ADELITAS WAY AT THE STANHOPE HOUSE IN STANHOPE
Stanhope, NJ is a town filled with history going all the way back to the end of the 1700's. If you are driving through this town, you will see the beauty that has remained over previous decades, and the growth to this present day. One major landmark that any music buff would know is none other than The Stanhope House, the last Great American Roadhouse. Legendary artists such as Steve Ray Vaughn, Muddy Waters, Luther Johnson, Buddy Guy and other Blues/Rock artists have graced this stage, and to this day we still have amazing artists hitting it, one being Adelitas Way!
Fans of Adelitas Way know that this hard rock band (with a mix of grunge, metal and some punk rock sounds) is going to put on a show with some loud guitar and bass riffs, and screaming and echoing vocals accompanied by hard hitting drum beats. However, that isn't what happened at this show. The fans, including myself, were questioning why there were acoustic guitars on stage and why the stage was set up with 3 chairs behind the microphone stands. This typically indicates an acoustic show setup. Once the band made their way on stage and started rocking, we finally got our answer. Rick DeJesus (lead vocals) explained that during sound check the feedback was one major issue, with a few other technical issues having to all deal with the sound. This was simply due to the size of the venue and the type of ceiling in place. The tin styled ceiling tiles and low level ceiling were causing the majority of the issues, thus having the band and crew decide that changing this to an acoustic set would be the best solution for all. This solution was just that and more! Attending a show that is part of a tour and having an unexpected surprise like this is truly epic. Ever since Nirvana's Unplugged, for me, when you get to hear a song you love in an acoustic version it really is something to remember. For a band to be able to do that, and fans to still love the song (if not even more), just goes to show how amazing these musicians are with both their instruments and the passion that is inside them. This also gives the fact that true talent and professionals can completely change plans in a moment’s notice, with the most important issue of keeping fans happy and not having to cancel a show.
From starting with “Sick”, followed by other hits “Still Hungry”, “Bad Reputation” and “Alive”, this acoustic set was pure fire! Rick, Tavis (lead guitar and backing vocals), Tre (drums), and Andrew (bass guitar and backing vocals) rocked this acoustic set and were completely engaged with their fans and guests the entire night. From walking onto the stage, during their entire performance, as well as immediately after their set finished, these guys gave their loyal fans and new comers a night to remember. Going to a show and expecting a hard rock set, but being treated to something that none of the other fans and shows (both prior this one and the shows to follow during this tour) were going to get is both a great moment to be a part of and a hell of a memory to look back on! To top it all off, the entire band decided to hang with their fans immediately after the show. This was, yet again, a perfect show to shoot and be a part of!
This show was unique from start to finish. The atmosphere set the mood, the sound was perfect for this acoustic set, stage presence was spot on giving the change of plans, and the crowd was loving every moment of it. Their set ended with 2 of their massive hits, “Notorious” and “Invincible”. Right when you thought “Invincible” was about to end, Tavis started shredding his guitar solo as normally heard in the song, but added a much longer and astonishing solo. This left the fans with more than they expected and wanting to rock out to even more! Even though this tour has come to an end, I strongly encourage you to keep your eyes open for Adelitas Way on their next tour. If there is a show in your area, you need to check them out! Adelitas Way does not disappoint. Until next time, rock on everyone!