LIVE NATION PRESENTS:
MUDVAYNE/COAL CHAMBER/GWAR/NONPOINT/BUTCHER BABIES
LIVE AT THE TOYOTA PAVILION IN OCONCORD, CA ON 8/19/23
On a scorching summer night in Concord, California, the Toyota Pavilion was transformed into a haven for metalheads as five powerhouse bands, Mudvayne, Coal Chamber, Gwar, Nonpoint, and Butcher Babies, converged for a night of unbridled aggression and musical mayhem. The air was electric with anticipation as fans from all walks of life gathered to witness this unforgettable event on August 19, 2023.
Butcher Babies kicked off the night with an explosive set that set the tone for the evening. With their signature blend of metalcore and shock-rock aesthetics, they commanded the stage with an undeniable presence. Frontwomen Heidi Shepherd and Carla Harvey’s fierce vocals and captivating stage personas drew the crowd into their world of aggression and empowerment. The band’s mix of heavy riffs and melodic hooks was a perfect way to get the adrenaline pumping. Their standout performances of “Monster’s Ball” and “Magnolia Blvd” showcased their musical prowess and kept the energy levels soaring.
Butcher Babies Setlist
Red Thunder
Best Friend (Saweetie cover)
Monsters Ball
BEAVER CAGE
It’s Killin’ Time, Baby!
Last December
Magnolia Blvd
Following Butcher Babies, Nonpoint wasted no time in igniting the crowd with their nu-metal anthems. Elias Soriano’s charismatic vocals and the band’s tight instrumental execution were a testament to their experience and dedication. Their setlist was a mix of old favorites and new tracks, showcasing their evolution as a band. Hits like “Bullet with a Name” and “A Million Watts” got the crowd moving and singing along. Nonpoint’s ability to connect with the audience through their emotionally charged lyrics was evident, making their performance a memorable part of the night.
Nonpoint Setlist
Victim
Dodge Your Destiny
What a Day
A Million Watts
Back to Back (Drake cover)
Chaos and Earthquakes
Ruthless
Bullet With a Name
As the night progressed, the stage was set for the one and only Gwar. Known for their signature over-the-top theatrics and outlandish costumes and stage antics, the shock-rock legends Gwar wasted no time in drenching the audience in fake blood and the audience couldn’t get enough of it. With tracks like “Fuck This Place” and “Let Us Slay”, Gwar’s performance was a visceral assault on the senses. It was definitely a sonically brutal performance that was unlike anything else. . The audience was left in awe of their audacious stage show, a testament to their enduring legacy as one of metal’s most eccentric and entertaining acts. The highlight of the evening was the band’s cover of AC/DC’s “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)”.
Gwar Setlist
Hail, Genocide!
The Cutter
Mother Fucking Liar
Sick of You
Completely Fucked
Let Us Slay
Fuck This Place
Berserker Mode
If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It) (AC/DC cover)
Coal Chamber, after a long hiatus, returned to the stage with a vengeance and brought a heavy dose of nostalgia to the night. Dez Fafara’s signature growls and the band’s dark, groovy riffs transported the crowd back to the late ’90s. The nu-metal veterans did not disappoint, unleashing a wave of their hits like “Loco” and “Big Truck.” The reinvigorated Coal Chamber proved they still had what it takes to captivate a crowd, and their performance was met with roaring approval from both long-time fans and newcomers.
Coal Chamber Setlist
Loco
Fiend
Big Truck
I.O.U. Nothing
Rowboat (Flood cover)
Drove
Dark Days
Oddity
Another Nail in the Coffin
Something Told Me
Sway
Finally, the moment everyone had been eagerly awaiting arrived as Mudvayne took the stage. Making their long-awaited return after a hiatus, the band delivered a performance that could only be described as monumental. Opening with “Not Falling”, the crowd erupted into chaos, moshing and singing along with every word. The band’s technical prowess was on full display as they flawlessly executed complex time signatures and intricate arrangements, proving that their musicianship had only evolved during their absence.
The band’s intricate blend of progressive and alternative metal was on full display, with Ryan Martinie’s thunderous bass lines and Chad Gray’s haunting vocals driving their performance. Songs like “Happy?” and “World So Cold” carried a newfound weight, touching the hearts of fans who had been yearning for their return.
Mudvayne’s stage setup, complete with elaborate lighting and visuals, added to the overall experience. As the evening came to a close, Mudvayne left the audience in a state of euphoria as they bid farewell to an unforgettable night of metal.
Mudvayne Setlist
Not Falling
Under My Skin
Internal Primates Forever
World So Cold
A New Game
Severed
Death Blooms
Fish Out of Water
Dull Boy
Determined
Nothing to Gein
Dig
Happy?
The collaboration between these five powerhouse bands created a concert experience that won’t soon be forgotten. The Toyota Pavilion in Concord, CA, was transformed into a metal haven on that August night, with each band contributing their unique energy and style to an unforgettable evening of music and camaraderie. Metal fans left the venue with ringing ears, satisfied hearts, and memories to last a lifetime.
