Music Existence Because of Music, We Exist
Seeing Breaking Benjamin “Unplugged” at Emo’s in Austin, Texas last night was exactly what I needed. With midterms approaching in the next week, going to see one of the best live performers helped me push my stress aside even if it was only for a few hours. Upon taking the stage, the band looked out at the crowd and shared their brightest smiles with the fans in front of them. “I want you to let go of all the shit you are dealing with right now in your life,” Benjamin challenged. Cheers immediately followed the request, leading to an exhilarating beginning of “So Cold.”
Once the song began, fans in the crowd cheered louder, letting the excitement rush through their bodies as they prepared to sing along. THIS is what concerts are all about- the excitement and the happiness that the music unmasks. A huge advantage of “unplugged” shows is that 1) they are more personal (especially BB shows) 2) the sound is clearer 3) you can relax and rock out at the same time.
Throughout the night, the band kept the crowd (very) entertained with the usual humor that we all know if we have ever been to their other shows. Breaking Benjamin enjoys spending time with their fans in the crowd. Now that I think of it, I don’t think I have ever been to another show where the artist/band carries on conversations with their fans in the crowd as much as Breaking Benjamin does. From announcing that the lead singer, Benjamin himself, has to pee and that he has “been holding it since ‘Give Me a Sign’” to telling stories of the past, making the crowd burst with laughter, one can see that this band is no ordinary band. They are a group of genuine individuals and musicians who make you feel welcomed and a part of the show and who care deeply for the people who helped them get to where they are today, and what is very much appreciated is the fact that they show this love at every single show they play.
Breaking Benjamin’s music brings back old memories of when my dad and I would take trips in the car. “Breath” would come on our alternative rock radio station, and we would both gladly sing along. I’m thankful the band played many of their older songs but also played a few from their newest album, Dark Before Dawn. If you ask me, the setlist couldn’t have been better. I can imagine the people who attended the show last night would agree with me on this one since they were singing every lyric effortlessly. From “Polyamorous” all the way to “Ashes of Eden,” the setlist consisted of songs from all albums, forcing the audience to anticipate the next song again and again.
If I could describe the show in one word, I would say it was “phenomenal.” Breaking Benjamin never ceases to amaze me.
Be sure to catch them on their “Unplugged” tour before it ends on November 7, 2017. They will be going on tour with Avenged Sevenfold and Bullet For My Valentine beginning January 12, 2018. You can find tickets to both tours here.
Also, don’t forget to follow the band’s social media for updates on tours, merch, etc.:
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Here are a few shots from the show:
