Landing a gig as an opening act on a national tour can be bittersweet. On one hand, you’re presented with the opportunity to travel the country and expose thousands to your music. On the other, you’re left with the challenge to win over audiences that may have no idea who you are, as they anxiously wait for the headliner to take the stage. The latter can be quite intimidating for an up-and-coming band. Intimidation doesn’t seem to be in Wilson’s vocabulary. The quintet took the stage at the Starland Ballroom exuding the same confidence and energy that fans would expect from a more seasoned band.
Hailing from Detroit, MI, the guys in Wilson cite their hometown as the inspiration for their latest release, Right to Rise. Vocalist Chad Nicefield explains, “You need to make your own way here. No one will respect you otherwise.” Wilson brings that same mentality on the road with them, winning over audiences and making their message loud and clear. Fans in Sayreville, NJ enjoyed heavy rock tracks “Give ‘Em Hell,” “Windows Down!,” and “College Gangbang” with their fists and horns pumping in the air.
The title track of their sophomore album, Right To Rise, was one of the highlights of Wilson’s set. Nicefield introduced the track by celebrating and praising the strength of the music community for bringing the venue back to life after the damage left in the wake of 2013’s Hurricane Sandy. Before saying, “This one’s for you,” he cued the house lights to see the faces of the fans in front of him. The vocalist’s dedication kicked up the energy in the crowd, and everyone chanted “Rise!” along with him. Wilson went out with a bang with Nicefield pounding on a giant bass drum strapped to his chest before diving into the audience for the last breakdown of “Susan Jane.”
You can catch Wilson on the rest of the HardDrive Tour with Trivium and Tremonti. Click HERE for tour dates.
