prompting. Cantrell from time to time would roam to center stage or the opposite side but mainly stuck to his side. The 15 track set was chocked full of hits and fan favorites and the band never missed a beat or note all night. Mobile phones were a glow for “Rooster”.
Alice In Chains played Rockfest in Cadott WI, just five days ago and a mere stones throw from the Twin Cities. Since then they mixed up the setlist to ensure fans who attended both got a different experience. The four-piece seemed to truly enjoy their time together on stage performing. The energy is not high or low, it's intense which many in the crowd channeled into singing. Expect no less than perfection and precision instrumentation and singing, which positions Alice In Chains in the upper echelons of rock royalty.
