Staind Leads a Sold-Out Night of Post-Grunge Anthems at
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
By Honey Rumbles / Jeff Arnhart Photography
Seether,
Hoobastank and Hinder join the headliners for an evening of hard-rock
favorites, emotional performances and a surprise collaboration.
A pleasant, cool Texas evening set the stage for a sold-out night of rock at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on Saturday, October 17thf. With Hinder, Hoobastank and Seether opening the show, Staind
brought the evening to a powerful conclusion with a set spanning its
three-decade career, reminding fans why these songs continue to
resonate with audiences who grew up with them and a new generation
discovering them for the first time.
The
four-band lineup represented a defining era of post-grunge and
alternative rock, with each act bringing its own identity to the stage.
From Hinder's hard-rock hooks and Hoobastank's melodic anthems to Seether's darker intensity and Staind's
emotionally charged songwriting, the evening delivered a generous dose
of the songs that helped shape rock radio throughout the late 1990s and
2000s.
Hinder Gets the Night Started With Familiar Hits and New Music
Hinder kicked off the evening at 6:00 p.m., opening with “All American Nightmare” before moving into “Homecoming Queen” and “Without You.”
The Oklahoma City band immediately established the night's hard-rock
atmosphere, combining gritty guitars, melodic choruses and the swagger
that has been part of its identity since its breakthrough years.
Formed in 2001, Hinder
originally featured vocalist Austin Winkler, guitarists Joe "Blower" Garvey and
Mark King, bassist Mike Rodden and drummer Cody Hanson during its early
development. The band's 2005 debut album, Extreme Behavior, became a major commercial success, propelled by the radio hits “Get Stoned” and “Lips of an Angel.” The latter became one of the group's signature songs, introducing Hinder to a much broader audience with its memorable melody and relationship-driven lyrics.
Following
Winkler's departure in 2013, Marshal Dutton took over lead vocals,
beginning a new chapter for the band. Cody Hanson, Mike Rodden and Joe Garvey have
remained central to Hinder's musical identity.
The set continued with “Live Without It,” followed by “Lips of an Angel,” which gave the audience an early opportunity to sing along to one of the night's most recognizable songs. Hinder's ability to move between heavier rockers and melodic, radio-friendly material was on full display, with the familiar chorus of “Lips of an Angel” providing a standout moment in the abbreviated opening performance.
Hinder also brought attention to its 2025 album, Back to Life, with “Bring Me Back to Life.”
Including newer material demonstrated that the band is still building
its catalog rather than relying exclusively on its early hits. The
group closed with “Get Stoned,” finishing its set with the kind of energetic hard rock that helped establish its reputation.
"Hinder opened the evening with
a blend of familiar radio hits and newer material, proving that the
band's hard-rock formula continues to connect with fans."
Hoobastank Turns Back the Clock With an Energetic Set and a Personal Connection
Taking the stage at 7:05 p.m., Hoobastank opened with “Same Direction,”
immediately shifting the evening into a higher gear. The California
band's combination of driving alternative-rock guitars, catchy hooks
and melodic vocals made it a natural fit for a lineup built around the
enduring appeal of early-2000s rock.
Formed in Agoura Hills, California, in 1994, Hoobastank
originally consisted of vocalist Doug Robb, guitarist Dan Estrin,
bassist Markku Lappalainen and drummer Chris Hesse. The band developed
its sound through years of playing Southern California venues before
breaking through nationally with its self-titled 2001 album. Its 2003
follow-up, The Reason, became a defining release, producing the international hit of the same name and establishing Hoobastank as one of the most recognizable alternative-rock bands of its generation.
Robb
and Estrin have remained the band's defining creative partnership, with
Hesse continuing behind the drums. Bassist and keyboardist Jesse
Charland has also been part of the group's later touring lineup. Over
the years, Hoobastank has continued to tour and record while retaining the melodic sensibility that made its biggest songs so memorable.
“Remember Me”
followed the opener, prompting Robb to pause and reflect on music's
ability to transport people back to earlier chapters of their lives. He
talked about how hearing a song can bring back memories of particular
moments, people and experiences, connecting the audience's personal
histories with the music playing onstage.
It
was an especially fitting observation for a concert filled with songs
that have soundtracked relationships, friendships and important
milestones for so many listeners.
The band moved into “Running Away” before launching into “No Destination,” which brought the crowd to its feet and had the pit jumping. “This Is Gonna Hurt,” “Out of Control” and “How Do You” kept the momentum going, showcasing the group's ability to balance melodic songwriting with an energetic live performance.
Then came the moment many fans had anticipated. For “The Reason,”
Robb left the stage and ventured into the crowd, making his way up the
isle while singing the band's best-known ballad. Bringing the song
directly to the audience made the performance feel particularly
personal, with fans singing along as the frontman moved among them
rather than remaining behind the microphone stand.
