HUNTINGTON, WV- Skillet and Seether, two of the most successful rock bands of the past two decades, kicked off their co-headlining U.S. tour on September 17, 2024, in Asheville, North Carolina. The tour is set to run through October 20, ending in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Skillet, known for their Grammy nominations and multi-platinum status, shared that they were excited to team up with Seether for a tour that had been in the works for some time. After a successful shared performance earlier in the summer, both bands agreed it was the right moment to embark on a joint tour.
The tour stop in Huntington, WV, featured a packed lineup, including southern rock artist Tim Montana and country/rock artist Royale Lynn as supporting acts. The stormy night caused power outages across the city, but the Marshall Health Network Arena remained unaffected, ensuring that the show could proceed without interruptions.
Opening the night was newcomer and rising star Royale Lynn, who brought her unique “punktry” style to the stage. From the start, she proved to be a force to be reckoned with, commanding attention through her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. She immediately connected with the audience, greeting them with her warm smile and country twang. The crowd comprised loyal fans brandishing signs of their support and curious newcomers eager to see what she had to offer.
Her band—guitarist Bryan Karijanian, bassist Joel Andrusik, and drummer Caleb Sgambato—was more than a mere backing ensemble; they entertained in their own right. Royale Lynn’s seven-song set included original tracks like “Sacrifice,” “Black Magic,” and “Heavy is the Crown.” A highlight was her energetic cover of Flyleaf’s hit “All Around Me,” and she closed with “Six Feet Deep,” her viral TikTok/Instagram hit with over 6 million views across platforms. Blending traditional country influences with modern sensibilities, Royale Lynn captivated the crowd, proving herself an artist to watch as her songwriting and star power continue to grow.
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Next on stage was American singer-songwriter Tim Montana. From the moment he and his band began, it was clear they meant business. Featuring Tom Samulak on guitar, drummer Kyle Law, and bassist Jackson Moody, the top-notch musicians kicked off their set with a blistering rendition of “Get You Some.” This set the tone for an evening of heavy riffs, soaring vocals, and a raucous good time. Montana owned the stage with his infectious grin, wild hair, and relentless enthusiasm, offering an intimate show in the vast arena.
His blend of southern rock, hard rock, and country roots evoked the feel of a backyard barbecue where everyone’s invited. The crowd responded fervently, fists pumping in the air and singing boisterously along to the anthemic choruses. Mixing the raw energy of the genre with sincere storytelling on tracks like “Ain’t Coming Down,” “Shut Me Out,” and “The Devil You Know,” Tim Montana delivered a wild, engaging performance enjoyed by all.
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From the moment Seether stepped on stage, the energy was palpable. Opening their set with “Gasoline,” they delivered their hard-hitting anthem, diving deep into their catalog. Frontman Shaun Morgan’s unmistakable growl and relentless guitar riffs drew the audience in. The band is currently touring to support their latest album, *The Surface Seems So Far*, their ninth studio release, which came out on September 20, 2024. Seether brought their signature brand of post-grunge and hard rock ferocity, delivering a powerful, emotionally charged performance that left fans buzzing, cheering, and singing along to every cut they played.
Though most of their set was high-energy and riff-heavy, they slowed things down for an acoustic performance of their biggest hit, “Broken,” with bassist Dale Stewart taking up an acoustic guitar. “Broken” introduced me to Seether, initially featuring Amy Lee of Evanescence on co-lead vocals. The song remains just as intense with or without her presence. Afterward, the band quickly returned to their hard-hitting sound with “Country Song” and “Rise Above This,” written in memory of Morgan’s brother, Eugene Welgemoed, following his suicide.
The arena buzzed with electricity, as fans eagerly anticipated the band’s set, and they did not disappoint, playing each song to perfection. Their set featured classic hits like “Fake It,” “Fine Again,” and concluded with their 2005 hit “Remedy.” From their new album, they only played one track—the single “Judas Mind,” another powerful anthem. The lighting on the band members was subdued and moody, rounded out by drummer John Humphrey and lead guitarist Corey Lowery, while an intense light show around them amplified the emotional intensity of the music. All in all, Seether’s raw, loud, and emotionally charged set left the audience more than satisfied. Their blend of heavy riffs and vulnerable lyrics continues to resonate deeply with fans, old and new alike.
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Finally, it was time for the headliner, Skillet. If you’ve ever seen Skillet live, you know that the atmosphere buzzes with anticipation. As drummer Jen Ledger walked onto the stage to greet the crowd before ascending her high drum riser, the audience reached a near frenzy. Families with young children lined the rail, excited to see their favorite band. Ledger was soon joined by guitarist Seth Morrison, guitarist Korey Cooper, and finally, singer/bassist John Cooper.
The band immediately burst into the thunderous opener “Feel Invincible,” wasting no time delivering what the fans came for. Visually animated rockers, each member played their parts masterfully, and given that they are almost always on tour, their tightness as a band was no surprise. They were well-lit, highly engaging with their fans, and fully dedicated to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. While they’ve faced criticism—some argue they’re “too Christian,” others that they’re “not Christian enough”—I believe they strike the perfect balance as an evangelical rock band, discussing themes of faith, mental health, depression, and suicide. In my view, they seamlessly blend rock band prowess with evangelical messaging.
Having seen Skillet six times in the past few years, I can attest they always put on a great show. They moved quickly through “Rise” and “Surviving the Game,” during which John Cooper strapped on his twin dry ice cannon vest, blasting streams of dry ice into the crowd. The set featured the newest single, “Unpopular,” much to the delight of those in attendance. Throughout their hour-long set, they played many fan favorites like “Awake and Alive,” featuring Ledger on co-lead vocals, which she sings at the front of the stage while her drum tech takes over on the kit. Other hits included “Hero,” “Whispers In The Dark,” “Comatose,” and the hard-hitting “Monster.” They closed with “Resistance,” bringing the crowd to a fever pitch and leaving them wanting more.
From start to finish, Skillet captivated the audience with every thunderous note, proving once again why they are among the most electrifying bands around. Their consistent ability to fuse hard-hitting rock with uplifting lyrics and theatrical rock and roll presentation underscores their continued relevance in today’s music scene. The tour continues through late October, with many stops remaining across the country. If they’re coming to a town near you, make an effort to experience the festivities.
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LIVE CLIPS
