Static-X and Sevendust join forces to bring the 'Machine Killer Tour' to Lancaster

October 18, 2023

A tour featuring combination of artists that haven't hit the road together in over a decade, the newly reformed Static-X and Sevendust have come together for the metal tour of the year with some of the biggest production and venues that has made all feel like we are back in 1999 (at least for one night.)


The tragic death of Wayne Static in 2014 lit the spark that eventually led to the return of Static-X in the current formation with their new, mysterious frontman Xer0 being a clever nod to the original great whose shoes he is filling. While there is much speculation amongst fans as to who this new singer is officially it remains anonymous, however critical praise for the live performances and new music recorded with Xer0 have helped bring the band back to the forefront of the metal scene. This recaptured attention, combined with the touring power of metal mainstay Sevendust helped make the 'Machine Killer Tour' one of the most hyped metal tours of the year when it was announced. Metal veterans will attest that few bands have perfected the live touring circuit better than Sevendust over the years and the band has been on a creative hot streak over the past few years releasing a ton of powerful new music to their bolster already impressive discography. Together these two iconic bands were set to deliver one of the best metal shows Lancaster has seen in years and possibly ever within the Freedom Hall Convention Center.


Despite some audio issues that plagued the first few songs of the set, dope's brief time on the stage set the tone for the remainder of the night as crowd surfers flowed over the barricade and mosh pits had burst to life through out the massive venue. The band shined literally on stage within the massive production and performance wise as they commanded excellence with their brief set before making way for the stage hands to prepare for the arrival of Sevendust. The merch lines wrapped the venue, the beer lines sprawled even further - the anticipation for the main event had gripped the venue and went the lights dimmed out for the start of Sevendust fans came running from all directions to get the best spot they could within the pit. A "mosh pit here" sign was raised before the band's first song and remained there from start to finish with lead singer Lajon Witherspoon mentioning it a few times during the performance. Across their 15 song set Sevendust reminded those who had forgotten why they have been touring for the better part of two decades - they remain one of the (if not the) best live performances within the genre.


While age has started to creep on them but Sevendust have long been too stubborn to let them slow their performance as this has seen the grow even further as artists with the introduction of massive video boards and content that only further elevated their already powerful songs. The crowd was feral for their set with multiple mosh pits and a constant flow of crowd surfers coming over the barricade that peaked on the heaviest songs of the set like "Face to Face" and "Spinter." When many bands leave the stage they leave an air of speculation over what comes next but that didn't reign true for Sevendust's set in Lancaster. We know there is a new album they just release and we also know what comes next - more touring and more excellence because that is simple the Sevendust way.


Static-X's arrival to the stage at the Freedom Hall Convention Center took the already buzzing energy in the room and sent it into a fever pitch as the cold spark pyrotechnics went off to form a massive 'X' to start the set behind the robotic Xer0. From there the set went every which way it possibly in o way that only a band with such an extensive history could achieve. While their 16 song set had a fair amount of new material from the critically acclaimed "Project Regeneration, Vol. 1" the band remained true to their mission with their recent touring in honoring the legacy of how Static-X reached the peak of the amount and the legacy of Wayne Static.


Few bands could achieve the technical and theatrical performance that Static-X has put together for the 'Machine Killer Tour' and even fewer bands could deliver it with the force that the band did in Lancaster. This tour has not only proved that Static-X is back but plans to remain around for awhile as they've invested heavily into this massive touring production for their fans. 2023 has been their year so far and with this tour (and a new album) on the horizon the only direction you'll find Static-X for the foreseeable future is upwards. These two icons may never hit the road again with this many dates and they've given everyone a chance to see them as popularity has demanded a second leg be added with dates already announced and on sale. You can miss a lot of tours in life and survive but you can't miss this one if you are a fan of the genre. Old fans,. new fans and everyone in between - the 'Machine Killer Tour' is a MUST see because let's be honest, will it really get any better this?

