Xfinity Theater in Hartford, Connecticut played host to a pair of big shows this past weekend. The Breaking Benjamin tour kicked the weekend off Friday night. Breaking Benjamin alone was enough to draw a crowd worthy of the 25 year old LiveNation venue. However, when you add the likes of Canadian rockers Three Days Grace and relative newcomer Dorothy to the bill, you’re in for a hefty crowd.
Dorothy is a five year old rock band out of Los Angeles. Lead singer Dorothy Martin has a voice that is powerful yet melodic much like that of Amy Lee of Evanescence. The band behind the voice is equally strong. They are an all around talented band with an amazing stage presence. Because of this, they will no doubt be a force to be reckoned with in the music business in the not too distant future. Dorothy has been influenced by a wide range of music. They blend genres from country to blues to hard rock into a hypnotic and energizing sound. Dorothy was formed in 2014 and has two studio albums to their name. You don’t want to miss this incredible band so keep your eyes out for them!
Three Days Grace hit the stage next. Not new to the industry, they still attack the stage with the ferocity of an upcoming band trying to make a name. Lead Singer Matt Walst moved about the stage like a caged animal while drummer Neil Sanderson regularly encouraged the audience to get vocal. Thanks to this actions, the crowd obliged with wild cheering and raised fists. Their set consisted of songs from throughout their life as a band. “Animal I Have Become” was a crowd favorite. This song is great in it’s own right, but because a bit of the White Stripes’ song “Seven Nation Army” was added, it became special. Three Days Grace played as if they were the headliners of the show and it’s easy to see why their fan base is so loyal.
The anticipation grew between sets and there was a feeling of electricity in the air. Headliners Breaking Benjamin started the show behind a large curtain which dropped as strains of “Red Cold River” began. They played a consistently solid set as is their trademark. Lead singer Benjamin Burnley was in rare form this evening. He bantered with the audience and brought several audience members to view the show from the stage. Breaking Benjamin kicked things up a notch mid-way through the main set. They delighted fans with a medley consisting of ‘Enter Sandman,’ ‘The Imperial March,’ ‘Cowboys from Hell,’ ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit,’ and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. Breaking Benjamin gave their fans a show that will not soon be forgotten. They had pyrotechnics and a memorable backdrop and lighting. However, those elements were not needed. Their music was strong enough to carry the show.
Fans of any one of the bands left the venue knowing they got their money’s worth. Because each band put on a great set, Hartford was certainly treated to a great night of music. The weekend began with a musical bang!
Three Days Grace Set List Hartford, CT 8/2/2019
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The Mountain
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Home
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The Good Life
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Pain
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Infra-Red
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Break
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I Hate Everything About You
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Animal I Have Become(with ‘Seven Nation Army’ snippet)
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Never Too Late
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Riot
Breaking Benjamin Set List Hartford, CT 8/2/2019
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Red Cold River
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I Will Not Bow
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Never Again
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Breath
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Sugarcoat
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Polyamorous
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The Imperial March / Cowboys From Hell / Smells Like Teen Spirit / Bohemian Rhapsody / Enter Sandman / Bulls On Parade / Drum Solo
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Sooner or Later
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Blow Me Away
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So Cold
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Tourniquet
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Angels Fall
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Dance With the Devil
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Failure
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Torn in Two
Encore
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Rain
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The Diary of Jane