Staind performing during the Best of Times World Tour at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater in Austin, Texas on August 31, 2023, with Aaron Lewis, Mike Mushok, Johnny April, and Sal Giancarelli. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
It has been said that first impressions last a lifetime. Luckily for Staind, some only last for about 45 minutes. After a volatile disagreement with Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst over some of Staind’s early cover art, it seemed their big break had walked out the door. Fortunately, by the time Durst had witnessed Staind’s intense live show, he was ready to exchange phone numbers.
Staind’s story began in the New England area when vocalist Aaron Lewis and guitarist Mike Mushok met at a Christmas party in 1993. Mushok was able to bring drummer Jon Wysocki into the fold, and Lewis’ connection with a bass player (who later left) completed the early lineup. Establishing themselves took time, and extensive touring of the Northeast with other established metal acts helped them sell over 2,000 copies of their self-released debut in just over a year. They were primed for their big break, and on October 23, 1997, the hard work paid off.
At a show in Hartford, Connecticut, Staind were all set to open for Limp Bizkit when Bizkit singer Durst raised a stink over cover art on Staind’s self-released CD. After a heated conversation over whether or not Staind were Satan worshipers, Durst forcefully returned the disc to the band, and walked away. But 45 minutes later Durst was back, not to further the argument, but to make sure he kept in contact with Staind. Blown away by their live show, Durst exchanged phone numbers, and loved their demo tape when they gave it to him. He convinced them to travel to Jacksonville, Florida, to work on the new songs.
Dysfunction After reworking the new material and a successful live show, Durst contacted the head of Flip Records and arranged a meeting for Staind with the label. While in Los Angeles, a three-song sampler was recorded, and by the time February rolled around in 1998, the band had a record deal. After playing the Vans Warped Tour, they began work on their first album, Dysfunction. The album was produced by Terry Date (Deftones, Pantera, Soundgarden) and was released April 13, 1999. A tour with Kid Rock followed that spring and later the band reunited with good friends Limp Bizkit for a summer tour.
Break the Cycle Their follow-up, Break the Cycle, enjoyed a prolonged visit at the number one spot on U.S. charts in 2001. Smash hits like “It’s Been a While,” “Fade,” “For You,” and “Epiphany” catapulted Staind into the mainstream, leaving their 2002 DVD MTV Unplugged to go gold. Staind released 14 Shades of Grey in spring 2003, and after a two-year break returned with the chart-topping Chapter V, named to include their self-released debut in the Staind canon.
A Singles and Videos compilation arrived in 2006, followed by the all-new studio album Illusion of Progress in 2008, the latter of which debuted at number three on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. The band’s eponymous seventh studio album, which saw the departure of longtime drummer Jon Wysocki, arrived on September 13, 2011. Later that year, the band recruited drummer Sal Giancarelli and hit the road, documenting the tour with 2012’s Live from Mohegan Sun, which captured the tour’s first show.
Fan reviews:Setlist for the show at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Great set! Staind killed it, this was our 5th time seeing them and they keep getting better and better.
Aaron Lewis and the boys really put on a great performance. Sound was clear and just like their recordings!
My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed the Staind concert! Love the venue! Great place! We will definitely attend more concerts at this venue!
Fantastic, unforgettable performance! They just keep getting better and better! I have loved Staind since their beginning and this performance was a truly unforgettable experience.
Every time Staind comes around I'm there if I can. Can't wait till they come back.
Absolutely breath taking experience, we was just a few feet from the stage the video/montage playing in the background was incredible.
- Unchained
- Lowest in Me
- Not Again
- Just Go
- Eyes Wide Open
- Fade
- Something to Remind You
- Epiphany
- Right Here
- Outside
- Wannabe
- So Far Away
- For You
- It's Been Awhile
- Mudshovel
Staind shared the stage with was the Godsmack, Mix Master Mike, and Flat Black at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater. They continue across the United States with the last stop at the Gordy's Highway 30 Music Fest in Fort Worth, Texas on Occtober 22, 2023.
Staind
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Photos by Ralph Arvesen
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