Static-X and Sevendust

with dope

"Machine Killer Tour"


Freedom Hall Convention Center - Lancaster, PA

October 15, 2023

Article Written By:

Matt Christine

Jack's Mannequin return to Philadelphia for another SOLD OUT show

By Matt Christine • June 13, 2025
On June 8, Jack’s Mannequin swept into the Fillmore Philadelphia for the hometown stop of their Made For Each Other 20th-anniversary tour, turning the storied ballroom into a reunion between new Andrew McMahon fans from his solo era and the fans who grew up with his songs in Jack's Mannequin. A burst of lights and the band made their way to their places on set as the massive LED screens behind them flicked to life with the roar of the crowd—almost before the crowd could catch its breath—the band dove head-first into “Bruised,” instantly launching a full-room sing-along for the first time of the night. The family style sing-alongs would continue all night long because a Jack's Mannequin show is more than just a concert, it's a gathering of fans of all walks of life. Rather than lean solely on radio favorites, McMahon built a career-spanning arc that kept veterans and newcomers guessing. Early standouts “The Mixed Tape” and “Amy, I” landed with arena-sized fervor, while deeper cuts like “Spinning,” “Television,” and the introspective “Cell Phone” offered welcome detours for die-hard listeners. Mid-show, the tempo dropped for a surprise, lights-down, almost-whispered rendition of “Hammers and Strings (A Lullaby)”—performed nearly a cappella, save for a few plaintive piano chords. It was McMahon’s first time revisiting the lullaby in years, and the silence that followed its last note spoke louder than any applause. The final stretch was a one-two-three knockout: “I’m Ready,” “The Resolution,” and the soaring “Dark Blue,” each chorus louder than the last. After a brief exit, the band returned beneath a single spotlight for the encore. McMahon tipped his cap to the tour’s namesake, easing into the gentle “Restless Dream” before the full ensemble erupted into the sprawling suite “MFEO: Pt. 1 — Made For Each Other / Pt. 2 — You Can Breathe,” turning the title track into a communal vow to keep moving forward together. Twenty years on, Andrew McMahon and company showed how to honor a past without getting trapped in it: by laughing at the room you’re in, risking a fragile ballad in the middle of the party, and playing every song like it still belongs to today.

Shakira brings the 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour' to Atlanta

By Matt Christine • June 4, 2025
After a rocky start to her U.S. leg, with technical issues forcing the postponement of both the Washington, D.C. and Boston dates, Shakira delivered an electrifying, glitch-free performance in Atlanta that more than made up for the delays. The sold-out show at State Farm Arena proved why the Colombian superstar remains a force in global pop music: it was a spectacle of raw emotion, razor-sharp choreography, and dazzling stagecraft. Every moment felt polished and purposeful, yet deeply personal, a balance only a veteran performer like Shakira can pull off. The night opened with La Fuerte, a powerful declaration of intent that set the tone: this tour is about resilience, evolution, and feminine power. With minimal delay, she launched into a fierce rendition of GIRL LIKE ME, originally with the Black Eyed Peas, injecting it with her signature moves and vocal style. The audience, many of whom were adorned with glittering wolf ears and flashing LED bracelets, responded instantly, roaring as she transitioned into a nostalgic medley of Las de la intuición and Estoy aquí. It was a clever juxtaposition—early-career Shakira meeting her modern self, both artists occupying the stage in harmony. One of the most emotionally potent sequences came with Empire blending into Inevitable, where her vocals took on an operatic, almost volcanic intensity. The screen behind her exploded with elemental visuals—lava flows, crashing waves—mirroring the emotional crescendo on stage. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a catharsis. Later, Acróstico offered a softer moment, featuring a touching video of her children Sasha and Milan singing along, which visibly moved many in the crowd. You could hear a pin drop as Shakira sat on a stool, wiping away tears mid-performance. In terms of showmanship, the middle of the setlist was where Shakira proved her mettle. Copa Vacía, La Bicicleta, and La Tortura formed a seamless trinity of reggaeton and cumbia-infused pop, each song melting into the next with smooth transitions and high-energy dance breaks. She momentarily disappeared backstage during Chantaje, only to reemerge in a vibrant new costume and launch into a salsa version of the hit that transformed the entire arena into a nightclub. By the time she reached Whenever, Wherever, complete with a dramatic belly dance introduction using knives, Shakira had the entire arena in the palm of her hand. Her hips truly didn’t lie, and neither did the crowd, erupting into a thunderous sing-along. That energy spilled right into Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), which featured a thrilling Champeta breakdown and pulsating rhythms that was the infectious anthem of the 2010 World Cup. Shakira left the stage like a mythic figure—part woman, part legend—having proven once again that she isn’t just a performer. She’s a storyteller, a mother, a rebel, and above all, a she-wolf with a story still very much in motion.

