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Three Days Grace at the Toyota Arena: The Best Performance of 2025
By Caitlin Schmidt
There are some shows that just feel too good to be true, and Three Days Grace’s co-headlining set at Toyota Arena October 6th was exactly that, only it was true. Sharing the bill with Breaking Benjamin and support from Return To Dust, the Canadian rock band turned what could have been a nostalgia trip into a career-defining moment.
For the first time since 2013, Adam Gontier is back in Three Days Grace—this time for good—and he’s not alone. Rather than stepping back into his old role, Adam is now sharing lead vocals with Matt Walst, who has been the lead vocalist since Adam’s departure. The two have fused their eras into something completely new, and fans are losing their minds over it. Together, they’ve just released Alienation, the band’s eighth studio album and first since the reunion, and their chemistry onstage makes it clear this is no temporary experiment.
Three Days Grace (© Caitlin Schmidt for Breaking Scene Media)
The band kicked off their set in unforgettable fashion. As “Dominate” from Alienation played in the background, the members walked alongside and through the crowd, each dressed in yellow boxing robes. The energy was already at a ten, but when they hit the stage and tore into “Animal I Have Become,” the entire arena detonated. The bass hit so hard it felt physical, and from the barricade, you could feel every word reverberate through the crowd. Even from the photo pit, every photographer—myself included—were screaming the lyrics. I was visibly shaking from sheer excitement. It was one of those pure adrenaline moments that make you remember exactly why live music means so much.
From there, the band moved through a setlist that balanced eras almost perfectly: one Adam-era song, one Matt-era song, a new track from Alienation, then back again. The back-and-forth pattern created a living timeline of their evolution, with each vocalist backing the other up—sometimes switching guitars, sometimes locking into harmonies that just hit. It was a seamless handoff between two artists who’ve both shaped the band’s identity.
About midway through the set, Adam paused to address the crowd, smiling as the room roared:
“It’s been a while since we’ve been here, and every time we come here, you guys are fucking amazing, tonight’s no different man. You always make us feel at home when we come here. We’re actually from a province called Ontario too, small world. So really, this is like our second home, this is our home, ya know? Speaking of home, let’s go!”
The cue was perfect. “Home” hit like a time capsule opening.
Then, in one of the most heartfelt moments of the night, Adam gave a brief history of the band—marking the timeline of when they were picked up, their first, second, third, and fourth studio albums—and then he said:
“and then in 2013 I left the band,”
to which the crowd unanimously boo’d. He followed that jokingly with:
“yeah I know, I know, I know. You know that’s a lot of people booing at one time for you, that doesn’t feel the greatest, but I get it. But what happened when I left the band was nothing short of amazing. These guys kept going and kept putting out great albums and great music, and I’m just very grateful and thankful that they did that, because if they hadn’t done that, we wouldn’t be here today doing what we’re doing now. And if it wasn’t for this guy right here, Mr. Matt Walst, none of that would have happened so make some noise for Matt.”
The audience responded like family. It was genuine, humble, and powerful—an artist honoring the man who carried the torch in his absence.
Later, Matt took his own moment to hype the new era:
“Hell fucking yeah we’ve got a rock concert tonight! You people are on fire, we love that shit man. So just over a month ago, we released a new record called Alienation. We’re gonna play the first song we released off that album, but before we do, we want to thank each and every one of you for making this song go number one in the U.S.A. so thank you so much.”
Then came “Mayday,” which hit every bit as hard live as it does on record. Following “Kill Me Fast”—another Alienation standout—Adam grinned and said:
“We just played you guys the newest song that this band’s ever put out. Do you mind if we go back and play the very first song that we ever put out? I think you know it, I want to hear everybody sing it.”
The crowd knew exactly what was coming. The instant the first guitar notes of “I Hate Everything About You” rang out, the arena erupted into chaos. The roar was deafening—one of the loudest moments I’ve experienced all year. It was nostalgia and rebirth colliding in real time.
