Reviewed by JB

            In this world there are certain people that forever change our lives.  If we are fortunate, the chosen ones walk the long road with us.  Then, there are the special ones that touch our lives briefly and fly on into their eternal.  This night, June 16, 2007, we celebrate just that.  26 year old, Josh “Skinny” Hayden was taken too soon from his friends and family due to head injuries sustained in a car wreck.  Josh was an avid fan of Nashville’s local metal scene; so it is only natural that in respect to him and his family, his favorite local bands gather in remembrance of this awesome individual.

Josh "Skinny" Hayden

            The Exit/In was the perfect setting for this benefit concert.  Tess Jones, manager of local band Generation Down and personal friend to Skinny, organized the event with all proceeds going to the Hayden family.  Five amazing bands were on the bill.  Special event t-shirts were made and sold out within the first 20 minutes.  Family and friends attended from the tri-state area and even New York, New Jersey, and Louisiana was well represented.  Josh’s immediate family was in attendance; his proud parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hayden, shared touching memories of their son and expressed their deepest gratitude.  Additional donations were made and after all fees and expenses were paid, the Hayden family collected $2200!    

 From the moment I walked into the venue, there was this amazing vibe in the room that persisted on throughout the night.  This benefit was about love, friendship, respect, memories, and great music!  I felt honored to be there; especially, since I never knew Skinny…so, my mission for the night…get a glimpse into the life and times of this young man and the dance that will go down in history!    

The opening band was HOLLOWDAY; Will Kennedy-Vocals, Wes Daniels-Guitar, Chris Utley-Bass, and Rory Faciane-Drums.  As usual, I was running late so I only got to hear a couple of songs.  That was enough to see that these guys know how to get the crowd going!  That was also enough to decide I will attend another show to hear their full set.  I spoke with Will throughout the night and he told me that he and the guys did not have the privilege to know Skinny but were honored when asked to join the benefit.  I’m sure Josh would have quickly become a fan.  I also picked up their 2007 debut cd, breakthrough; and if you liked what you saw on stage then get this album!  It is excellent in all aspects; recording, musically, and lyrically…so good that I can’t believe it’s a first!  Learn more about Hollowday at www.myspace.com/hollowday.  I’ll see you guys soon… 

HollowDay

The second band to grace the stage was SHADOWS OF LIGHT.  I have been a fan of this band since Michael Ashley made the move from the Menn to the Light but had never gotten to see a live show.  It was definitely way past time but the perfect night for the first time.  Their show was perfection, from the lights to the sound to the stage persona.  After playing a few well known tunes, Michael said a few kind words to help introduce the special song he had written for the event entitled, Friend Request.  It was an instant hit which led SOL into debuting some new material; Better Days, Deadbeat, and my personal fave with the killer intro “Fool”.

After the show, I had the opportunity to meet and speak with Charlie Phan, SOL drummer, and he gave me some serious lowdown on what SOL is up to.  Choosing the right label, recording a new album, and touring their bums off will keep these guys busy!  SOL plans to take a break in July and go into the studio to begin recording the follow-up album to their 2005 debut, Let There Be Light.  After that, back to the road!  I know we all look forward to a new cd and more new material at the shows…bring it on!  Other members of SOL are Michael Ashley – Vocals, Tim Gleaves – Guitar, and Craig Alspaugh – Bass.  If you’re not familiar with Shadows of Light, get familiar at www.shadowsoflightband.net or www.myspace.com/shadowsoflight.

Shadows of Light

            Next up was DEADSUN.  I have seen these guys many times now and I absolutely love them!  Their shows are always so in-your-face and hardcore.  They truly give their all to their fans.  As they went through the set list with familiar songs like If Only, Sexualize, and Kill Your Television, there were a couple of songs that were not written for the occasion but the lyrics fit perfectly.  I know I wasn’t the only one to notice the impact of the moment by the tears I saw in the crowd.  Todd and Company also previewed some new heavy material that rocked.  When I caught up with Rex, I asked him if the new songs meant a new album was in the works; but he denied my assumption, and replied they were still touring in support of the 2006 release, Falling Away.  I wish the guys well, stay safe on the road, and represent!  To see if Deadsun is coming to your town, go to www.myspace.com/deadsun or www.deadsunband.com.

