Christmas comes early to Metro-Detroiters when Sevendust delivers a rare night of unplugged storytelling that drips raw honesty, powerful connection, and electrifying sincerity.
It’s a chilly November night in Motown as the mighty mitten gets another arctic blast of winter winds. Tonight, the towering stone architecture of the ancient Masonic Temple casts menacing shadows across the bustling Detroit streets as visitors flow in from Woodward Avenue, jackets pulled tight, breath forming light clouds in the air. The monolithic venue sign glows like a beacon over the crowd funneling inside. These loyal fans are excited to experience Sevendust‘s all-acoustic Southside Double-Wide Tour as they make a stop at Detroit Rock City’s Jack White Masonic Theater.
This isn’t your typical metal show. There is no ear-ringing preshow rumble, no clatter of drum checks echoing through the lobby. Instead, fans speak quietly, buzzing with curiosity about how Sevendust, a band known for arena-sized ferocity, will transform under acoustic instrumentation. Each and every person stepping into the theater understands something special is coming… something more personal… something vulnerable. This building has seen a century of memories — and tonight, Sevendust will add another.
The mood warms perfectly courtesy of Cory Marks, who opens the night with his brand of country-tinged rock storytelling. Armed with a guitar and a voice seasoned by the road, he sets a stage rooted not in volume… but in sincerity. The crowd is excited, and the good time hits “Blame It on the Double,” “Whiskey River,” and “Outlaws and Outsiders” are well received. Marks works a classy cover of the Bryan Adams hit “Cuts Like a Knife” into his set, and quickly gets the audience’s support as they chant along with some extra “na-na-naaas..” Wrapping up his set… Mark thanks the D and bellows out “Arrrrrre you readdddy for Seveeeeeendussst!” Roaring fans lose it with an immediate ear-deafening response!
Fast forward to game time…9:00 PM sharp, and a faint mist curls across the stage as the house lights dim into midnight blue. The ambient hum hushes to silence as four figures glide out like shadows, choosing their places carefully. Acoustic guitars rest against stands, softly illuminated like relics in a museum… sacred tools for a sacred night. The crowd erupts the moment they recognize the fifth silhouette and confidently, measured walk of frontman Lajon Witherspoon. The ancient Masonic Temple transforms from concert hall to living diary as Witherspoon spreads his arms wide and drops a velvety-smooth greeting: “Detroit…thank you for coming along on this acoustic journey with us… I wanna see everyone stand up… let’s make some noise DEETROITTT!”
The crowd obeys, standing to attention and fist-pumping as the band fires into “Black.” Not the version that fueled mosh pits across America for years, nor the one that punched through stacks of amplifiers. But this… this version… exposed, haunting, fragile, and strong all in one… the musical equivalent of staring into an old photo and suddenly remembering what you felt the first time you saw it. With the mood set, Sevendust guides Detroit through a tender reimagining of their legacy as they roll through “Disgrace,” “Beautiful,” “Skeleton Song,” and a deeply moving rendition of “Denial.” Clint Lowery and John Connolly play like synchronized poets, their six-string lines weaving around each other with elegant tension and release. Every slide, every hammer-on, every brush of fingers over strings cuts through the air like a whispered confession. Vince Hornsby’s acoustic bass hums warm underneath, while Morgan Rose exchanges his trademark fury for heartbeat-softer rhythms… proving to us that less can indeed be more.
Next up comes the holy trilogy of catharsis… “Xmas Day,” and the Nine Inch Nails classic “Hurt.” Both hang in the air like prayers to the souls of loved ones lost long ago. Followed by a tear-jerking, soul-stirring version of “Angel’s Son.” A testament, a tribute, a memorial, and a reminder that some songs never stop saving lives. Annnd just when emotions threaten to overflow, gears change, and the mood lightens with a snappy version of “Rumble Fish” (and smiles all around as the band slips in a playful Pantera “Walk” tease that Detroit immediately recognizes). Followed up with the face smasher “Bitch” and your favorite campfire sing-along “Too Close to Hate.” Ironically, Witherspoon calls the crowd to “come in a little closer,” bringing them right up to the stage to witness in 3D the hypnotizing conviction this band delivers. The night comes to an end with a smoking version of “Face to Face.” The ultimate closing statement without distortion… just pure honesty, pure heart… and pure Sevendust. As the final note dissipates, Witherspoon stands tall, with arms stretched to the sky, “Detroit, God bless you…We… Are… Sevendust!” The Masonic erupts into a celebration of gratitude, pride, and communal electricity.
Sevendust is a recommended Loud Hailer concert experience … not just for the heavy, not just for the hits, but for the humanity behind every lyric they’ve ever written. This acoustic performance reveals the skeleton beneath the armor, the pulse that has kept them strong, evolving, and deeply loved for nearly 30 years. There are still select dates left for this intimate and unforgettable acoustic experience known as the Southside Double-Wide Tour. So hop on over to the band’s official website for concert updates, tickets, and current news (and don’t forget to join the 7D family while you are there!)
Horns up… Hearts open… Until the next time, Detroit!
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