LIVE: BREAKING BENJAMIN – October 8, 2017

Venue: The Mill & Mine

City: Knoxville, TN

Date: October 8, 2017

Review and Photographs by: Rachel Craig (rachelcraigphotos.net)

Breaking Benjamin brought their Unplugged tour to Knoxville once again, and these shows are a fan favorite. The tour always features Breaking Benjamin by themselves, rocking an 18-song acoustic set that shows off the talents of all members. The beginning of the show was actually delayed because so many fans were still waiting to get into the venue. The Mill & Mine is one of my favorite venues in Knoxville, since its hardwood floors and intricate lighting do not seem like a place to have a rock concert. But Breaking Benjamin rocked it hard with an acoustic set including their top hits like “So Cold,” “Failure,” “Polyamorous,” and their usual encore, “Diary of Jane.” The band also performed a cover of Alice in Chains’ “Down in a Hole.” An interesting addition to the show was a sign language interpreter joining the guys on stage for the whole set. Ben Burnley was not the only member catching fans’ attention. Guitarist Keith Wallen went to college at the University of Tennessee, so his return to Knoxville was like a hometown show. Wallen performed the vocals for “Sooner or Later” and also did “Face in the Light” from his solo EP, Allies. Bassist Aaron Bruch also stepped in to sing “Simple Design.” An unexpected moment came within the first few songs of the show. Two long-time Breaking Benjamin fans were asked to come on stage, and that’s when one of them got down on one knee and popped the big question. She said yes, by the way. These Unplugged shows are a treat for anyone who’s been following the band for years, even before the introduction of the new members on their most recent full-length album. These guys work together well and know how to make a room sing so loud that it overpowers the instruments. This is my fourth time seeing Breaking Benjamin so far (and third unplugged show), and I would definitely see this again. My only suggestion would be to bring a regular Breaking Benjamin performance to Knoxville again, so fans can get a chance to experience their full sound.

Setlist: So Cold – Angels Fall – Sooner or Later – Blow Me Away – Follow – Simple Design – Ashes of Eden – Never Again – Failure – Breath – Face in the Light – Give Me a Sign – Down in a Hole – Polyamorous – Until the End – Evil Angel – I Will Not Bow – The Diary of Jane

BREAKING BENJAMIN LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

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Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries