Written by Alana Whelan
The electric energy of the crowd was unparalleled as the headlining performers entered the stage, and people left their seats behind as if giving the band a standing ovation before they even played their first note.
Hailing from Akron, Red Sun Rising is a band whose roots trace back to a city with a vibrant music scene, and those who attended the show at the Goodyear Theater in Akron that night of Nov. 3 were ecstatic to watch the band’s lively performance.
The show was hosted by Akron radio station, Summit.FM, as a thank you to its loyal listeners, and drew people of all ages.
But before the Akron natives played, two bands who share a similar, rock sound opened for the packed theater.
Sharing their Akron origins with Red Sun Rising, the first band, the Bizarros, is composed of four locals who began the band in 1976, and were the perfect way to kickoff Red Sun Rising’s hometown show.
Second on was New York-based Spirit Animal, who just signed to Atlantic records in May of this year and are joining Red Sun Rising on their tour.
On last, Red Sun Rising reflected the positive energy of the crowd in their performance, despite the heavy content of some of their songs.
Their most recent album, “Thread” was released earlier this year and one particular song on the album, “Stealing Life” holds substantial importance to the band, focusing on the hard-hitting impact of suicide.
For this tour, Red Sun Rising will be donating a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales to MusiCares -- the Recording Academy’s charity that helps musicians struggling with health and personal issues.
The band wanted to choose a charity that brings awareness and assistance to those struggling with mental health issues.
Composed of Mike Protich, Ryan Williams, Ricky Miller, Dave McGarry and Pat Gerasia, the band has grown and members have changed since its conception in 2006, but their sound has stayed true to their rock origins.
Red Sun Rising played as rock musicians should that night at the Goodyear Theater, and with such a supportive fanbase, they were able to put on a show that was both entertaining and refreshing.