A little later on in the set, Adam stayed onstage alone to perform a haunting cover of Alice in Chains’ “Rooster.” His voice carried the weight of every era he’s lived through. Then came “Never Too Late,” the emotional peak of the night—a song that’s helped thousands of fans through hard times. Seeing both Adam and Matt out at the end of the catwalk, singing together under white lights, turned it into one of the most beautiful duets imaginable. They closed with “Riot,” igniting two simultaneous mosh pits on either side of the catwalk—an explosive finale to a set that had already felt like a greatest-hits celebration and a new beginning rolled into one.
This was my first time seeing Three Days Grace live, and it was more than I could’ve dreamed. The emotion, the production, the lighting so bright it challenged my camera settings, the camaraderie between bandmates—it was impossible not to feel like you were witnessing something historic. It’s honestly difficult to fully describe. You really had to be there. Adam and Matt’s voices are insanely complementary, and any band with a legendary original singer and a current vocalist should take note. Matt made his era his own—he didn’t try to mimic Adam, which so many vocalists attempt when stepping into an established band. Because their voices are so distinct, they harmonize effortlessly, creating moments that just work.
Adam and Matt’s voices aren’t competing—they’re complementing. Where other bands might struggle to merge past and present, Three Days Grace are proving that two eras can coexist, and even thrive.
I’ve covered a lot of shows this year—some of my favorite artists, some of the best sets I thought I’d ever see. But even with a few months left in the year, and one massive festival still ahead, I can say without the slightest shred of doubt: this was the best performance of 2025.
Literally life changing.
Breaking Benjamin
I was only able to catch the first four songs of Breaking Benjamin’s set—three from the photo pit and one from the crowd—before having to head out for an almost three-hour drive and an early morning at work. But even in that short time, it was clear why they’ve built such a devoted following. They opened with Awaken, followed by Follow and Blow Me Away, each one tight, heavy, and full of energy.
When they launched into So Cold, my personal favorite, I had to stay and soak it all in. The band sounded massive, with every guitar note and drum hit landing just right, and the vocals cutting through with that trademark intensity. I’m definitely bummed I missed The Diary of Jane closing out the set, but the songs I did get to catch were more than enough to make it worth sticking around.
We’d like to thank Three Days Grace and Breaking Benjamin for having us out to document this unbelievable show.
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Max Styler Live at Radius Chicago: A Night of House Music Vibes
Max Styler took the stage on March 7th at Radius Chicago. It was fitting for the birthplace of house music to welcome an artist like Max to town, delivering an open-to-close set and blessing the audience with a consistent rhythm throughout the entire night. As the evening kicked off, fans flooded into the venue one after another. The night began with a loose, laid-back tone—perfect energy to tease what was still to come.
About every 30 minutes into the show, you could feel the energy building—not just from the crowd, but from the music itself. As the night progressed, the bass seemed to hit harder and harder. Before long, the sea of people that had formed on the dance floor was moving in unison, dancing to the pulse of the music.
As the sound intensified, so did the production. Radius really showcased all the bells and whistles during the peak moments of the show, with smoke machines, lighting, and lasers fully in effect.
When the first wave of lasers lit up the room, a roar erupted from the crowd, and from that moment on the expectations for the night were clearly met. Max’s music selection and flawless weaving from one track to the next kept the momentum going from start to finish. Fans looking for a classic night of house music were treated to an exceptional experience—one that many will likely be romanticizing for a long time.
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Three Days Grace’s “Alienation” Tour Comes To Grand Rapids
The Alienation Tour is one that came up on my radar last minute, but I’m glad it did. One-X was one of the first albums I had on CD that introduced me to a catalog of 2000s rock that we all know and love. Three Days Grace is one of those staples you can’t deny as a pillar of what rock music was in the early 2000s. I was excited to see how they’ve aged, and how they hold up with newer bands like I Prevail and The Funeral Portrait.
The Funeral Portrait came out with a sound that said “we’re here and we’re serious.” Tracks like “Suffocate City” and “Stay Weird” really showed their personable nature and effort to connect with the fans. Lee Jennings sounded great and shows his experience and drive as a frontman in every song. You can tell the guys in the band really do get along and that makes the show that much better. They also worked in songs like “Blood Mother” and “Generation Psycho,” keeping the energy consistent. They’re one of the more promising newer bands in the scene and I’m glad I caught them on this tour.
