LIVE REVIEW: Breaking Benjamin at Jones Beach Theater

Breaking Benjamin absolutely rocked Jones Beach Theater on Saturday 09/05, Labor Day weekend here on Long Island New York. The tour recently kicked off featuring bands Kami Kehoe, Starset, Chevelle, and of course Breaking Benjamin. The venue at which they played is certainly unique and a beautiful sight to see for any kind of event, being right on the water! A little fun fact about the venue is that when it is high tide, the GA pit floods a bit; But either way it is one of my favorite places and right in my backyard.

All the bands put on an electric set that had the crowd moving nonstop for each artist. Even with the lack of space, the mosh pit was going and the crowd surfers were surfing. Starset specifically had a set that blew me away. I had heard a few songs prior to this show, but I was absolutely in awe of their live performance. From having a celloist and violinist, which is beyond unique, to the spacesuit costumes, the whole thing was so enthralling to watch. The band has been playing a previously unreleased song on this tour called “a n n 1 h 1 l a t 1 0 n” (annihilation) that released on 09/10.

Breaking Benjamin really closed out the night with a bang, opening the show with their iconic Halo screen display in honor of their song “Blow Me Away” which was for Halo 2. While the band did not open with the song, the screens made the crowd excited for what was to come. Their setlist had a lot of great variety, ranging from their album Phobia to more recent ones such as songs from Ember, and even some from Saturate. The band currently consists of members Jasen Rauch on lead guitar, Keith Wallen on rhythm guitar & backing vocals, Aaron Bruch on bass and backing vocals, founding member Benjamin Burnley as lead singer and rhythm guitar, as well as touring drummer Brian Medeiros. The high energy tour continues until the end of October, ending in Virgina. If you are looking for a fun night out and some emotional lyrics to scream along to, then this tour is definitely a must!