STAIND
Riverbend Music Center – Cincinnati, OH
May 25, 2025
It was a cool and beautiful evening for a concert at Riverbend at the end of May… you never know what weather might greet you this time of year. On entering the venue, the first incredibly noticeable thing was the massive line and throng of people to purchase merchandise. Sales were strong that’s for sure. The crowd was a solid mix of 20’s through 50’s, with a few kids tagging along with the parents. And it was packed! Opening acts for the show were Lakeview and Wage War. Both bands played about 30 minutes and did a fine job of energizing the crowd.
The first of the main attractions to perform was Staind. A curtain draped in front of the stage got the crowd on their feet, and instantaneous cheering when that curtain dropped. Staind came out geared up and ready. Performing “Lowest in Me” to start the show, the mix was great and each member really seemed to be on top of their game. Solid performances all around. Staind kept things rocking performing such popular songs as “Epiphany,” “Right Here,” “Outside,” “So Far Away,” and “It’s Been Awhile.” They also managed to include some that are popular with the “in” crowd of the band, “Something to Remind You,” “Wannabe,” and one that everyone loves, “Mudshovel.”
Aaron filled the air with his amazing lyrics and smooth, yet raspy vocals. The man can go from mellow to mosh on a dime, and he did so many times throughout the evening. The band never missed a beat or a note, and the show was “tight” musically, yet loose and incredibly enjoyable. Aaron isn’t that singer that has to hold the mic out for the audience to cover any vocal inadequacies. No… but he does for audience participation on a perfectly acceptable level. I mean, who at concert doesn’t want to sing along if for just a line of a chorus!
Once again, Staind provided a concert you’ll always remember. One that was fun, with a solid song choice, great band and vocals, and a great mix.
Setlist
– Lowest in Me
– Play Video
– Eyes Wide Open
– Play Video
– Fade
– Play Video
– Right Here
– Play Video
– Not Again
– Play Video
– Epiphany
– Play Video
– Something to Remind You
– Play Video
– Wannabe
– Play Video
– Outside
– Play Video
– Better Days
– Play Video
– Paper Wings
– Play Video
– So Far Away
– Play Video
– For You
– Play Video
– It’s Been Awhile
– Play Video
– Mudshovel