By the time I Prevail hit, the energy had shifted. This was almost a hometown show for them, with members having cut their teeth in Grand Rapids or across Michigan, making it that much more engaging for them to be direct support on an arena tour. Their set leaned into the heavier end of their catalog with songs like “Bow Down,” “Self-Destruction,” “Violent Nature,” “Into Hell,” and “Bad Things.” They also ran through “Hurricane” and “Gasoline,” which kept the arena moving. What was noticeable was how they handled the post-lead-singer era, seemingly coming out stronger than ever. Dylan’s clean vocals on songs that used to sound one way now have this rawness live. The cover of Metallica’s “Sad but True” was a great addition and they killed it. These guys aren’t slowing down any time soon.
Three Days Grace connected new and old fans. Singer Adam Gontier looked energetic and ready after joining the band again in 2024. The dynamic between him and co-vocalist Matt Walst is great and something that feels rare in heavier music. These two did each other justice and sounded great, adding layers to older songs that couldn’t be done with just one vocalist. They ran through staples like “Animal I Have Become,” “Break,” and “I Hate Everything About You,” along with “Pain” and “Never Too Late.” They also pulled a few tracks from their new album Alienation into the set, and those songs didn’t feel out of place next to the classics. To see this band still packing arenas and embracing a new dynamic makes me excited to see what they do in the future.
Their new album Alienation, featuring both Adam Gontier and Matt Walst as vocalists, is out now.
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State Champs rock the House of Blues in Boston
House of Blues
Boston, MA
Saturday January 17th, 2026
State Champs celebrated ten years of “Around the World and Back” on a cold, windy night in Boston. Accompanied by Broadside, Real Friends, and Cartel, the New York based pop punk pioneers brought the energy. The crowd, myself included, was eager to hear songs that had not been played live in years.
Broadside started the show off strong, playing through their catalog that spans over a decade long. Playing classics like “Coffee Talk” and newer tracks off their upcoming album “Nowhere, At Last,” there was something for everyone.
Real Friends were up next. I was especially excited for this band as I listened to them a lot back in high school. They still bring the same energy they did ten years ago. Along with their old school tracks like “I’ve Given Up On You,” their new stuff goes hard too; “Waiting Room” off of their newest record “Blue Hour” was a highlight in the setlist. Their lead singer Cody jumped into the crowd for multiple songs which pumped the fans up even more.
Cartel played their hearts out and had the crowd jumping throughout their set. With their immense energy, you never would have known this band released their first album back in 2005. Playing classics like “Say Anything (Else)” and “Honestly,” they gave the fans exactly what they wanted.
The time had come. State Champs took the stage and the crowd erupted. They played “Around the World and Back” in full for the first time ever. It was crazy to see the deep cuts played live, along with staples like “Secrets” and “All You Are Is History.” My personal favorites were toward the end of their first set. I never thought I’d hear “Tooth and Nail” and “Slow Burn” live. After playing the record in full, they played eight more hits right after, including fan favorites like “Common Sense” and “Elevated.” The band played for close to an hour and half and put on the performance of a lifetime for this Boston crowd. Fans could be spotted moshing, crowd surfing, and jumping around as the band played hit after hit.
All of the bands on the ticket put on one heck of a show. It was a great night to listen to pop punk in New England.
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Northwestern Capitalize on Four Turnovers, Claim Sixth Straight Bowl Win in Detroit
Central Michigan Falls to Northwestern in GameAbove Sports Bowl
Detroit, MI – Northwestern dominates Central Michigan as the home team away from home, as they win the GameAbove Sports Bowl 34-7.
Central Michigan started the game out strong, forcing a turnover on downs on the opening drive. But the miscues hovered above the Chippewas, as they turned the ball over four times during the game, three of which coming in the first half of the game.
