CITIZEN SOLDIER WITH SPECIAL GUESTS ICON FOR HIRE, SKYDXDDY, AND KEITH WALLEN: SAVE YOUR STORY TOUR 2024 AT THE CONCOURSE IN KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2024
July 31, 2024
Concert Review
By Raven: Photographer/Writer
Keith Wallen
As the clock ticked closer to 7:30 p.m., the excitement in the air was electric, and everyone was excited for an unforgettable night of music! Who better to kick things off than the incredible Keith Wallen! This guy is no stranger to the stage, and he dove right into the spotlight with his freshly released single, “Blackout.” From the moment he started, you could feel the energy radiating from the stage, sweeping through the packed venue like a wave of pure adrenaline!
Keith was looking sharp with his new blonde hair, and let me tell you, his vocals were as powerful as ever! It’s hard to believe he’s been touring constantly, lending his guitar skills and voice to “Breaking Benjamin” for the past decade, but he showed no signs of slowing down. The band was a powerhouse, with Mike “Cowboy” on lead guitar, Blake on drums, and Nick on bass, creating a tight and explosive sound. They truly are a force to be reckoned with! Their music hit home with so many in the crowd, offering relatable lyrics that deeply connected with fans.
However, his incredible interaction with the audience made Keith’s performance stand out. At one point, he leaped off the stage and came closer to the crowd, bringing the energy closer to the fans. He was right there, sharing smiles and making everyone feel like part of the show! It was such a thrilling moment, and you could see the joy on everyone’s faces as they sang along, feeling that personal connection.
By the time Keith wrapped up his set, it was clear that he had won over a whole new legion of fans! The crowd was so pumped that you could hear chants for an encore ringing out long after he left the stage. It was a thrilling start to the night, setting the tone for what was sure to be an epic evening of music. I couldn’t wait to see what was next!
Keith Wallen – Vocals/Guitar
Mike “Cowboy” Warren – Guitar
Blake Bailey – Drums
Nick Bedrosian – Bass/Vocals
Setlist:
Blackout
Nemesis
Crush Me
Strings
Infinity
The Wolf
Dream Away
Headspace Holiday
SkyDxddy
Next up was the dynamic SkyDxddy, straight from the vibrant city of Austin, Texas! This solo artist is a breath of fresh air in the music scene, blending mental health themes with a punk rock edge and an infectious hip-hop/rap twist. As she strutted onto the stage, she introduced herself in the most memorable way possible, declaring, “I’m a lesbian with daddy issues!”—and just like that, she had the whole crowd roaring.
SkyDxddy’s rise to fame has been fueled by her authentic social media presence, where she shares her personal struggles and triumphs. Fans from all walks of life connect with her message online and in person. When she kicked off her set, her powerful voice filled the venue, resonating with everyone in attendance. You could practically feel the energy pulsating through the air as fans sang along passionately to her tracks, each lyric striking a chord deep within.
Throughout her set, SkyDxddy made it a point to engage with the crowd, sharing heartfelt stories about the issues she holds dear. She opened up about her experiences, reminding everyone they are not alone in their struggles. This raw honesty created an intimate atmosphere, allowing fans to feel a genuine connection with her. Between songs, she encouraged the audience to embrace their individuality and to take pride in who they are, making it clear that her music is not just for entertainment but a safe space for healing and empowerment.
SkyDxddy’s energy was infectious, and as she transitioned from one anthem to the next, you could see the crowd transform into a sea of enthusiastic fans, dancing and singing their hearts out. It was a celebration of life, resilience, and authenticity, and you could tell that everyone left her set feeling a little lighter and a lot more empowered. With every note, she broke down barriers and spread a message of hope.
SkyDxddy -Vocals
Setlist:
God Of War
Iconic
MONSTERS INK
BATTLEFIELD
Triggered
Don’t Talk About It (Sad Version)
Crazy Side
For The Misfits
Why Do I Stay?
Icon For Hire
After two incredible performances, it was time for the powerhouse trio Icon For Hire to take the stage, and they did not disappoint! These rockers burst onto the scene, bringing their unique style and high-octane energy perfectly matching the night’s vibe. As they kicked off their set, you could feel the excitement rippling through the crowd—everyone was ready to rock out!
Ariel, the charismatic frontwoman, instantly captured everyone’s attention with her distinctive look and dynamic presence. She was a whirlwind of energy, darting from one side of the stage to the other, keeping the momentum alive and the audience fully engaged. You couldn’t help but get swept up in her enthusiasm! The band was on fire, with their original tracks and some killer covers that had everyone singing along. They put their own spin on Linkin Park’s “Bleed It Out” and a mashup of “Now You Know” with Eminem’s iconic “Lose Yourself.” The crowd went wild—talk about a nostalgic blast!
