Staind at Pine knob Music Theater
Breaking Benjamin’s recent performance at Pine Knob was a letdown for many longtime fans. Despite the band's musical history and strong catalog, the night was plagued by several distractions that detracted from what could have been a solid rock show. For starters, the massive air conditioning units placed on stage were a puzzling sight, creating an odd backdrop that didn't match the gritty, intense vibe their music is known for. Instead of drawing the audience into their performance, it felt like a barrier—literally and figuratively—between the band and the crowd.
Adding to the disappointment was frontman Benjamin Burnley’s off-stage antics. Throughout the show, he was seen frequently hitting his vape, which seemed out of place during the emotional moments of their set. To make matters worse, he struggled to get his Instagram Live working mid-performance, which disrupted the flow of the show.
Ultimately, these distractions overshadowed the music. The constant breaks for vaping turned what should have been an epic night into an awkward, disjointed experience. Instead of engaging with the audience and keeping the energy high, the band’s focus on these unrelated elements made the night feel less like a rock concert and more like an uncomfortable behind-the-scenes rehearsal. Fans left feeling underwhelmed, hoping for a more professional show next time.
Staind's performance at Pine Knob delivered a solid night of hard rock with a raw intensity that the band is known for. Kicking off their set with "Lowest In Me," Staind immediately tapped into the emotional energy that has defined their career. Fans were treated to a mix of their classic hits and newer material from their latest album Confessions of the Fallen. Standouts included "Mudshovel" and "So Far Away," which sparked massive sing-alongs from the audience.
The band's gritty performance, led by frontman Aaron Lewis, felt both nostalgic and cathartic. Lewis's vocals, particularly on tracks like "Right Here" and "Not Again," displayed a raw vulnerability that resonated deeply with the crowd. The band has clearly embraced their darker, more introspective sound, and it was on full display as the night progressed. The atmosphere during "Something to Remind You," their closing track, was a poignant end to the set, as fans swayed under the night sky at Pine Knob
Though the energy remained consistently high throughout the show, some fans noted that the setlist leaned heavily on mid-tempo tracks, which occasionally caused the energy to dip. Still, Staind's tight musicianship and Lewis's commanding stage presence more than compensated for these moments, making the performance a memorable one for those in attendance