The first quarter included both teams punting the ball back to each other several times. It wasn’t until midway through the second period, when quarterback Angel Flores threw an interception to Northwestern’s Braden Turner. This ultimately set up a touchdown grab from Griffin Wilde soon after, which put Northwestern up 7-0. The next drive for CMU resulted in a strip-sack on Flores, which was recovered by Northwestern on the very first play.
Northwestern, in great starting field position, scored another touchdown up the middle by Caleb Komolafe to extend their lead to 14-0. In a moment of deja vu, the following drive by CMU resulted in another fumble, recovered by Northwestern. On the very first play of the new drive for Northwestern, quarterback Preston Stone threw his second touchdown of the day to Lawson Albright. In a slow remainder of the quarter, the game went to halftime with a Northwestern lead of 21-0.
Central Michigan started the second half with possession, and to some fans’ surprise, another fumble by CMU, this time returned all the way by Braden Turner for a touchdown. Later in the quarter, Preston Stone tossed another touchdown to Griffin Wilde, to extend their lead to 34-0.
It would not be until the 6:11 mark in the fourth quarter, where CMU quarterback Joe Labas would throw a 3-yard out route to Brock Townsend to put the Chippewas on the board. Kalen Carroll intercepted Northwestern on the following drive, only for Central Michigan to fumble once again with less than 20 seconds left in the game.
Northwestern would go on to become victorious in the 2025 GameAbove Sports Bowl at Ford Field in Detroit. This was the school’s sixth straight bowl game victory. Junior Wide Receiver Griffen Wilde was awarded the GameAbove Sports Bowl MVP after scoring two touchdowns on 10 catches for 97 yards. Northwestern hopes to carry this win into continued success going into the 2026 football season.
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The Band Camino is no “Afterthought” for Utah
In 2022, The Band Camino teased a song titled “Afterthought” on their social media. It took like a wildfire quickly growing a loyal fanbase of its own. Everytime they’ve released new music since it’s been met with a call for the release of the song. Finally that call was answered and after 3 years of waiting fans finally got to hear “Afterthought”. Hot off the release of that single, let’s take a look back at the most energetic and fun filled night that Utah has seen in a while. To Utah, every Band Camino show feels like a hometown show, the energy, the excitement and the singing at the top of your lungs type of energy emanates the room as fans soak in every moment.
If there is one thing I know for certain, it’s that Salt Lake City, Utah loves the Band Camino. Every time they’ve graced the stage in Utah it’s met with nothing but love and excitement in return. As I waited in line before their Never Always Tour stop in Salt Lake, I chatted with another girl in line. We shared stories of the different times we had been to their shows throughout the year and she mentioned that she went and saw them at the Delta Center when they opened for Dan and Shay. She laughed while telling me that she didn’t even like Dan and Shay that much, she just wanted to see The Band Camino.
This tour marks the fifth time I have seen them live over the course of three years. The thing with the Band Camino is they do the best job of any artist, at staying true to their roots and image, while still being able to create a new and engaging set each tour. This tour was no different, with a diverse setlist, it was a great time for the oldest of fans to the newest.
In an interesting twist they kicked off their set with the classic “Daphne Blue”. Traditionally they usually end with this song. Instead they went all out from the start, with blue confetti and everything. They then played a variety of songs, including songs like; “I Think I Like You”, “Know Me”, and then my personal favorite from their latest album “Baggy Jeans”.
Half-way through the set they switched it up for a short 3 song acoustic set. I LOVED this set up. The band, consisting of Jeffery Jordan and Spencer Stewart who both sing and play guitar, and Garrison Burgess who plays the drums, all came out and sat on stools in a semi circle facing the crowd. The lights dimmed and it felt as though we were all participating in an intimate living room concert. You know, the ones that all music fans dream of having with their favorite artists. What I specifically loved about this was that it allowed maybe newer fans, or people listening to them for the first time to really hear their voices in an unobstructed way. Spencer sang “Damage” and a cover of Justin Bieber’s “Daisies” and Jeffery sang “Hates Me Yet (222)”. If this set told me anything, it’s that I think it’s vital that the Band Camino releases an acoustic album or EP someday.
