Rise Against is on their “Nowhere Generation” tour, and they filled the House of Blues at Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida on Friday, November 1, 2024. They were supported by opening acts L.S. Dunes and Spiritual Cramp. The House was completely sold out and fans were ready to rawk.
Spiritual Cramp started the show. They are a San Francisco punk band that has been making noise in the California Coast hardcore scene for several years. They released their self titled debut full-length album in 2023. They were certainly entertaining. They have an aggressive sound and stage presence – a blend of smooth grooves with in-your-face vocals.
Spiritual Cramp Members:
Michael Bingham – Vocals
Jacob Breeze – Lead Guitar
Mike Fenton – Bass
Nate Punty – Rhythm Guitar
Julian Smith – Drums
Spiritual Cramp Setlist:
1. Blowback
2. Talkin’ On The Internet
3. Herberts On Holiday
4. Catch A Hot One
5. Dog In A Cage
6. Slick Rick
7. Tenderloin
8. Better Off This Way
L.S. Dunes kept things going with some more high energy punk rock. This is a new band, formed during lockdown by members of bands including Circa Survive, My Chemical Romance, Thursday and Coheed & Cambria. Their first album, Past Lives, was released in 2022 and their next, Violet, will be out in January 2025. The crowd reacted well to their energy, as they are clearly experienced live performers.
L.S. Dunes Band Members:
Anthony Green – Lead Vocals
Frank Iero – Guitar
Travis Stever – Guitar
Tim Payne – Bass
Tucker Rule – Drums
L.S. Dunes Setlist:
1. 2022
2. Bombsquad
3. Grey Veins
4. Benadryl Subreddit
5. Machines
6. Permanent Rebellion
7. Past Lives
8. Fatal Deluxe
Finally, the moment arrived, and the real reason that the crowd had showed up was upon us. Rise Against took the stage with a roar. After 25 years, they have a dedicated fan base and a massive catalog of songs. Unlike most bands who play the same set every night on a tour, Rise Against is really mixing things up. In fact, if anyone made the drive over to Jannus Live in St. Petersburg, Florida the following night, they would have enjoyed an almost entirely different choice of tunes.
Tim McIlrath took several opportunities to engage with the crowd, and not just by speaking to them. He pointed out and read their signs. He jumped into the pit and let fans sing along with him. He hugged a woman who had made a sign asking for a hug, which clearly was a moment she would cherish for a lifetime. But the most special moment of all happened during the acoustic section of the set. McIlrath discovered some fans from Venezuela, one of which wanted to perform with the band. A gentleman named Alejandro was brought on stage and handed Tim’s acoustic guitar. He brilliantly played “Hero Of War”, which was unplanned. The full band returned to the stage to finish the song, which sounded amazing.
Fans sang along most of the night, with full encouragement and appreciation from Rise Against. The fans and the band both got what they wanted on this high octane evening.
Rise Against Band Members:
Tim McIlrath – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Zach Blair – Lead Guitar
Brandon Barnes – Drums
Joe Principe – Bass Guitar
Rise Against Setlist:
1. Satellite
2. Tragedy + Time
3. Give It All
4. Blood-Red, White & Blue
5. Help Is On The Way
6. Blood To Bleed
7. The Good Left Undone
8. The Strength To Go On
9. Long Forgotten Sons
10. Hero Of War (acoustic, requested by fan Alejandro, who played acoustic guitar)
11. Swing Life Away (acoustic)
12. The Violence
13. Prayer Of The Refugee
14. Audience Of One
15. Black Masks & Gasoline
16. Savior
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Johnnie Crow is a lifelong music lover. He has photographed artists from every genre at concerts, festivals and cruises all across North America.
