On April 7, 2017, The Station Music Hall in Sarnia, Ontario held a great show, to prove that rock and roll isn’t quite ready to die just yet. The newly touring Art of Anarchy, featuring Scott Stapp of Creed on vocals, accompanied by John Moyer of Disturbed and Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal formerly of Guns n Roses, along with twins Jon and Vince Votta, hit the stage for one of their first shows as a band. Opening for them, out of Toronto, were Never Say Die, comprised of former members of My Darkest Days. This was my first time at the Station, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a first class venue featuring plenty of seating as well as stand up tables and multiple bars, to accommodate any of your immediate food/drink needs.
Never Say Die began in the mind of vocalist Reid Henry, while on the road with My Darkest Days. He would often sit and write as the bus rolled on to their next destination. When singer Matt Walst was asked to join Three Days Grace, it left My Darkest Days on an extended hiatus, so Reid and band mate Brendan McMillan recruited Mike Langford and Dane Hartsell to record an album and hit the road. Sirius XM Octane quickly picked up their single “Like A Nightmare” and it’s shot like a rocket to the top of their new music playlist. Upon hitting the stage, we were taken on a hard hitting journey, listening to brand new songs that did not disappoint. Reid took hold of the crowd, and while debuting their new material, also played a couple of My Darkest Days songs, leading to a fan frenzied sing along. Expect big things from these Toronto boys, we will be seeing them again for sure!
While this is Art of Anarchy’s second album cycle, they’ve never toured in the past due to busy schedules and prior engagements. Also, sadly, their first singer was the late Scott Weiland, who’s untimely passing may have also had an effect on that as well. Considering this was only their early performances together on stage, you’d never have guessed that, aided I’m sure by the fact that all members are already well established veterans in the music industry. Scott hit the stage, and immediately seized control. Dressed all in black, lean and mean, he was in full “rock star” mode, never missing a beat.
Vocally, Scott was very strong, and he also made mention of his past “dark days”, which I’m happy to report seem to be long gone. A highlight that stood out for me, was when the band came out for the encore, and played “Changed Man”. I believe it was written for Scott’s wife, after his troubled times, and you could visibly see his emotions change as he prepared to sing the song. Glad to have him back with us, doing what he does best. Adding to this was the incomparable bass lines of John Moyer, as he played up to the crowd, frequently getting up close and personal at the edge of the stage. Not to be outdone, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, shredded on his signature double necked guitar in a way that only he can.
Art of Anarchy, as a band, put on an incredibly tight show. People were maybe disappointed that they didn’t include any hits from Creed or Disturbed as part of the set, but it’s also understandable that they wouldn’t. This is a new band, completely separate from their accumulated pasts, that one must see live to fully appreciate. It was obvious that all members were having a blast together, which fully came through in their performance. Be sure to check them out when they play a town near you!