Before closing with “Crawling in the Dark,”
Robb thanked the audience and reflected on how much he had enjoyed the
tour. He praised both the crew and the crowds the band had encountered
along the way, saying the experience had been amazing. His appreciation
was met with an enthusiastic response from the sold-out pavilion.
"Hoobastank transformed
nostalgia into a shared experience, with Doug Robb taking “The Reason”
into the crowd and bringing the audience closer to the song."
The band finished with “Crawling in the Dark,” returning to the breakthrough-era sound that first introduced Hoobastank
to mainstream rock audiences. Its performance was a reminder that these
songs remain powerful live, especially when delivered by musicians who
understand the connection between the music and the people who have
carried it with them for years.
Seether Brings Heavy Riffs and Dark Intensity to the Pavilion
Seether took the stage at 8:10 p.m., opening its set with “Because of Me” and “Truth.”
The South African band brought a heavier, darker edge to the evening,
building on the momentum created by the first two acts while preparing
the audience for Staind's headlining performance.
Originally formed in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1999 under the name Saron Gas, the band adopted the name Seether in
2002 as it established itself in the international rock scene. Frontman
Shaun Morgan has remained the band's founding member and central
creative force, joined by longtime bassist Dale Stewart, drummer John
Humphrey and guitarist Corey Lowery.
Seether broke through to a wider American audience with Disclaimer in 2002, which included “Fine Again,” and strengthened its following with Karma and Effect
in 2005. The band's music has consistently combined heavy guitar work,
brooding melodies and lyrics that explore personal struggles,
frustration and resilience. That combination has made Seether one of
the most enduring acts to emerge from the post-grunge movement.
“Let You Down”
brought a playful visual moment as beach balls bounced around the
crowd, creating a contrast with the song's darker musical tone. The
audience embraced the moment as the band moved through “Dangerous” and “Wasteland,” maintaining a forceful pace while showcasing Morgan's distinctive vocal delivery.
“Fine Again” was one of the set's notable moments, revisiting the song that helped introduce Seether
to American audiences. Its reflective lyrics and powerful chorus remain
an important part of the band's catalog and the live performance
demonstrated how effectively the track has endured.
The group continued with “No Jesus Christ” and “Pig,” followed by “Lost All Control.”
Each song reinforced the band's heavier sound, with the guitars and
rhythm section providing a muscular foundation for Morgan's emotionally
charged vocals.
“Fake It” brought one of Seether's
most recognizable rock-radio hits into the spotlight. The song's
driving riff and sharp, memorable chorus gave the crowd another
familiar anthem before the band closed with “Remedy.”
The latter's explosive chorus provided a fitting finale, sending the
audience into the headlining set with the energy still running high.
Seether
delivered the evening's darker edge, combining emotionally intense
songwriting with the heavy riffs and anthemic choruses that have
defined the band's career.
The performance demonstrated why Seether
continues to fit comfortably alongside the biggest names in
post-grunge. Morgan and the band delivered a set that honored the songs
that established their reputation while reinforcing the power of their
sound in a live setting.
Staind Delivers an Emotionally Charged Headlining Performance
At 9:35 p.m., Staind took the stage with “Open Your Eyes,”
launching a headlining performance that brought together the band's
signature intensity, reflective songwriting and enduring connection
with its audience.
Formed in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1995, Staind
built its early following through relentless touring and the release of
its independent debut, Tormented. The band gained wider recognition
with Dysfunction in 1999 before achieving a major commercial breakthrough with Break the Cycle in 2001. That album produced several of Staind's most enduring songs, including “It's Been Awhile,” “Fade,” “Outside” and “For You,” establishing the band as one of the defining acts of the post-grunge era.
The
band's core lineup features Aaron Lewis on lead vocals and rhythm
guitar, Mike Mushok on lead guitar, Johnny April on bass and backing
vocals and Sal Giancarelli on drums. Lewis, Mushok and April have been
central to Staind's identity
since its formative years, while Giancarelli joined the performing
lineup in 2011. Although Lewis has pursued a successful country music
career outside the band, Staind has continued to tour and record, releasing Confessions of the Fallen in 2023 and demonstrating that its story extends well beyond its early-2000s breakthrough.
Following “Open Your Eyes,” the band moved into “Warm Safe Place” and “Fade,” establishing the emotional and musical range that would carry through the rest of the night. After “Warm Safe Place,” Lewis addressed the audience, asking how many people were seeing Staind
live for the first time. The response gave him an opportunity to
acknowledge the new fans while recognizing the longtime listeners who
had followed the band throughout its career.
