Photos and Review by Brian Gallo
Breaking Benjamin photos HERE
Starset photos HERE
On January 30th, 2016, a sold out Dome At Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, CT saw Breaking Benjamin with special guest Starset. These two music industry forces together made for a night of pure entertainment. What made this even more special you ask? Both bands performed acoustically for 1900 fans in a smaller venue with an intimate atmosphere.
First up was Starset. Front man Dustin Bates took center stage with his bottle of chilled wine. Behind him none other than Brock Richards, Ron DeChant, and Adam Gilbert amidst a candle decorated stage. It took only a few notes into the first song to show that the crowd loved them. Those who didn’t know them, left as fans sure. The setlist included “Space Oddity“, a special tribute to the late David Bowie. After the show members of the band greeted fans, took photos, signed autographs and showed their appreciation for the fans. Starset is a true class act.
Starset setlist included: Down With The Fallen, Carnivore, Antigravity, Point Of No Return, Space Oddity, Rise and Fall, Let It Die and My Demons.
The stage was set and the crowd was ready for the headliner. Breaking Benjamin took the stage with force tearing directly into “So Cold”. The crowd sang along loudly from the very first word. Front man Benjamin Burnley was spot on all night vocally. Backed strongly by his band members Aaron Bruch, Keith Wallen, Jasen Rauch and Shaun Foist. Even though it was an acoustic show but it rocked loud and hard nonetheless. Their setlist included three great cover songs which were Message In A Bottle (The Police), AEnema (Tool) and Would (Alice In Chains). Another special moment of their set included Dustin Bates (Starset) joining them on stage for Breath. I also have to mention the spectacular moment when all house lights are dimmed and the dome is lit by nothing but cell phones lights. These guys connected with the audience and kept you wanting more.
Breaking Benjamin setlist included: So Cold, Follow, Sooner Or Later, Unknown Soldier, Angels Fall, Simple Design, Message In A Bottle, Ashes Of Eden, Blow Me Away, Failure, Breath, AEnema, Give Me A Sign, Polyamorous, Would?, Until The End, I Will Not Bow and The Diary Of Jane.
This was my second time seeing both of these bands, though first time together, and they never disappoint. I am already eagerly awaiting their next tours. I suggest you get there too.