I’ve been going to concerts since the eighth grade, and I lost count a long, long time ago of just how many I’ve been to since. Metallica was my first (thanks to my cool and supportive parents), and I was hooked halfway through their very first song. Ever since then, I’ve been on a lifelong mission to experience as much live music as I possibly can. I’ve discovered so many incredibly bands that went on to become household names, and I’ve gained newfound respect and admiration for bands that blow me away live, even though I may not care for their overall sound.

Deftones has been on my top ten list since I first saw them in 1996. Not only was their sound unique, but their energy on stage was something I’d never witnessed before. They were a no-frills, yet powerful act that left my jaw on the floor.

In the decades since that first experience, I’ve caught them on almost every stop through Austin and in other cities when the occasion presented itself. They’ve definitely evolved and matured through the years, but they’ve never once strayed from their sound, which has become a music genre in itself – Shoegaze. The pioneers of what has become a now multi-generational following, Deftones are a household name, and I finally got to take a very special someone with me to witness their latest effort – my son, who is himself a rabid fan, thanks to yours truly ;).

We’ll get to the monumental closing act, but let’s not leave the supporting bands out of their well-deserved spotlight.

Fleshwater

These kids are going to be alright, and I’d bet good money on their longevity, either as a band or individual musicians. Deftones are a tough act to follow, and rarely are they followed, but if there were ever a perfect hype band for them, Fleshwater would be it. As young as they may be, they came out with nerves of steel and commanded their audience from the very first note.

I’ve long considered three guitar players to be too many, but these kids pull it off, offering a full sound that plays well with the tight-knit backbone of the unit – the drums and bass guitar. As if the instrumental talent wasn’t enough, the shared vocal duties between Marisa Shirar and Anthony DiDio offers an even more complete sound, whether in harmony or alone.

All in all, Fleshwater got the party started right. And don’t worry about rushing out to see them – I doubt they’re going anywhere for a very long while.

The Mars Volta

The Mars Volta have long been an acquired taste. Formed from one of the most notable post-hardcore band splits of the early 2000s, Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez decided to part ways with then powerhouse At The Drive In in pursuit of much more than a different sound, but a life lived on their terms. Just like transplanting a flower from its tiny, restrictive pot into a larger abode with fresh soil and nutrients, Cedric and Omar bloomed into one of the most beautiful and rare sounds out there.

I was a huge fan of their debut album, Deloused in the Comatorium, and I knew right then that they had unleashed a caged animal onto the scene. I will admit that some of their albums and even live performances have escaped my appreciation over the years, but I’ve maintained a healthy respect for their talent.

In the weeks leading up to this show, I had many conversations with other ticketholders, and they all offered the same take on The Mars Volta:

“Their songs are too long and they aren’t that great, so let’s meet up for a beer during their set!”

I just shook my head each time and assured them that I would be watching their performance, no matter what. What I didn’t realize at the time, however, was that one of the most beautiful performances I have ever seen (and probably ever will) was just days away.

When they appeared on stage, no words were spoken – they just started playing. Not one song was recognizable because, unbeknownst to us all, they had yet to be released on their upcoming album. That’s right. We witnessed an unreleased set. And it was mind-shattering. The entire place was silent throughout the performance, mesmerized by the sound that was accompanied by a light show that would rival any good acid trip. It’s a performance that will live in my mind forever.

After the show, EVERY person that had expressed their distaste for The Mars Volta texted me, in disbelief of what they just witnessed. They all became fans, right then and there.

Deftones

I don’t even know where to start… I mean, I knew, or at least I thought I knew what to expect but, as they have their way of doing, I was in for a surprise. They opened up with Be Quiet and Drive – arguably their definitive hit and the song that continues to set the hook into new fans, reeling them into the genre. I felt it strange that they chose their biggest hit to open with, but it worked. They had their grip on every set of eyes in the arena, and they wouldn’t let go until the very last note was played.

In more recent years, the energy levels of the aging icons had seemed to dwindle a bit, but they must have discovered the fountain of youth. That, or the venue was a time machine that took the crowd back to Deftones’ earliest days. Front man Chino Moreno was in top form, and commanded every inch of the stage, leaving none of it unvisited. The band was as tight as ever, and each song was raw and visceral, almost as if we were in the midst of a powerful and awe-inspiring thunderstorm. It was a full body experience that never lost its steam.

When they closed with Bored, following it with 7 Words, both from their debut album Adrenaline, my eyes went misty. There I was, experiencing the past and present of one of my favorite bands in the world – all with my son at my side. I was left speechless. They played every hit and so much more. Many people I know were there to see Deftones for the first time ever, and I made the effort to let each of them know that they’d just witnessed them at the absolute top of their game – something they all expressed their gratitude for.

My hat goes off to the bands, their staff, and the venue for providing such a stellar experience that will live in my heart until my dying day.

If you ever have the chance to go see live music on any level or of any genre – say yes. Let the music set up shop in your soul and move you in ways previously thought unimaginable. Get up, get out there, and go make some memories. Adventure awaits around every corner.