By Neil Shumate, OOTB Publications
For three decades, Chad Gray has remained an impactful vocalist in the metal scene with a distinct ability to seamlessly transition and fluctuate between agressive screams, intense growls and soft, light clean singing.
Celebrating “30 Years Of Madness,” being the frontman and lyricist for both Mudvayne and Hellyeah, Gray took his originally limited solo shows on the road for a 28-date tour that stopped at House Of Blues in Cleveland, Ohio on Wednesday, Sept. 9, with support from Butcher Babies and Devil’s Cut.
Gray—with only half of his face painted to dually represent Mudvayne (paint) and Hellyeah (paintless)—sounded great alongside the seasoned full live band, as a supergroup of sorts: Mudvayne touring guitarist Marcus Rafferty, The Word Alive drummer Devin Attard, Oni bassist Nick Villarreal and Las Vegas area guitarist Joe Bonasorte.
There was no MjDawn, Tom Maxwell, Greg Tribbett or Ryan Martinie; however, the notable aforementioned backing band was still tight knit.
Gray reminded the crowd that this isn’t a Mudvayne or Hellyeah show, but rather a 30th birthday celebration for his music career.
Gray greeted fans: “We all need to get away from the world and everyday stress; what a better way to do that than to escape with a night of metal, joining family and friends.”
The band performed an assortment of hits from both his bands as Gray introduced some songs with firsthand perspectives, personalizing the audience’s experience.
He shared a story about late great drummer Vinnie Paul before performing “333,” he told a story about fans being impacted by his songs, telling the crowd, “the world is a better place with you in it, have self love in your lives,” before “Hush,” and he introduced “Nothing To Gein” as a song that makes him go “down a rabbit hole every time it’s performed.”
Gray had the crowd participate in the setlist. By means of most cheers and hands, the audience picked which song to hear next—Hellyeah song “Demons In The Dirt” was picked over “Blood For Blood” and Mudvayne song “Silenced” was chosen over “-1.”
Other songs filling the 80-minute or so set included: “Dig,” “Not Falling,” “Love Falls,” “Death Blooms,” “Dull Boy,” “Say When,” “Happy?,” “Moth.”
Metal quartet Butcher Babies tore the place up with a no holds barred performance that highlighted Heidi Shepherd’s vocal prowess and active stage presence, as she has done since 2010.
“Sincerity,” “Lost In Your Touch,” “Last December” and new single “Blame It On The Wind” showed the band’s somewhat softer side and Shepherd’s lighter singing style, while “Black Dove,” “It’s Killin’ Time, Baby!,” “Magnolia Blvd,” and “Spittin’ Teeth” showcased the band’s brutality and Shepherd’s heavy slaying vocals.
“Let’s turn this Wednesday night into a Saturday night! Open that shit up in the pit, motherfuckers!,” exclaimed Shepherd. “You ready? Fuck yeah, let’s go Cleveland!”
Every city stop this tour, Butcher Babies is having someone from that city in the audience sign Devin Nickles’ drum kit—a young man named Cylus from Elyria signed the kit for Cleveland.
Kentucky’s Devil’s Cut opened the show with a southern vibe and solid rock, alongside catchy riffs and heavy breakdowns—reminiscent of early Pop Evil, My Darkest Days, Bobaflex.
Bassist Bailey Jones was active on stage as well as vocalist Trey Landrum. “Insomnia,” “Welcome To Kentucky,” and “Roadkill” were crowd favorites.
The 30 Years Of Madness Tour concludes late October.
Tour Dates
PHOTOS COMING SOON | PREVIEWS AT www.facebook.com/ootb.zine
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