Volbeat’s Servant Of The Road World Tour Hits Connecticut
Located in Southeastern Connecticut, The Mohegan Tribal Nation continues to present outstanding concerts and entertainment programs of all varieties. Volbeat, along with opening act Halestorm, treated those in attendance to an incredible night of hard-hitting and entertaining rock at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT.
Halestorm is no stranger to the friendly confines of Mohegan Sun. As lead singer Lzzy Hale told the crowd, they first played at Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den Theater back in 2008. There seemed to be as many Halestorm t-shirts at the venue as there were Volbeat shirts, if not more! No small accomplishment for an opening act. The band has a large and adoring following that continues to grow. Lzzy and her brother Arejay began writing and performing original music in 1997 when they were 13 and 10 years old, respectively. Halestorm’s lineup is rounded out by lead guitarist Joe Hottinger (2003) and Josh Smith on bass (2004). They have released 5 studio albums which got more impressive as time the years progressed.
From the show opener, “I Miss The Misery”, the band’s high-energy set grabbed the crowd and never let go. The energy of Lzzy’s voice is matched only by her stage presence. Arejay’s maniacal drumming is as much fun to watch as it is to hear. Hottinger and Smith hold the band firmly anchored with their strong no-nonsense playing. The band was accompanied by their fans enthusiastically singing along. It was an opening set (set list at bottom) that revved the crowd and prepared them for what was to follow.
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The crowd at the arena erupted when Danish metal purveyors, Volbeat, took the stage. Formed in Copenhagen in 2001, the band’s musical style is a fusion of rock, heavy metal, punk, and rockabilly, creating a unique sound that sets them apart from other bands in the metal genre. Volbeat was founded by vocalist and guitarist Michael Poulsen, who had previously been a member of the band Dominus. Poulsen wanted to explore a different musical direction and decided to start his own project much to the delight of Volbeat’s followers. Poulsen’s tattoos and vest patches attest to the variety of influences that have shaped his musical stylings. Artists from Elvis, to Johnny Cash, to Social Distortion, to Slayer have influenced this eclectic frontman. The band’s lyrics often touch on themes of love, relationships, rebellion, and sometimes even history and mythology. This combination of lyrical depth and diverse musical influences contributes to their widespread appeal.
Continuing the level of intensity that Halestorm brought to the venue was no small feat, but Volbeat succeeded magnificently! Considering that long-time lead guitarist Rob Caggiano left the band a few months ago makes this more impressive. True to the entertainment business credo, “The Show Must Go On”, the band kept their tour schedule and hit the road with The Arcane Order’s Flemming Lund taking Caggiano’s place. Given the short amount of time, Lund had to learn his parts, he performed amazingly!
The musicianship of the entire band showed itself throughout the entire set. With his thin mustache and wire-rimmed glasses, bassist Kaspar Boye Larsen looks more like a car salesman than a bassist in a metal band. However, his playing belie his looks! His driving bass lines are every bit as good as any in the genre. Drummer Jon Larsen is equally proficient at his craft. The pair make a rhythm section that has the spirit and stamina that makes Volbeat the powerful band that they are.
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Sadly, the latest US tour has come to an end with no further 2023 touring dates listed on their website. Halestorm has a few US dates remaining before they head off to play a European tour which will no doubt be one not to miss!
Set Lists 8/3/2023 Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, Connecticut
