Northwell at Jones Beach Theater Ignites as Co-Headliners Staind and Breaking Benjamin Dominate the Night with Daughtry and Lakeview Supporting

Ryan Murray | Co-Owner | Chief Editor | Contributor | Photographer

r.m.music84@gmail.com

The night at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater was charged with explosive anticipation as hard rock legends Breaking Benjamin and Staind co-headlined the event. Both bands, having cemented their status in the genre with decades of powerful performances and chart-topping hits, drew a massive crowd ready for an unforgettable experience. With support from Daughtry, who continues to prove his staying power beyond American Idol, and Lakeview, the rising country rock duo, the lineup was set to deliver a diverse yet hard-hitting night. Fans knew they were in for a relentless sonic assault—and the energy in the air was palpable from the start.

Lakeview took the stage at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater with undeniable energy, immediately injecting life into the audience. Their set began with “Hits Different,” a song that quickly captured the crowd’s attention. The chemistry between Jesse Denaro and Luke Healy was palpable, their presence commanding despite the quieter atmosphere they walked into. As the night progressed, the duo’s infectious enthusiasm spread, and what started out as a reserved audience soon became a chorus of voices.

With tracks like “Loser” and “Money Where Your Mouth Is,” Lakeview brought a sense of grit and determination. Denaro’s powerful vocals surged through the venue, delivering every lyric with raw emotion, while Healy’s precision on guitar provided the perfect backbone for each track. “See Me in a Suit” added a touch of storytelling, painting vivid scenes of aspiration and frustration. It was clear that Lakeview’s ability to connect with their audience was growing by the minute, as heads bobbed and feet tapped in time with the music.

Midway through the set, the emotional “Rock Bottom” gave fans a chance to reflect, but the introspective moment didn’t last long. “Lips of an Angel,” a surprising cover, brought nostalgia to the forefront, while “Home Team” had the crowd fully immersed in the band’s sound. Denaro’s gritty, soaring vocals blended seamlessly with Healy’s sharp guitar work, adding a dynamic energy that made even familiar tunes feel personal and fresh.

They closed their set with “Son of,” a track that cemented their high-energy performance. By this point, the crowd had shifted from reserved onlookers to active participants, clapping and shouting along. The synergy between Denaro and Healy was on full display, their cohesive performance drawing the audience in and leaving a lasting impact. Lakeview’s blend of heartfelt lyrics and rousing instrumentals created an atmosphere that perfectly primed the audience for the rest of the night. The duo left the stage with a sense of triumph, having successfully won over a crowd that might not have known their name at the start.

Next up, Daughtry stormed the stage, bringing a wave of anticipation from the crowd. Chris Daughtry, who first captured hearts on American Idol, wasted no time showing why his career has skyrocketed since. More recently in 2019, he took the world by storm as the Rottweiler on The Masked Singer, delivering electrifying performances that stole the hearts of millions, ultimately securing a fierce second-place finish and leaving a lasting mark on the competition.

His voice, known for its power and versatility, is even more breathtaking live, blending grit and emotion effortlessly. Opening with “The Reckoning,” the band set an intense tone that immediately grabbed the audience’s attention.

The set continued with a surprising yet electrifying rendition of Journey’s “Separate Ways,” where Daughtry’s vocals took on a new life, reaching heights that left the crowd cheering. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, with Brian Craddock’s guitar work and Elvio Fernandez’s backing harmonies perfectly complementing Daughtry’s lead. The emotion in “Pieces” and the grit of “It’s Not Over” were met with enthusiastic responses, as fans sang along, feeling every note.

Chris’s connection with the audience was as strong as his chemistry with the band. He effortlessly shifted between ballads and heavier tracks, his voice never wavering. “The Dam” brought a darker, heavier sound, followed by a stunning cover of Deftones’ “Change,” showing the band’s versatility. The rhythm section, led by Marty O’Brien’s thunderous bass lines and Jeremy Schaffer’s powerful drumming, kept the energy high, while the crowd responded with chants and applause that seemed to grow louder with every song.

Ending with a trio of hits—“Over You,” “Heavy Is the Crown,” and the brooding “Artificial”—Daughtry left a lasting impression. Chris’s voice, at times delicate and at others ferocious, carried the emotional weight of the lyrics, leaving the crowd hanging on every word. By the end of the set, the band had not only solidified their place as one of the evening’s highlights but also deepened their connection with both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

As the sun set over Jones Beach, Breaking Benjamin hit the stage, and there was an incredible sense of nostalgia in the air. Having first performed at this venue in 2004, a show I was fortunate enough to attend, the band has come full circle, stronger than ever. Ben Burnley, the constant driving force behind the band, wasted no time commanding the crowd with his unmistakable vocals and gritty guitar work as they opened with “Failure.” From the first note, the energy was electric, and the crowd, already buzzing, erupted in a roar.

