On September 19, the sweltering heat didn't deter local music fans from flocking to Tempe Beach Park in droves. While day one and two of Arizona's Fall Frenzy were more mild, the last day (technically not part of the event) was all about rock and heavy metal.
Sponsored by KUPD, The Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar tour rounded out the weekend of music, with bands like Hellyeah, Halestorm, AIrbourne, Stone Sour, Avenged Sevenfold and Disturbed.
Favorites included Hellyeah, with their ever-fist-pumping country sleaze metal anthems and patriotism. Tribute was provided to Dimebag Darrell of course, with plenty of energy directed out to the panting crowd. They were my personal favorite of the evening.
Halestorm was impressive, particularly lead singer Lzzy Hale and the drummer, her younger brother Archie. Between tossing his drumsticks into the air with sheer glee, peeling off layers of clothing and wigs, and the duo-drumming on trash cans, the pair brought a great range of popular tracks and excitement to the crowd. At one point, Lzzy calmed down for a red wine pouring tribute to dead rock legends.
Stone Sour, the "soft side" of Corey Taylor, were on point but became increasingly boring compared to the other headbanger acts. Corey's heart and passion were in it, particularly for recently deceased friend and band-mate Paul Gray. Unfortunately it didn't seem like the crowd's heart was.
By the time Avenged Sevenfold hit the stage, the sun had gone down and the crowd was rejuvenated with cooler air and increasing anticipation. Always the heavy metal w**res, the band kicked off the show with a shocking mock hanging (at least it was to me!), constant pyrotechnics, colorful video and famous one liners from Shadows about being "ready to rock" and "it's hella toasty out here!".
The guitars were impressive as always, with the Iron Maiden and Pantera-inspired shenanigans from Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance. Avenged paid tribute as well to their former rock gods, with Pantera t-shirts and acoustic solos. Former Dream Theater stick-man Mike Portnoy who took over for Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan on this tour, passionately expressed is loyalty to the band's deceased drummer during the solo with sticks waving in the air.
Disturbed was the finale of the evening, sticking to their typical radio-metal set list. The brought a lot of political patriotism to the day, almost on overload at times.
Overall, the day was productive for heavy metal and rock fans despite the high temperatures. But I'd have to say that Halestorm, Hellyeah and Avenged Sevenfold were among the favorites.
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