WDHA'S ROCK THE ROCK FEST AT PRUDENTIAL CENTER IN NEWARK
Seether and Staind delivered a powerhouse performance at WDHA's Rock the Rock Fest on April 25, 2024, igniting the stage at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. The evening was a celebration of rock music from the past to the present, with both bands delivering captivating sets that left the audience buzzing with excitement. As Seether and Staind took on the 2 headlining spots, this year’s lineup also included The Struts, Dayseeker, Ayron Jones, Plush, and Tim Montana.
Seether, known for their hard-hitting grunge sound and emotionally stimulating lyrics, kicked off their night with in an explosive and epic style. “Gasoline” followed by “Fine Again” and into the all-time classic “Broken”, lead vocalist Shaun Morgan commanded the stage with his raw energy and mesmerizing vocals, captivating the crowd from the first note to the last. As soon as “Broken” began, I literally felt like I was in a time warp and brought back to the early 2000’s. Hits like "Wasteland", "Fake It", and "Remedy" had fans singing along at the top of their lungs and whipping those devil horns in the air. Seether's performance, along with the energy between the fellow band members, set the perfect tone for an unforgettable evening of rock music.
Following Seether's stellar performance, Staind took the stage and delivered a set that was nothing short of mesmerizing. This was my second time seeing Staind perform within the past 12 months and there literally isn’t any way to truly explain just how great they are. Lead singer Aaron Lewis' haunting vocals filled the arena, moving all the fans in attendance to an emotional landscape. A landscape flooded with memories from past to present and giving each individual a way to scream along to each song and release all raw emotions from within. The band's signature blend of heavy riffs and melodic introspection was on full display, with hits like "It's Been Awhile", "So Far Away", and "Outside" resonating deeply with the audience. Staind's performance was a testament to their enduring impact on the rock genre, as well as their ability to connect with fans on a deep and intense level.
I met a couple from Brazil that was sitting in front of me. The gentleman did not speak English as he had just arrived in the US about 6 months ago. The woman he was with was also from Brazil, but has been living here in the states for years now. I would watch as some of my favorites were being played, and this woman was literally smiles from ear to ear, signing along to each lyric, and sharing her amazing and joyful time with me as she would keep turning around to high five me and lean in with one arm around her friend and the other around me. Three people who were complete strangers and from different parts of the world were quickly and easily brought together by the simplicity of enjoying music.
Together, Seether and Staind delivered a night of rock music that will be remembered for years to come. Their passionate performances and undeniable talent reaffirmed their status as two of the most influential bands in modern rock. WDHA's Rock the Rock Fest was a testament to the enduring power of live music, and Seether and Staind proved once again why they are the legends they have become and always will be.