The setlist was a journey through the band’s evolution, with tracks like “Until the End” and “Red Cold River” resonating with fans old and new. Burnley’s voice was as powerful as ever, effortlessly switching between soft, melodic moments and guttural screams. Jasen Rauch’s lead guitar work, paired with Keith Wallen’s harmonies, added layers of intensity to songs like “Evil Angel” and “Blow Me Away,” while Aaron Bruch’s bass and backing vocals provided a heavy, rhythmic backbone. Shaun Foist’s drumming was relentless, driving the band forward, especially during heavier tracks like “Dance With the Devil” and “Crawl.”

The chemistry within the band was palpable, each member playing off the other seamlessly. “So Cold” had the entire crowd singing along, while “Breath” was a standout moment, the emotional weight of the song amplified by Burnley’s raw vocal delivery. The crowd, fully engaged, fed off the energy of each track, particularly during “Polyamorous” and “Dear Agony,” where fans shouted the lyrics back with fervor. There was a sense of connection between the band and the audience that had been building throughout the night.

Closing the set with their iconic hits “I Will Not Bow,” “Had Enough,” and the anthemic “The Diary of Jane,” Breaking Benjamin brought the night to a climactic end. The power of Burnley’s voice, combined with the band’s precise, hard-hitting performance, reminded everyone why they’ve remained a staple in rock music for decades. It was a performance that blended nostalgia with the band’s relentless growth, and for those of us who were there in 2004, it was a reminder of just how far Breaking Benjamin has come.

Breaking Benjamin’s music has always hit me on a deep, personal level, and judging by the crowd’s intensity, I’m far from the only one. Their raw, emotional power cuts straight to the bone, ripping open feelings most of us keep locked away, with many of their tracks taking on a whole new meaning for me over the years. The way they dig into those darker emotions makes every song feel like a personal battle, and it was clear that everyone in that crowd felt it too.

Staind closed out the night with a performance that blended new material with the fan-favorite hits that have defined their career. Aaron Lewis, known for his introspective lyrics and emotionally raw vocals, opened the set with “Lowest in Me,” immediately setting a heavy, brooding tone. His voice, filled with a mix of vulnerability and power, resonated deeply throughout the venue. The chemistry between the band members was clear, with Mike Mushok’s crushing lead guitar lines and Johnny April’s rumbling bass providing a strong foundation, while Sal Giancarelli’s steady drumming held it all together.

The setlist was a well-curated mix of old and new, with songs like “Eyes Wide Open” and “Not Again” packing a punch. Staind has always excelled at tapping into raw emotion, and that was most evident during tracks like “Fade” and “Right Here,” where Lewis’s vocals soared over the brooding instrumentals, drawing the crowd into the heart of each song. The crowd responded in kind, their voices rising in unison, especially during the emotionally charged “Something to Remind You.” Mushok’s intricate guitar work during quieter moments helped build the tension before unleashing powerful, distorted riffs, making for a dynamic performance.

Midway through the set, the band performed “Outside,” a moment that felt particularly intimate, with Lewis delivering every line with haunting sincerity. The crowd swayed in the moonlight, fully absorbed in the emotion of the song. “Wannabe” and “Better Days” offered a change in tempo, ramping up the energy, but it was during “So Far Away” and “For You” that Staind really struck a chord with the audience. The band’s tight performance, combined with the raw emotion behind the lyrics, had everyone fully engaged, reflecting on the band’s enduring place in the hearts of their fans.

For the encore, Staind delivered what the crowd had been waiting for. “It’s Been Awhile” was a showstopper, with Lewis’s vocals dripping with emotion, as the crowd echoed every lyric. The night ended on a high note with “Mudshovel,” a heavy, aggressive track that had fans on their feet, headbanging and singing along. It was a perfect closer to a powerful set, showcasing the band’s evolution while also honoring the songs that have made them one of hard rock’s most enduring acts.

The moment Aaron Lewis stepped on stage, the weight of their music hit like a tidal wave, igniting the night with an explosive energy that pulsed through every single person in attendance. The band’s riveting performance brought their signature blend of pain, defiance, and catharsis to life, and each note seemed to resonate with the crowd on a visceral level.

It was clear that Staind’s music isn’t just listened to—it’s experienced. You could feel the emotional release in the air, as if their songs were providing a soundtrack to the lives of everyone there, myself included. Every riff from Mushok’s guitar, every thunderous beat from Giancarelli, and April’s pounding bass locked in with Lewis’s tortured yet defiant vocals, driving the audience into a deep catharsis.

This night was more than a concert—it was a shared, collective release of everything we’ve all carried over the years. The music transcended the stage, becoming a force that echoed the struggles, pain, and triumphs of everyone who has ever found solace in unapologetic honesty.