Mudvayne wins the hearts of Grand Rapids, Michigan

Live Review

Chad Gray of Mudvayne. Photo by Jacob Dillon

By Jacob Dillon, Rock At Night Grand Rapids

Live Review: Mudvayne with All That Remains at GLC Live 20 @ Monroe, Grand Rapids, MI-August 29, 2024

Mudvayne came roaring into Grand Rapids with the fury of a hurricane.

Chad Gray of Mudvayne. Photo by Jacob Dillon

The band formed in Peoria, Illinois in the 90s. Mudvayne consists of Chad Gray (vocals), Gregg Tribbett (lead guitar), Ryan Martinie (bass), and Matthew McDonough (drums). This NuMetal band had its big break after touring with Slipknot in 2000, and the rest is history. Over the years, the band has not lost any of its steam despite its lengthy hiatus. Sonically, they have improved with age and have remained a powerhouse to behold to those who see them live.

Mudvayne has been hitting the festival circuit hard and is on a headlining tour with All That Remains. The band has been including their greatest hits in concerts–and the crowds have eaten up every little morsel. The band performs in each city with just as much vigor as if they had just started playing shows a week ago.

The Grand Rapids stop holds a special place in my heart, though. Let me explain that one real quick. Mudvayne is one of the hottest bands on the circuit right now, and yet they take the time out for fans and kids alike, letting everyone know how much they appreciate them. In Grand Rapids, Chad and the band spoke with and met a local wrestling team out of Cadillac, Michigan.

Chad Gray with the wrestling team. Photo by Jacob Dillon.

I had the honor of capturing this moment. The kids were thrilled to have the opportunity to meet the band and pose for photos with Chad Gray. When I walked backstage to meet Chad, he was in the middle of his vocal warm-ups. He took the time to take pictures with the team and to let them know how great it was to have them all there with him to catch the show. This act of kindness resonated with me and showed how much he enjoys his fans.

Chad Gray of Mudvayne and Jacob Dillon

I want to point out that Chad’s guitar tech is also a school wrestling coach and a friend who was also able to join in the fun and help create memories for these kids that will last a lifetime. Well, after this meeting and my starstruck moment ( I was able to photograph a band I idolized and meet Chad).

Mudvayne went out and whipped the crowd into a sea of frenzied fans whose voices rang out many of the songs performed that night with tangible energy. The security team had a busy night, and the surfers didn’t stop that night, including the entire wrestling team, who also took the opportunity to surf the crowd. That was the first time I witnessed anything like this.

This was also my first time seeing Mudvayne, but it surely won’t be my last. That is a guarantee, and I am sure this will not be the last time for many fans, both new and old.

 

PHOTO GALLERY

A special “shout out” to GLC Live 20 @ Monroe’s security person DALE! Thanks for keeping us safe in the pit.

Dale of GLC Live 20 @ Monroe, Grand Rapids, MI. Photo by Jacob Dillon.
Jacob Dillon