2025 was certainly a year of celebrations for many bands, Chiodos being amongst them. This past Saturday they stopped by The Rave in Milwaukee for an amazing night of music. Not to mention it’s been 14 years since Chiodos last played this stage. It was definitely a big night for the band and the city. The night featured Big Ass Truck, Holywatr, and Hawthorne Heights as the openers to kick off the night before the main event took place. On top of all that, it is a very festive time of year, especially for The Rave/Eagles Club, as it’s been named one of the most haunted places in Wisconsin. So much lore behind this historic building as it’s decked out with Christmas and Halloween decorations. It truly is the best time of the year!
Out of all of the openers, I was least familiar with Big Ass Truck. But let me tell you, they certainly know how to make a GIANT presence on that stage in such a short amount of time. There were clearly a few people at the barricade who were familiar with their music as they screamed along to the songs. I definitely became a fan during their set, it was a rowdy time.
Holywatr was second. They were just recently at The Rave and played on the bar stage. I was impressed by their first time and figured their set would be just as good on a bigger stage. Due to some outside stressors, unfortunately, my enjoyment was cut a little short. Here’s to hoping they return and not dealing with the same problems! Knocking their production down a peg also, because the stage was so dark – I could hardly see them!
I was very excited to photograph Hawthorne Heights, and also lost my voice a little during “Ohio Is For Lovers.” They came out on stage to flashing lights and a loud audience. It was very apparent that The Rave were very ready for this band.
Finally, after a decent stage changeover and time to breathe from the first three bands, it was time for Chiodos. It was time for them to celebrate twenty years of All’s Well That Ends Well with the people of Milwaukee and anyone who traveled for this momentous occasion. Twenty years is a long time and definitely deserves a moment to be recognized. Obviously, any band that was around in the early 2000s is going to be at this milestone. Every single person in that crowd gave every single second their all; it was a night of singing, clapping, dancing, and partying to their hearts’ content. The crowd surfers were a force and endlessly sent bodies to the barricade, where security made sure they were carried over safely. The mosh pit grew with each note. Twenty years is not something to be short of and here’s to hopefully another twenty more with this band! Cheers Chiodos!
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