After the acoustic set they flipped back to full production with Karaoke. The night continued and the energy only continued to grow. By the time we got to “Haunted” , a song from their first EP it felt like the energy would push the roof off the building. It was crazy, after that song Jeffery told the crowd how every tour that song just builds and builds, it gets better and more fun to play each time. He also shared how they don’t have one song that out streams another, all of their songs are pretty equally streamed. In my opinion, it speaks to the consistency of their music and talent as a band.
As it happens with shows, they all, unfortunately, must come to an end. They played their ever popular “See Through” song before leaving the stage. The cheers to get them back on were deafening, in a good way of course. When they finally returned on stage they played a final two songs 12:34 which was released a few days before the concert. This was fun as they initiated good crowd involvement by breaking the crowd up into groups and competing with each other and then they ended with a personal favorite of mine from their first EP “What I Want”. I need to take a moment to talk about how epic this finale was. The lighting was amazing. They went with a white backlight that was super strong, I am not totally sure, but it felt like the lighting got stronger and stronger as the song went on, matching the sound and vibe of the song until the finale when it was the strongest. As I mentioned at the beginning, their choice of song for their finale was different than years past and I don’t think they could have done any better with the change. While Daphne Blue has an iconicness to it, this finale was truly cinematic.
While there is always a bittersweetness that comes with going to a concert. Sweet because you get to see your favorite artists, bitter because it will likely be a while before you see them again. The Band Camino can be sure that Salt Lake City will always be there to welcome them with a large crowd, massive sing-alongs and loud cheering. Whatever the timeline, Utah is anxiously awaiting their return.
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Drake White Ignites District 142 with Soul and Southern Spirit
Wyandotte, MI — December 5, 2025 — Josh Malone
Drake White returned to Michigan with a full force of charisma and country-soul energy as his Keep It Movin’ Tour rolled into District 142 on Friday night. White delivered a performance that showcased both his rugged vocal power and his unmistakable authenticity.
The evening kicked off with an impressive set from rising Nashville trio, The Woods, whose warm harmonies and organic sound immediately set the tone. Their blend of roots-driven songwriting and polished musicianship earned early cheers and served as an ideal lead-in for the Alabama-born headliner.
Drake White (© Josh Malone for Breaking Scene Media)
When the lights dropped and Drake White took the stage, he wasted no time diving straight into heart and heritage. He opened with “Grandpa’s Farm,” a crowd-pleasing choice that instantly lit up the room. White’s stage presence was electric from the first note, smiling wide, and engaging the audience with the kind of easy, natural charm that has become his signature.
From there, he kept momentum high with a dynamic blend of fan favorites and reflective deep cuts. “Mix ‘Em With Whiskey” brought a rowdy, rollicking energy that had fans yelling every word, while “Wildflower” showcased White’s tender, soulful side. His ability to effortlessly shift between fiery grit and smooth, heartfelt warmth is a big part of what makes his live shows so deeply resonant.
The highlight of the night, though, was undoubtedly “Makin’ Me Look Good Again.” As the first chords played, the place cheered, couples pulling each other close, voices rising to meet White’s soulful growl. The performance was raw and powerful, with White pouring everything he had into the song that remains his signature song. It served as a reminder of both his vocal prowess and his deep emotional storytelling.
Throughout the evening, White embodied the spirit of his tour’s name, constantly moving, constantly uplifting, constantly engaging. By the time he wrapped his set, District 142 felt less like a concert venue and more like a community, bound together by shared energy and White’s undeniable connection with his fans.
With the Keep It Movin’ Tour wrapping up, Drake White continues to prove that he’s far more than just a talented vocalist, he’s a showman, a storyteller, and a force of positivity who leaves every room brighter than he found it. Wyandotte got the full experience, and it’s safe to say the city won’t forget it anytime soon.
Drake White has three remaining shows on the Keep It Movin” Tour, including the final two in his home state of Alabama. But I am sure this will not be the last time we see White, as his upbringing in this industry is just beginning.
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