Deadsun:  Rex, Dee, Todd, Adam

            My most anticipated band of the night was GENERATION DOWN.  I have been listening to them for a while now but had yet to catch a live show.  I have always been so impressed with Spencer Ezell’s voice; and I was curious if his live shows were as great as the recordings.  All I have to say…wow!  As for Spencer, not only is he awesome live but he is one of the most animated front men I have ever seen.  Raw explosive energy came from the stage and all I could do was stand back in awe and watch.  These guys are excellent!  They ripped through their set with favorites like Drowning Eyes, Superhero, and Vein which are all found on their 2006 debut album, Reality Crisis.  There’s one catch…the album was recorded as a four piece band and now GD is a five piece machine, thanks to Skinny! 

            Prior to the benefit, while doing some research, I spoke with GD manager Tess Jones.  Tess gave me some helpful insight but said if I wanted know more, I should contact their bass player Brian.  She said that he and Skinny were very good friends; so after GD’s set I located Brian and asked him for a moment of his time.  He shared some pretty cool stories to give me a better understanding of who Josh was.  He also told me that it was Josh who introduced him to the Nashville music scene when he moved from Virginia.  He said if it weren’t for Skinny he would not have met the guys or been a part of Generation Down, and he would have never met his beautiful wife.  I want to thank Brian for sharing his memories and time with me.

            Before leaving the stage, as their tribute to Josh, Michael of Shadows of Light and Todd of Deadsun joined Spencer and Generation Down for their version of The Offspring’s Gone Away.  Tess had told me earlier that night the song was played at Josh’s funeral.  Jacob, Josh’s little brother, and Brian shared a touching moment after the performance.  It was such a moving site and it seemed the room acknowledged by the silence that flooded the crowd.  I’m sure for Josh’s family and close friends, the night was bittersweet; but from what I witnessed, this was definitely a celebration of life!         

Generation Down

Brian, Gary, Spencer, Tommy, Scott

www.generationdown.com or www.myspace.com/generationdownmusic

Closing the night was RETURN TO SELF.  These guys may look like youngsters but they are veterans to the scene.  This band began forming in 1996; and finally in 2003, completed the lineup.  Since then, there’s been no looking back.  In 2006, RTS released its debut album Suffocate the Fear.  They have most recently been to the studio with producer Brett Hestla and awaiting the final mixes.  As for the benefit…when I asked the guys if they had known Skinny, they answered no but had friends in common; and it was those friends and fans that encouraged them to join the concert.  Their set was tight as they hammered through hits like Stop Breathing, Release, and Can Not Compare.  RTS plans to break through and suffocate the stereotype that only country music comes from Nashville.  If they keep rocking out like that, it won’t take long!  Listen to Return To Self at www.returntoself.com and www.myspace.com/returntoself.  

Golden, Neal, Brett, Mush, Dante

            Josh, this night was for you.  I hope you enjoyed the show.  I wish I had the pleasure of knowing you…it’s weird, I kind of feel like I do.  You have some amazing friends who love you and miss you very much.  Your family...no words I can write could describe their pain…the only advice I can offer is time does heal.  I am truly honored to have gotten to attend the benefit and to write this review.  I am sorry it took me so long to complete, because I know how it feels to lose a best friend, my emotions kept getting in the way of my professionalism.  If you were anything like your brother, Jacob, you were an incredible individual…I had so much fun talking with him at the show.  Thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet some awesome new friends and hear some excellent music!  Thank you for being wonderful!  Rest in peace.

            I need to thank Tess Jones for the information and introductions.  I want to thank Will of HollowDay for answering my random questions throughout the night.  Thank you, Charlie of Shadows of Light, for the conversation…I hope the information I gave you helped?!  Michael of Shadows of Light and Dee of Deadsun, it was great reconnecting with you menn…it’s been a long time.  Thanks to Rex of Deadsun for taking time to answer my never-ending questions.  Big thanks to Brian of Generation Down for taking time to share some special memories with me.  Jacob, remember to come visit us at Paducah Southside Great Clips!  To all the new friends I made that night, I hope to see you all on the scene!  Support you local music scene!!!  Horns Up!!!

You can contact JB at www.myspace.com/jb35679

                                     jb35679@hotmail.com

                                     jb@nashvillerock.net