Guitar Playing School Psychologist Travels 1000 Miles to See MUDVAYNE

This week, I'm deviating slightly from the typical instructional content I provide for you. Don't worry--more instructional content will continue next week. Since I traveled quite a distance to see Mudvayne, one of my all-time favorite bands, I'd like to share my Psychotherapy Sessions tour experience with you. In addition, I want to share with you my takeaways from the live performances of Butcher Babies, Nonpoint, GWAR, Coal Chamber, and Mudvayne (of course). Lastly, I'd like to give my impressions of a brief speech made by Chad Gray (singer of Mudvayne) as it relates to the healing power of music (specifically heavy metal music).

I was fortunate to start my 1000 Mile Journey with a smooth, timely plane ride. I had the isle to my left and an empty seat to my right, so I got to read a book comfortably on the plane. From there, I was generously picked up and greeted by my good friend who hosted my stay during the bucket list experience.

The day following my arrival was concert day. Yay! We drove over 2 hours to the concert venue and made it to the location in good timing. Arriving early definitely saved some potential stress and allowed us to get our money's worth by enjoying the entire show. In addition to arriving early, another tip I'd suggest would be to wear ear plugs. Besides my traveling essentials, I made sure I packed ear plugs to the venue. In the past, I felt that ear plugs were considered 'uncool' to wear to concerts (for what reason, I'm not sure). When faced with a wall of incredibly loud sound, not only do ear plugs preserve your hearing (which should be a highly valued sense for everyone--especially music fans), but they actually allow you to hear the music better.

 
The opening act was Butcher Babies. This duel female fronted metal act delivered an impressive, energetic performance. From what I recall, this was the only band which featured an 8-string guitarist. 

Following Butcher Babies was the band Nonpoint. I had no idea what to expect from this band because I had never heard a single note by them before. A gentleman seated nearby described Nonpoint as a "poor man's Korn", which was a crude--yet endearing--description. The man's description was basically to say that if you like one song by Nonpoint, you like all of them. My friend and I were quite impressed with Nonpoint's performance. In fact, my friend said Nonpoint was his 2nd favorite act following Mudvayne. The members of Nonpoint gave it their all and delivered a strong, high-energy performance. I personally thought they had killer songs with dynamic vocals.

Next up was GWAR. All I can say is if you've never seen GWAR before, prepare for a messy time. If you are considering the pit for seat selection, just be warned that they spray the audience with presumably fake blood during every show. Let this be your warning before you see the stage security putting on clear plastic ponchos as the GWAR stage sign is revealed. I thought the band was a blast to watch and listen to. The rock n' roll energy was pure and true, and the musicians in that band are incredibly talented.

The last opening band before the main event was Coal Chamber. This was my personal favorite band to watch next to Mudvayne. I thought the set design of the Coal Chamber stage was kind of funny. The juxtaposition of the playful, Zones of Regulation-colored lights, and the dark, heavy music was intriguing. I thought this juxtaposition actually enhanced the audience's experience. The guitar and bass tones were absolutely CRUSHING. I thoroughly enjoyed the quieter, suspenseful, eerie dynamics that connected the enormous, devastating, heavy soundwaves to each other.

Finally, we arrived at the legendary Mudvayne. After a long hiatus that left fans wondering if they'd ever get another chance to see Mudvayne live, getting to see them in the flesh was an absolute treat. The early moments of their set were built with hype via color-changing lights through a massive curtain with the band's song, "Monolith", playing behind it. Next thing we knew, the curtain dropped to reveal the makeup covered band starting up the song, "Not Falling". Chad Gray laid down a twisted, high register scream that immediately overwhelmed the audience with goosebumps. The rest of the set was just as amazing as the start. Greg Tribbett's riff mastery, Ryan Martinie's otherworldly bass skills, Chad Gray's sorrowful singing and ear-piercing screams, and Mathew McDonough's precise, technical drum patterns which missed no beats really enveloped an experience unlike any other. This was truly a dream come true and I am incredibly thankful to have seen them live.

The name of the tour, The Psychotherapy Sessions, was reminiscent of my time training to become a school psychologist. During what became a mere moment in my collective experience traveling to and from the concert, Chad Gray brought the name of the tour full circle. In between songs, Chad spoke of the significance of heavy metal music and how it saved his life. The lifesaving nature of heavy metal music (or music in general) is not exclusive to Chad, and he recognized that. He encouraged the audience members to get any and all negative energy out of their systems so they could leave the venue a, "clean slate." He described the cathartic nature of music both for fans and musicians. Chad also brought attention to the support we have for each other as fans of heavy metal music by encouraging fans to pick up their fallen brothers and sisters from the pit. I wholeheartedly agree with Chad's views on the healing power of heavy metal music and music in general. Music gives people, even for just a few minutes, the chance to feel empowered and forget about any pains or woes by focusing their attention on what they are hearing.

Overall, my experience attending The Psychotherapy Sessions tour was amazing and I will never forget it. I got to discover new music and I got to develop a deeper appreciation for a band that I already love. Right now, the tour has pretty much just started. If you get a chance to see these bands live, I strongly recommend you pull the trigger on some tickets.

Watch the experience HERE to get the full scoop: Guitar Playing School Psychologist Travels 1000 Miles to See MUDVAYNE