Big Day Out III
July 2003 @ SPAC Saratoga Springs, NY
By Renee Clark
Eve 6, the exies, Trapt, Hoobastank, Evanescence & Staind
I didn’t know what quite to expect from this
show since getting our passes was extremely difficult due to the lack of
organization that the promoters had. But as soon as the bands we were
there to cover took the stage it made all the trouble and frustration we were
having melt away. Every single band on the bill had amazing
performances and kept the crowd satisfied in spite of their short sets.
Three Days Grace was one of the opening bands we caught. I really
liked them but the security guards were being ridiculous about our passes that
we had but didn’t…did you get that? Anyway short version we did
not have a chance to photograph them. They put on an impressive show
though. People were still arriving during their set but they took it
in stride and performed like everyone was actually paying attention to them. Their
new single is kick ass too (“I hate everything”)! I know we will
be hearing more from them in the near future. Mark my words…..
At this show the exies performed the best set I have seen from them by far. Each
band member approached the stage with extreme enthusiasm and energy. They
ignored and looked past majority of the people in the crowd being passive and
sitting back in their seats talking amongst themselves and concented on people
in the lawn over 100 feet away who seemed to be enjoyoing their set the most. They
get 4.5 out of 5 stars!
They played a short but pleasing set including a new version of “Genious,”
their new single “Kickout”, “Can’t relate” and “My Goddess.” Genious
sounds great the way they performed it live. They gave it a harder
edge. I hope to hear it on a B side soon…hint hint!! Scott
interacted with the crowd and encouraged everyone to get up and let loose. At
this show I saw the exies I know and love. They made new fans and
impressed old ones at this show! Their performance was AMAZING I
can’t say it enough…..They get a 5 out of 5 stars!
Eve 6 was up next. They played a short set as well. Lead
singer Max accompanied with a new fro hair do captured much attention and put
the audience into a frenzy. Since this was a radio show they played
mostly their older hits like “Here’s to the Night, Inside Out, and
“Promise.” They only played two songs from their forthcoming
album Its All in Your Head including one of my favorites “At Least We’re
Dreaming.” They polished their set off with their latest single
“Think Twice.” I just love this band so despite what others think
of their live performance I still give them a 4.5 out of 5 stars!
Next up was Trapt. EVERYTIME I see these guys I fall more and more in
love with them. I have had the opportunity to see them quite a few
times this year. Their self-titled debut CD is one of the best I have
come across this year and they have a live show to match it. Their
set included their current single “Headstrong.” “These Walls,” “Made
of Glass,” “Still Frame,” and “The Game” were also included in their
performance. Trapt re energized the crowd who were by then beginning
to feel the exhaustion from the heat. It was great to see crowd feed
off of their energy and get back out of their seats for the majority of their
set. They get a 5 out of 5 stars!
Hoobastank was MUCH, MUCH, MUCH better than the previous time I saw them (back
in October). Their overall attitude seemed better. They
actually looked like they were having fun on stage and that is always good for
pleasing a crowd. They definitely made me a fan of their live performance in
Saratoga. 4 out of 5 stars.
Then
Evanescence took the stage. I don’t care what any one else says. I
think this band is amazing. I was looking forward to their set most of all
because literally their CD hasn’t been out of my player since we received it
in the mail. Amy Lee’s voice is gorgeous. I do not know
any other way to describe it. Their performance was very powerful and they
sounded great as well. I could tell that they are fairly new at
performing live because I do think they are missing a little something extra. BUT
Even though they do need to do a lot of growing in their live performance I
thought they were great. I can’t wait to see how they rock the
stage a year from now.
I could not think of a better way to end the day than with headliners STAIND. I
have seen this band many times live as well. This was the best I have
seen them perform. I do not know whether there was something in the
water at Saratoga that day or what but every band had excellent stage presence
and stamina INCLUDING Staind. When they first took the stage I was
ready to leave (due to the fact I have seen them 5 times and I had a long drive
home) but after they started I couldn’t help but notice that I was enjoying
myself and before I knew it the show was over. They seemed to be
having a great time as well. That is why I think they were so great. Lewis
is always deep in concentration during every song he sings but this time he
showed a lot more emotion. I along with the rest of the audience sang
along with every song and when they were done felt satisfied with the show. It
was a great ending to a long HOT day of music.
August 10, 2003