.
When I heard that Korn was playing a once-in-a-lifetime event to celebrate their 30th anniversary, I had to go at any cost. Even if it meant flying out to Los Angeles to see it at BMO Stadium and purchasing GA tickets just in case we were not approved to shoot the show. A fellow photographer and friend of mine packed up for the week and headed out to California with the unknown of what was to come for us. We anxiously waited for our approvals to go through, but as time ticked away, so did the chance of shooting the show. Doors opened, and we had the cameras in the vehicle in case of a last-minute notification to shoot the concert, but nothing was sent. Even in the portal, the notification says Pending Approval lol. We were so happy we had decided to purchase the tickets earlier so nothing would stop us from catching this show. I wanted to share this experience with others, so I could not resist taking pictures with, I hate to say it, my cell phone for this review.
The entire day of events started early in the sun and heat, but that didn’t stop anyone from attending the concert early as it began with Vended. First time watching this band live, and it will not be the last. From the first note that blasted from the stage, I was hooked. Vended could be one of the more prominent bands on the ticket tonight. You must avoid passing this band up when they come to your area.
Next up was Spiritbox. The lead singer, Courtney, has a deep and memorable growl that can transition into a soothing voice almost instantly. I have never heard such amazing heavy vocals come out of a woman before. Every moment on stage with her was filled with constant energy and excitement. For the song Jaded, Chelsea Wolf joined her onstage. I have hit every show that has come to my area for Spiritbox, and I highly suggest you don’t miss the next one.
This next band was a bit different but packed lots of talent. Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway had cool riffs and catchy songs that I still can’t get out of my head a few days later. I know what you’re thinking about the name, and yes, Daron Malakian was in the band System of a Down.
Seeing Gojira ripping up the night with flames and lasers again was so cool. They always put on one hell of a show, no matter where they are, from venues to the Olympics! Gojira was that shift in the night where things really got into the heavy-hitting moshpits and crowd surfing. The shift in energy was felt, and the crowds started begging for more.
This was not the first time Evanescence had played a show with Korn. They are such a great combination on a bill. Amy Lee‘s constant energy on the stage and amazing, hard-hitting vocals ripped through the crowds. The crowds sang almost every word, and the excitement with each song sung just made the crowds erupt more in anticipation for what was to come next.
Korn has sold over 40 million albums worldwide, won two Grammys, and been nominated multiple times. The other awards and nominations are so many that I can’t even start to count them.
Typically, there is no curtain for Korn, but this time, they raised one. When the lights went down and the sounds that only Korn can produce started, the crowds began to turn into a sardine can with me right in the middle. I was front row in the general admission area, just 
where I like to be. The curtain dropped, and I have never seen a crowd go as insane as this group did. Everyone was so tightly packed that even if you were not jumping, your body was being lifted in the air with everyone else. Crowd surfers were going over our heads in waves, and mosh pits erupted throughout the venue in multiple places. Korn blasted hit after hit for one of the best shows they have ever performed. With old hits Korn has not played in years, like “Helmet In The Bush,” along with new songs and a wee bit of bagpipes sprinkled in. How could Jonathan Davis properly do a 30th-anniversary tour without his bagpipes! Korn also dedicated their song “Blind” to producer Ross Robinson, saying they couldn’t have done any of this without him. Korn closed out the show with their final song, “Freak On A Leash,” with Amy Lee from Evanescence joining Jonathan Davis on stage for a fantastic end to the night.
“Reflecting on thirty years of Korn fills me with such immense gratitude for our journey, the growth we’ve experienced, and the incredible bond we share with our fans. It’s humbling to see how our music has touched so many lives across the globe. From our small club beginnings to now headlining stadiums, it’s been an unforgettable ride, and we owe it all to our amazing, undying, loyal community that’s made it possible. I’m really looking forward to this incredible night to celebrate together.” – Jonathan Davis
Vended Setlist:
Nihilism
Ded to Me
Am I the Only One
The Far Side
Serenity
Asylum
Spiritbox Setlist:
Cellar Door
Jaded
Angel Eyes
Soft Spine
Circle With Me
Holy Roller
Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway Setlist:
Chemicals
Sickening Wars
Fucking
Universe
Insane
Scars on Broadway
World Long Gone
Cute Machines
Guns Are Loaded
Fuck and Kill
Exploding/Reloading
Stoner Hate
They Say
Gojira Setlist:
Born for One Thing
The Axe
Backbone
Stranded
The Cell
Flying Whales
L’enfant Sauvage
Mea Culpa (Ah! Ca Ira!)/Remembrance
Silvera
Amazonia
Evanescence Setlist:
Broken Pieces Shine
Made of Stone
The Game is Over
Going Under
Take Cover
Lithium
Wasted on You
End of a Dream
Better Without You
Call Me When You’re Sober
Imaginary
Use My Voice
Blind Belief
Bring Me to Life
Korn Setlist:
Here To Stay
Dead Bodies Everywhere
Got The Life
A.D.I.D.A.S.
Coming Undone
Good God
Start The Healing
Somebody Someone
BBlind
Ball Tongue
Clown
Shoots and Ladders
Helmet in the Bush
Twist
It’s On
Make Me Bad
Y’All Want a Single
Falling Away From Me
Oildale (Leave Me Alone)
Freak on a Leash
