Concert review: Daughtry at 1st Mariner Arena
Daughtry's tour opener at 1st Mariner Arena last night had all the right pieces of a gnarly rock show: The angst-filled anthems, the charismatic front man, the laser lights, the shirtless drummer.
But when all the parts came together, the result was a standard, 90-minute color-by-numbers rock concert, somewhat marred by technical difficulties.
To be a remarkable show, it needed a spark, which never came.
Lead singer Chris Daughtry, with his dexterous voice and new crop of black hair(!) carried the night.
It's easy to see why the former American Idol's debut album, "Daughtry," has sold five million copies: Daughtry makes the simmering low notes count just as much as the wails. He's one heck of a singer ...
Spot-on renditions of hits like "It's Not Over" and "Feels Like Tonight" were among the show's highlights, with guitarist Josh Steely cutting loose a few crunchy guitar solos. Daughtry's cover of Phil Collins' menacing "In The Air Tonight" was a welcome surprise, as was his version of Billy Idol's "Rebel Yell."
The skeletal staging, with it series of metal stairs and platforms, was bare bones, but the light show was well done. The arena's top tier was closed, and a couple of the lower sections were cordoned off, which made it puzzling when one of the band members thanked everyone for making it a sold-out show.
All told, it was a decent performance -- good but not great, notable but not memorable.
FYI: Daughtry's set started at 9:30 p.m. and ended at 11 p.m.
(Photo by Max Vadukul)
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
Comments
Herd him into the same pen as Nickelback, Seether, Hinder, etc. Follow formula, write song, rinse and repeat.
No thanks.
Posted by: Thumbs Down | March 19, 2010 11:55 AM
I was at the concert last nite and have to say I thought he put on a very good show. This is the second time seeing Daughtry and though he was just as good has when I saw him at Merriweather 2 years ago.
Keep rocking!
Posted by: Ashley | March 19, 2010 12:06 PM
Sam,
I thought Lifehouse stole the show, they were outstanding!
Posted by: John | March 19, 2010 12:08 PM
I agree that the show would have been much better if the sound hadn't been so bad. I felt like you could barely hear Daughtry's voice over the music...and Daughtry's voice is kind of what you come to hear. I still enjoyed it, though.
Posted by: Lindsay | March 19, 2010 12:33 PM
Damn... I missed Daughtry for Train at a dry venue in Lancaster!
Posted by: TS | March 19, 2010 1:02 PM
I was there last night and thought it was a great show! There were times when the music was louder then Chris, but it was still a great show. Very talented! Could have stayed there all night and watched him perform! Please come back soon!
Posted by: Sandi Johnson | March 19, 2010 9:40 PM
I was at the show and if there were any technical difficulties I didn't notice. I was too mesmerized by the hotness of Daughtry. What a voice and they are the nicest guys you will ever meet!
Posted by: Kim | March 20, 2010 9:56 AM
sam, it sounds like there's an ex-American Idol you almost actually like
Posted by: Stebbin | March 20, 2010 3:50 PM
love the album leave this town can anybody tell me when daughtry are coming to the uk ive just got to see them play live im 55 years old in body not mind, my sons also a fan so please hurry over here before i get too old. cant get enough of their music i play it loud every day when my husbands out
Posted by: christine evans | March 21, 2010 7:00 AM
I thought Daughtry sounded awesome as always. I, too, did not notice any sound issues but was right up front. Daughtry is a very down to earth group and truly care about their fans! Hope they come back to the area soon!
Posted by: Suzanne | March 22, 2010 7:52 PM
Wow! Were you guys at the same concert? I have beeen dying to see Daughtry since American Idol. I have listened to Daughtry almost every day since the first release.
The opening bands were great. The light show for Daughtry was beautiful. The crowd was so happy to be there.
On the down side I thought that the technical difficuties explained the lack of focus that was happening on stage. Chris seemed nervous...a bit uncomfortable. His movements were too unatural. His personality didnt seem to come through. I felt that they could have utilized that big stage a little more and create more energy and story as a team.
I don't know exactly what, but something was missing. I did not hear all of the wonderful qualities of his voice. This was the most dissappointing.
However awkward this show was I can't wait to see him again. I will continue to listen to his music every day. We paid $500 for our tickets and we will pay just the same the next time.
Posted by: Alisa | March 23, 2010 12:53 PM