Red Play Final Show with Lead Singer Michael Barnes
Friday night at the Bomb Factory in Dallas was a special one. Fans who had travelled from near and far to see Michael Barnes perform with Red one more time were lined up around the block well before doors.
RED
It was announced earlier this year that Barnes was stepping away from the band to be with his family, but not without giving fans a proper goodbye. And that’s what Friday night was, sold out room packed wall to wall, to hear their favorite singer perform one more time. Knowing that this night was a special one, the band pulled out all the stops.
The show was a perfect sendoff. The crowd was passionate, engaged, and dynamic, moving with the band as they picked up and slowed down the tempo. Even though this was a tour to celebrate 20 years of the band’s first album End of Silence, the set featured songs from across their first four albums. As this show was already full of emotion and nostalgia, the band took the time to honor their late drummer Hayden Lamb with a moving tribute featuring clips of Lamb on the road with the band.
It’s not often you hear a room full of metal fans silent, but as the tribute ended and band pulled out the piano and called out long time friend and producer Rob Graves onstage to play Pieces, the room came to a hush. It was a special moment as it’s not a song the band plays live very often.
The mood wasn’t slow for long though, as the pace picked up immediately after, diving back into heavier songs, the mosh pit picking back up. The high energy continued through the end of the night, the crowd making sure Barnes he was going to be missed, but also how much fans appreciated his time with the band.
TWIST IT
Before Red took the stage, Twist It, the young band from Philadelphia, got the crowd started with their spunk and energy. Despite being young, the band has a noticeable and commanding stage presence, grabbing the attention of all the earliest arrivers. While they only had time to share five songs with the room, they took advantage, and the crowd was engaged.
KINGDOM COLLAPSE
Kingdom Collapse kept the night moving. The Texan band got a warm welcome from the home crowd as they played some of their highlights, including their cover of “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield.
RA
Ra kept the crowd going using his extensive experience and expertise. Blending sounds from his Egyptian heritage with classic and contemporary rock, and his experience writing for some big name bands, he creates unique and catchy tunes that kept the crowd alive and engaged as anticipation grew for the main act.
While this tour is over, as is Barnes’ time with Red, the memories will live on. Plus, there is still much to look forward to as all bands on the ticket continue to perform and put out new music. If you see them coming through your city, be sure to check them out!