The All-American Rejects kick off a new era at Parx Casino in Bensalem

By Matt Christine • April 1, 2025
On March 29, The All-American Rejects brought a whirlwind of nostalgia, energy, and surprise to the Xcite Center at Parx Casino in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. With the crowd already buzzing, the band made their entrance to the iconic "Gonna Fly Now" from Rocky, setting the tone for a night that would blend theatrical flair with heartfelt musicianship. Tyson Ritter and crew wasted no time launching into “Dirty Little Secret,” immediately turning the venue into a singalong haven for fans of all ages. The evening’s setlist was a well-balanced mix of crowd favorites and deep cuts, keeping both longtime fans and newer listeners on their toes. From upbeat anthems like “Fallin’ Apart” and “Beekeeper’s Daughter” to early classics like “My Paper Heart,” the band showcased their full range. But one of the night’s most emotional moments came from an unexpected fan request: an acoustic, acapella performance of “Heartbeat Slowing Down.” Tyson delivered the first verse and chorus with just his voice and a dim spotlight—his first time performing the song live since 2013. The crowd, stunned into silence, erupted with cheers at the final note. Throughout the show, Tyson Ritter kept the mood light with his signature irreverent humor. He poked fun at the convention center-style room, joking, about what other events were hosted in the room including a furry convention before launching into a riff about Parx Casino’s not-so-subtle encouragement to gamble. “They want you to leave this show... and immediately hit the slots. Don’t let them down!” he quipped, drawing laughs from every corner of the venue. That excitement rolled perfectly into a performance of their brand-new single “Sandbox,” which blended the band’s classic melodic hooks with a fresh, heavier indie-pop edge that had fans filming the moment for social media. One particularly fun surprise came when Tyson improvised a short, comedic song inspired by fans in the front row called “Chrysanthemum.” The details of this moment will be left behind lock and key for anyone not at the concert but just know it was one of the most obscene moments of the set and was a perfect way for the band to launch into "Sweat" after the moment wrapped up. The band also took time to acknowledge their recent appearance at Jonas Con, where they teased their upcoming role as special guests on the Jonas Brothers’ 20th Anniversary Summer Tour. The crowd cheered at the announcement, and Tyson grinned, saying, “We’ve officially joined the Jonas extended universe.” As the show neared its finale, The All-American Rejects rolled out a trifecta of hits—“Swing, Swing,” “It Ends Tonight,” and “Move Along”—each met with raucous applause and heartfelt singalongs. The encore, naturally, closed with “Gives You Hell,” sending the audience out into the casino with their voices hoarse and spirits high. Fans could be heard raving as they exited, calling it “everything I could have hoped for” and praising both the band and the intimate, high-energy setting. In the end, The All-American Rejects proved that they’re far from just a nostalgia act. With clever banter, emotional surprises, a killer setlist, and a brand-new single to boot, their performance at Parx Casino was a reminder that great bands don’t just survive the decades—they evolve, engage, and keep giving fans reasons to fall in love all over again.