Photos and review by: Nate Follmer
Edited by: Morgan Kohler
I love an outdoor, late summer show at Stage AE, and I can’t think of a better way to end the 2024 outdoor season (for me anyway) than with a good, old-fashioned rock show put on by All That Remains, Mudvayne and Megadeth.
All That Remains kicked off the evening with a technical and heavy set that showcased what makes them great. Frontman Phil Labonte’s charismatic stage presence and powerful vocals immediately captivated the crowd. That charisma was put to the test as Phil started doing stand up comedy for a few minutes during some technical issues. Even with a shortened set, All That Remains did exactly what an opener was supposed to do, and they did it well. The circle pits were spinning and the crowd surfers were coming over the barricade from the first note to the last.
Next up, Mudvayne took the stage, and their return to the limelight was nothing short of electrifying. The band’s theatrical and relentless energy translated into a vibrant performance that had the crowd moving from the get-go. Forget what you’ve seen on the internet over the last few years about Lead Singer Chad Gray. I’d say he’s now in the best shape of his life. His stage presence was intense. Chad never stopped moving, never missed a note or scream, and was conversing with the crowd between each song. Mudvayne is back and better than ever.
What can I say about Megadeth that hasn’t already been said? I knew they were going to put on an amazing show, and they did just that. Dave Mustaine’s unmistakable guitar work and sharp lyrics resonated throughout Stage AE as they launched into classics like “The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead!” and “Hangar 18.” The band’s technical abilities were on full display, with jaw-dropping solos and tight rhythms that showcased their legendary status. Dave has been making music for longer than I’ve been alive, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Each band brought their unique flair, yet they all shared a common thread: a passion for heavy music that has transcended generations. I saw kids that couldn’t have been more than 10 years old; teens in Megadeth shirts headbanging in the front row; and older fans using canes, walkers and scooters. It was amazing to see such a wide array of people coming together to celebrate their common passion for music. Overall, the concert was a thrilling experience for fans, old and new alike.