Nashville’s War Memorial Auditorium is a historic venue nestled in the heart of downtown; where on November 2nd a historic night was crafted amongst the gilded ceilings of this iconic venue. As Underoath’s “Erase Me” tour kicked off to a lively and magnetic note; thanks to an energized crowd and animated support from artists like: The Plot in You, Crown the Empire, and prog-rockers Dance Gavin Dance.
Each artist played their respective role in stoking the flames of excitement and anticipation for the headliner’s historic return to stage. Granted, Underoath didn’t need this help; as the crowd already knew what was in store. Now, if you’re wondering, “what’s the big deal about underoath playing a show in Nashville?” Or “What makes it so historic?” Let me fill you in on the details and intricacies revolving around this tour.
To start off, on October 2nd, 2012 Underoath announced that they would be formally disbanding come 2013; and on January 26th, 2013, Underoath performed one last time for fans at Jannus Live in St. Petersburg, Florida. Several years passed and fans were left in the dark. Only to awake to the phrase “rebirth is coming” pasted across all of Underoath’s social media accounts in July of 2015. It wasn’t until February 22nd, 2018 did fans see a true rebirth of Underoath with their surprise single “On My Teeth.” A gripping song off of Erase Me, which features all of Underoath’s original members and vehemently renounces all ties to their former beliefs as a band; as the opening lyrics decry religion.
At War Memorial Auditorium, Underoath sought to inform fans about why there was a need for rebirth and change. As lead singer Spencer Chamberlain explained how “Christianity became poisonous” to not only the band but “to myself; as we began to think inside these boxes.” Boxes where Spencer and the rest of Underoath began to feel an insurmountable pressure to be something they’re not. Which unfortunately led to a self-destructive spiral in Spencer’s case; as he fell into old habits of drug addiction. A serious mental health issue which plagues over 21.5 million Americans on a yearly basis (American Addiction Centers). It was at this point that Spencer Chamberlain [and the rest of Underoath collectively] felt as if he’d reached the darkest and lowest point in his life; as he was struggling and enduring a “personal hell.” All due to the pressure felt to meet these expectations set forth by organized religion.
A concept which became poisonous to the band Underoath; as it caused a distortion of who they perceived themselves to be. Driving the band’s poignantly dark lyrics on the album Erase Me; as they boldly detail how religion drove their self-destructive tendencies and caused a struggle within each members’ personal lives. Luckily, the self-destructive spiral met its end in 2016 when Spencer Chamberlain reached his breaking point and realized that he “had to ask for help.” No matter how embarrassing it seemed at the time. It was this stark realization of reality that allowed Underoath to be…Underoath again. As the band realized they “had to be real with each other and open up to each other before they could make music again.”
With this new refreshing outlook, Underoath stormed the stage at Nashville’s War Memorial Auditorium with a gusto and energy unmatched by other artists. Even the LED walls with their glitching graphics were dwarfed by the raw energy and striking presence of Underoath; who demanded all eyes on them. Even during their acoustic cover set [a gift to all of those who bought tickets] fans were eagerly endeavoring to catch a glimpse of Spencer and Aaron perform covers from classic bands like Nirvana.
It was at that point that Underoath’s triumphant return to the stage was solidified. Making that night pretty damn historic.
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