By Mitchell West
Tuesday, March 8th, 2022 was the show that made me want to write about shows again. Rival Sons and The Velveteers came to Lincoln and quite possibly put on one of the best shows I have ever been to. Every element that makes a good show was there and here is my attempt to somehow express just how incredible this night was.
I’ve been shooting concerts off and on for about 7 years. Documentary-style photography has always been the style I’ve gravitated toward most. Especially concert photography. That day I got confirmation about shooting photos for both bands however this time it wasn’t for a publication or media outlet of sorts. It was for them.
Velveteers lead singer Demi Demitro Photo Credit: @thatonemitchkid
The Velveteers hit the stage to open the show and immediately had a presence you got lost in. The Velveteers are an American rock band from Boulder, Colorado. The band consists of Demi Demitro (vocals, guitar), Jonny Fig (guitar), and Baby Pottersmith (drums). The Velveteers have been praised for their energetic live shows and their sound, which has been described as a mix of blues, rock, and psychedelia. The band has released two albums, "See Me" (2018) and "Nightmare Daydream" (2020). "Nightmare Daydream" was produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. The Velveteers have toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe. They are currently working on their third album.
You were transported into the world of The Velveteers and removed from your surroundings. Their set was sexy, it was gritty, it was edgy and they fucking rocked it. Demi Demitro took to the stage, looked into your eyes, and immediately locked you in. Your world was their world now. Baby Pottersmith and Jonny Fig got behind two different drum sets and blast off…..this band came to throw down. Their set started at a 10 and kept getting better with each song. When their performance came to an end the show may as well of came to an end right then and there. They came, they delivered and for those who were in attendance that night it was a night and set they’ll never forget. Topping that set is quite a lofty goal. But what’s up next went even higher.
Rival Sons lead singer Jay Buchanan Photo Credit: @thatonemitchkid
Rival Sons is an American rock band from Long Beach, California consisting of members Jay Buchanan (vocals), Scott Holiday (guitar), Dave Beste (bass), Michael Miley (drums), and Todd Ögren (keyboards). Rival Sons has released six studio albums to date. Throughout the years these Long Beach rockers have shared the stage with some of the biggest names in rock music, including Black Sabbath, AC/DC, and The Rolling Stones.
Rival Sons came to serve up one hell of a gospel that night with a sermon on Rock N Roll. If I were to ever give an example of what a “Rock” show is, seeing Rival Sons on stage is that example. Jay Buchanan took to the stage, grabbed that mic, and showed you why he is one of the best rock vocalists of all time. Their set kicked you right in the chest reminded you of what rock music is about.
Originally I hadn’t planned to write anything and only hoped either band would dig a shot I took and that it was a solid show. It ended up being much….much more. After the show, while going through photos I had a piece of paper next to me and began to write down different ways I would express how great of a concert that was. What would I tell someone? How would I tell it? There were too many so it became the clear choice to launch this new venture.
What's next on deck for them? Touring…..and then more touring. Their next stop this way will be on tour with Greta Van Fleet during The "Dreams In Gold Tour 2022” on July 27th at CHI Health Center. Get that ticket and be ready for one of the best shows you’ll ever see.
*Updated 4.30.23*
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