On a hot, steamy and sold out night at Blossom Music Center, on of the best sounding live bands played middleman band.  Staind, followed Chris Daughtry and played just before Nickelback but there was no shortage of fans on hand to cheer on the guys. 
Taking the stage at about 8:10, those standing in the long, long beer line heard the opening note of ‘Falling’ and came running to their seats…I don’t believe that anyone sat down during their set.  It was good to see the support of the fans for Staind.
Now, not having the whole stage to themselves (Nickelback gave them about 1/3 of the stage) was no problem for Staind’s axeman Mike Mushok.  As a matter of fact, I’m surprised that it could contain his level of energy.  He and his custom Ibanez ruled the roost.  If you want to talk about guitarist who have fun on stage, you’d have to include him right up there with Angus Young of AC/DC.   Watching him alone was worth the price of admission (and a $10 beer).
Aaron Lewis and the other guys weren’t slouches either.  The energy these guys brought to the stage was nothing short of amazing.   Aaron took time between songs to thank the fans for allowing Staind to be around as long as they have, he was very sincere and very humble, a statement that was greeted by cheers and applause.
The sing alongs were also amazing, it was as if everyone at the sold out show knew every word to every song, after all, I do, shouldn’t't they?  There were even times when Aaron let the audience sing without him.  It was a great night and a great show.  Put Staind on your ‘next time there here I have to see them’ list, or just kick yourself in the ass for missing it.
The set-list:
Falling
Crawl
So Far
Fade
Open Your Eyes
Epiphany
King Of All Excuses
For You
Outside
Right Here
IBAW
Mud
——-
No Encore