Korn & Breaking Benjamin – 1/25/20
▣SNHU Arena | Manchester, NH ▣Saturday, January 25th 2020
Rock bands Korn and Breaking Benjamin played in front of a sold-out crowd last Saturday night in Manchester New Hampshire. Both bands celebrating over 20 years of rocking shows, this concert has proved why they have been so successful for the past two decades.
Crowds filled the streets near the arena, making their way into the venue to try and avoid the rain. The large crowds, plus the heavy rain, made for some confusion at the doors and unfortunately kept me from seeing tonight’s special guest and opening band, Bones UK. Which was a big disappointment, because these guys are the real deal! I caught the Grammy-nominated trio a couple years back, and they blew me away. You can check out that review here. So, do yourself a favor and make sure to check those guys out next time they come around. I put a link down below.
I finally made my way to the photo pit area just in time for Breaking Benjamin. The veteran band came out, and quite honestly, I don’t remember them ever sounding this good. It’s been over 13 years since I last saw them play. The five-piece band has integrated some raw sounding qualities that can not be denied, and I was truly enjoying watching them at work.
Founder and frontman, Benjamin Burnley, at one point said he was the happiest when he was performing in front of their fans, and he wants to keep doing it until he dies. And, if that did happen, he hoped he would die on stage singing the next song as he took us into one of the biggest hits from their catalog, The Diary of Jane. He asked the crowd to sing along with him, and they happily obliged by singing word for word – this performance got them a standing ovation. Another highlight was when they performed So Cold. I’ve always loved that song, and I really enjoyed seeing them play it live. As loud cheers filled the arena, the band closed with I Will Not Bow. They had put on a great performance for their fans, it was definitely a memorable one.
It was time for Korn, and as I waited for the curtain to come down, I couldn’t help but feeling excited for their set to begin. It’s been a few years since I last saw them play, and they have become one of my favorite bands to watch live. Making a statement for their fans, the band opened with their 2002 hit, Here To Stay. That led to hit after hit from Blind, Shoots and Ladders, Somebody Someone, Make Me Bad to Freak on a Leash.
They played only the best from their repertoire, and kicked some major ass doing it. Singing and loud cheers filled the venue, putting the crowd on their toes all night. These guys are all so talented, and to be perfectly honest, I love watching Jonathan Davis perform. From his bagpipe playing to his growls and dancing – this guy is a BEAST! Not to mention how great of a singer, and entertainer he truly is.
Davis thanked the crowd for all the support over the past 25 years, something you can tell he is profoundly proud of. Highlights for me- well, their entire set. But I also really enjoyed watching them perform 4 U, which I have never seen them play live, and Davis sang it so passionately. The band closed with Falling Away From Me, and it was another amazing performance from Korn.
It truly was an amazing night in Manchester, and one that would rock the venue and city for days to come. My advice… their Winter 2020 Tour still running, so if you happen to see it coming near you, I highly suggest you grab a ticket. These rock giants are not to be missed! I put the rest of the tour dates below. Until next time…
Review & Photos: Carlos Londono
Check out the band’s website for more info!
BREAKING BENJAMIN
KORN
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