After 24 Earthday Birthday's in Orlando, I finally managed to catch one. These are the images that emerged from my dust covered camera when it was all over. Big thanks to the crew at our iHeartRadio sister station, 101.1 WJRR for hooking me up.
If I may be a typical dude for just a moment. Sick Puppies bassist Emma Anzai is one of the most beautiful women on the planet. The fact that she's also a super talented musician just makes it ridiculous. Sick Puppies put on a whirlwind set that was one of my favorites of the day.
I'm sure Kevin Martin couldn't help but notice a front row clad almost entirely in Candlebox shirts. He dove in and high fived, grasped hands and gave himself up for some up close interaction while belting out rock radio classics like "You" and "Far Behind".
Totally impressed by Thrice. I'd really only heard "Black Honey" before checking them out. I walked away a fan. Great energy, excellent players.
This day absolutely belonged to Georgia's own Sevendust. On their 8th EDBD appearance, they whipped the crowd into a mosh pit frenzy that never let up. Even when front man Lajon Witherspoon took a moment to thank Orlando for all the support they'd received over the years. He brought his kid onstage and with many of the bands family members in the wings, he got visibly choked up.
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Alter Bridge was my final set of the day. Those guys are pros and delivered a solid set against the painted Mid-Florida sky at twilight. They seemed like they were having a blast too. If you missed EDBD, You'll see them soon enough at Welcome to Rockville Sunday in Jacksonville.