LIVE: AARON LEWIS – March 21, 2023

Venue: Hard Rock Event Center

City: Tampa, FL

Dates: March 21, 2023

Review and Photographs by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur (www.toddstarphotography.com)

Without fanfare or even an introduction, Aaron Lewis strolled onto the stage at Tampa, FL’s Seminole Hard Rock Event Center and took his place between two other guitarists while we all braced for an acoustic evening.  Before a single note was played, Lewis let everyone in the room know they were in control of the shows flow.  Cigarette in hand as well as a tall cool beverage (still not sure what was in that tall glass) he welcomed us all to air our political and social opinions that would prompt him to toast and take a drink.  After some brief discussion, he dove into music and from first note to last of each track, he and the guitar duo that flanked him were all business.  One of my favorites came early in the set when he played “Granddaddy’s Gun.”  Shifting back and forth between guitars one each song, the constant was his enjoyment of the songs, the show, and the overall vibe of the crowd.  Another personal favorite “Everybody Talks To God” also hit early, giving me time to enjoy not only being behind the lens capturing the man doing what he does best, but doing so with a chill soundtrack that is as honest to the essence of the man as his songs and performance.  Whether you like his politics or diatribe, it is hard to deny he writes from the heart, sings from the soul, and wears his opinions and thoughts on his sleeve.  There was no light show, no flash pods, and no screaming guitar solos… what Aaron Lewis delivered was a solid set of country done his way.  The man is a “Sinner,” a “Country Boy” (and even treated us to the track), and makes no apologies – not that anyone in the packed venue was asking for one.  

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Tags: featured

Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries