“Painted on my memories.
Even if you’re not with me, I’m with you”
I’m back. We left off with Products of Rage in direct support and after a brief intermission and a quick and amazing sing-along of “I want it that way” (No, I’m not kidding. You had to be there), I channeled my inner Baby Yoda and it was time to rock. Yes, In The End took the stage. No, they did not come to play around.
Let me start off by saying two very important things I’ve learned. One, energy is so incredibly important. Two, a connection is the glue. So where Products of Rage had started the night by reminding us that its okay to Rage Against The Machine, In The End connects to your inner child. That one that was hurt, let down, kicked around by life, and overall filled with that angst that we have all known at one time or another. The difference is that they are paying tribute to artists that put those feelings into song, at least for me anyway.
For those of you that are/were Linkin Park fans, you know what I speak of. Chester and the rest of the boys of Linkin Park put into words emotions when we couldn’t, at least they did for me. While I would have to say that my absolute favorite track from them is “My December”. There are so many titles throughout the band’s time together that resonated with me, especially off of the Hybrid Theory album. Sadly, Chester, the lead vocalist, took his life five years ago and has since become one of the many victims of mental health. For that reason, a tribute band like In The End continues on where Linkin Park cannot, keeping alive one light, at a time where they seem to be going out far too soon.
Let me tell you how amazing it has been to cover this band. Yes, I have had the pleasure of having them in front of my lens on two occasions, and each time I’ve come away more impressed than the last. To see the level of connection they have with the audience. Seeing fans and how they get lost in the energy, the songs, the music. It’s such a beautiful thing that makes such an impact on me. Yes, the sound is there but for me, what hits me the most is that connection. Seeing them reach out to hold the fan’s hands and the tears that have fallen. It’s something that I have not really witnessed in live performances.
That being said, I myself get lost behind the lens, feeling emotions not only from my younger years but picking up off the energy from the crow. There were so many images, especially with them having invited me on stage with them. I was in my own moment of Zen taking it all in. Needless to say, there were a lot of images I turned over to them, and even curating them for my album share on Facebook was a bit of an undertaking. Still, I got through it and there is quite the collection for you all to view on my Facebook page.
I also did round up my favorites for you all here to summarize the experience in hopes that you will see what I saw. Now, I do typically try and do top 5’s as you may already know but for these guys and this night, that was not happening. So here they are, my top 15 of the evening. Of course there is more to see on my page. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do and let it be known that I certainly recommend checking In The End playing live if you can.