Lewis
thanked everyone for coming and said the band was honored to have such
a large, sold-out crowd. His comments reflected the appreciation of a
group that has experienced major commercial success, periods of reduced
activity and a return to the road, yet continues to find audiences
eager to hear its music.
The set continued with “Raining Again,” “Everything Changes” and “Take It,” before the band launched into “Right Here.” The familiar song brought another wave of audience participation, reinforcing the connection between Staind's catalog and the people who have grown up listening to it.
After “Right Here,”
Lewis reflected on the band's longevity, saying he could hardly believe
that after 30 years, he and the band were still doing this. He thanked
the crowd again, recognizing the support that has allowed Staind's music to remain relevant across generations.
After three decades, Staind's music continues to connect with fans and Aaron Lewis made sure the sold-out crowd knew how much that support means.
One of the evening's most moving moments arrived with “Something to Remind You.”
As Lewis performed the emotionally powerful song, a video presentation
honored friends the band had lost. The tribute added another layer of
meaning to the performance, giving the audience a moment to reflect on
the people who remain part of our lives through memories, even after
they are gone.
The
song's restrained atmosphere contrasted with the heavier numbers
surrounding it, highlighting the vulnerability that has always been
central to Staind's
songwriting. Rather than simply delivering another familiar track, the
band created a moment of remembrance that resonated with the emotional
themes running throughout its catalog.
The intensity returned with “Suffer” and “Pressure,” before the band moved into “So Far Away.”
The song's reflective lyrics and memorable chorus suited the atmosphere
of the sold-out Pavilion, with the audience once again joining in on a
track that has remained a fixture of Staind's live performances.
“Outside”
followed, providing another opportunity for Lewis to showcase the vocal
delivery that has helped define the band's sound. The main set
concluded with “For You,” a powerful return to the heavier, more aggressive side of Staind's early breakthrough material.
The Encore: A Special Guest Appearance Brings the Night to a Powerful Close
Staind
returned to the stage for an encore that began with “It's Been Awhile,”
one of the band's most recognizable songs and a defining hit from its
breakthrough years. The familiar opening notes brought the sold-out Pavilion crowd back into full voice as fans sang along to a track that has remained a staple of rock radio for more than two decades.
The night's biggest surprise came next when Seether frontman Shaun Morgan returned to the stage to join Staind for “Mudshovel.” After delivering a powerful set with Seether
earlier in the evening, Morgan's appearance created a memorable moment
that brought two of the night's leading bands together. The
collaboration was a fitting conclusion to an evening celebrating the
enduring impact of post-grunge, with the crowd treated to an unexpected
finale that made the sold-out show even more memorable.
A Sold-Out Night That Celebrated the Lasting Power of Rock
The October 17th concert at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion offered a compelling celebration of the music that helped define a generation of rock fans. Hinder mixed its established hits with newer material from Back to Life. Hoobastank brought infectious energy and a personal connection with its audience, while Seether delivered a darker, heavier performance. Staind
then brought the evening to its emotional peak with a headlining set
that balanced hard-rock intensity, reflection and appreciation.
The
cool Texas weather and sold-out crowd provided an ideal backdrop, but
the moments that made the evening memorable were the connections
between the performers and the audience. Robb's walk through the crowd
during “The Reason,” Lewis' heartfelt acknowledgment of Staind's three-decade career, the tribute during “Something to Remind You” and Morgan's surprise appearance during “Mudshovel” all helped distinguish the concert from an ordinary night of familiar hits.
For
longtime fans, the show was a reminder of how deeply music can become
intertwined with personal memories and important moments in life. For
newer listeners, it was an opportunity to experience firsthand why
these bands continue to draw enthusiastic crowds decades after their
breakthrough years.
Staind closed
the night with its legacy firmly intact, proving that the songs, the
memories and the emotions behind them remain as powerful as ever.
Staind Setlist:
Open Your Eyes
Warm Safe Place
Fade
Raining Again
Everything Changes
Take It
Right Here
Something to Remind You
Suffer
Pressure
So Far Away
Outside
For You
Encore:
It's Been Awhile
Mudshovel
Seether Setlist:
Because of Me
Truth
Let You Down
Dangerous
Wasteland
Fine Again
No Jesus Christ
Pig
Lost All Control
Fake It
Remedy
Hoobatsank Setlist:
Same Direction
Remember Me
Running Away
No Destination
This Is Gonna Hurt
Out of Control
How Do You Sleep
The Reason
Crawling in the Dark
Hinder Setlist:
All American Nightmare
Homecoming Queen
Without You
Live Without It
Lips of an Angel
Bring Me Back to Life
Get Stoned
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Staind
                    
Seether
                
Hoobastank
              
Hinder
                
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