The band members’ chemistry was electric, and their smiles were contagious, spreading joy and excitement throughout the venue. You could see how much they loved performing, and it was impossible not to feel the same way at that moment. Each song packed a punch, and the power behind every chord resonated with the audience, making it clear that Icon For Hire was truly in their element.
As the night progressed, it became evident that this was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of music, connection, and raw energy. The crowd was fully invested, dancing and singing along, creating an atmosphere that was nothing short of exhilarating. With Icon For Hire on stage, the night was just getting started, and everyone was ready to keep the good times rolling.
Ariel Bloomer – Vocals
Shawn Jump – Guitar/Keys
Brian Sumwalt – Drums
Setlist:
Cynics & Critics
Get Well
Pulse
The Grey
Last One Standing
Bleed It Out (Linkin Park Cover)
Now You Know/Lose Yourself (Eminem Cover)
Make A Move
Ready For Combat
Venom
Citizen Soldier
As the night wound down and the energy in the room hit a fever pitch, it was time for the grand finale: Citizen Soldier hitting the stage for their final show of the tour! This band has built a massive following, largely thanks to their impactful social media presence, where they share powerful snippets of their songs that resonate deeply with their audience. But let me tell you, they don’t just shine online—they absolutely crush it live!
From the moment vocalist Jake stepped up to the mic, his powerful voice filled the venue, matching the intensity of the videos that have captivated so many fans. Citizen Soldier has a unique focus on mental health, and their songs deliver messages that are not just entertaining but incredibly meaningful. Jake, who also works as a trauma counselor, shared heartfelt stories with the crowd throughout their set, emphasizing that no one has to face their struggles alone.
One message that really stood out was Jake’s insight into the healing process. He pointed out that while many people often talk about their past traumas, the focus should also be on celebrating the successes of survivors. It was a powerful reminder that healing isn’t just about overcoming obstacles; it’s about recognizing and honoring the amazing things people achieve afterward. His advice? Just be present and listen. In those moments, it felt like everyone in the room was not just a concertgoer but part of a supportive community—something extraordinary!
Even with these poignant moments between songs, Citizen Soldier kept the energy soaring, knocking out hit after hit. Each song was a cathartic anthem, with everyone singing along, and by the time they wrapped up their set, the crowd was buzzing. Of course, they couldn’t leave without treating us to an encore, and when they returned to the stage, the excitement was palpable!
Jake had promised earlier in the night that he would stick around after the show to meet fans, and boy, did he deliver! As they exited the stage, the line of concertgoers waiting to meet him snaked around the inside of the venue, proving that he’s a man of his word. The smiles on people’s faces as they chatted with him were priceless, creating a perfect ending to an unforgettable night. Citizen Soldier indeed left it all on the stage, and their commitment to connecting with their fans made this concert an experience to remember!
Jake Segura – Vocals/Songwriting
Matt Duffney – Guitar
Kooper Hanosky – Guitar
Kyle Persell – Drums
ＷＯＮＩＴＴＡ – Bass/Keys
Setlist:
Save Your Story
Face To Face
Everybody Hates You
Strong For Somebody Else
Where Were You
My Own Miracle
You Are Enough (Piano only – Wonitta)
Tattoos (Piano only – Wonitta)
Heavy (Featuring SkyDxddy)
Dead-End Life
Wired For Worthless
Victim or Survivor (Featuring Ariel Bloomer from Icon For Hire)
Afterlife
ENCORE:
Burden (Piano only – Wonitta)
Would Anyone Care (Piano only – Wonitta)
Thank You For Hating Me
As the night came to a close, it was clear that we had just experienced something truly special. The energy in the venue was electric, and the camaraderie among concertgoers created an unforgettable atmosphere that wrapped us all in a sense of community. From Keith Wallen’s high-octane opening to SkyDxddy’s empowering anthems and Icon For Hire’s explosive performance, each act brought their own unique magic to the stage, leaving us on an exhilarating high.
Citizen Soldier’s powerful closing set was the cherry on top, reminding us of the importance of connection and resilience. Jake’s heartfelt stories and the band’s focus on mental health resonated deeply, leaving us with not only incredible memories but also valuable insights and a sense of hope. It was a night filled with music, laughter, and the kind of emotional release that only a live concert can provide.
A massive thank you goes out to Ember South Entertainment for orchestrating such a fantastic show! Your dedication to bringing these talented artists to the stage made for an unforgettable experience we’ll all cherish. Here’s to more nights like this—full of passion, connection, and the magic of live music! Until next time, keep rocking and supporting these incredible artists!
Citizen Soldier:
Keith Wallen:
Icon For Hire:
SkyDxddy:
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