Rock For Recovery Features Acoustic Sets from Adam Gontier, Art of Dying, and More

Last nights Rock For Recovery show in New York City brought fans acoustic sets from Adam Gontier, Art Of Dying, and more in an effort to raise funds for Hurricane Sandy relief.

The evening started off with a short set from city locals Edisun, an up and coming band that has spent the last few years playing shows overseas for the troops. The band, clearly comfortable on the stage, showed impressive musical ability throughout their short set, playing several tracks from their self titled debut album, including their first single "Wide Awake". Never having heard of the band, I was most definitely impressed--my only complaint was their set wasn't longer.

Sean Danielsen, lead singer of three piece band Smile Empty soul, took the stage next to play drastically different stripped down versions of the bands heavy hits. The toned down songs showcased Sean's talent in a new light as he played through "Silhouettes", "Vultures", and more. To wrap up the set J Loren of Hurt joined Danielsen on stage to perform a cover of Alice and Chains "No Excuses". The duet was a perfect end to the set and allowed us continuous music as Danielsen handed the stage over to Loren to perform his set.

Also performing on his own, Loren switched out the usual violin Hurt are known for in exchange for an acoustic guitar. His short set included several hits as well as "Omission" and several other songs rarely played at their electric shows. Unfortunately the one man band couldn't play both guitar and violin on "Danse Russe", featuring a beautiful violin solo--despite that, the song had fans captivated.

Following back to back solo sets, Before The Curtain took the stage with their full lineup. The band, signed to Adam Gontier's new label Sludge Factory Records had the hard task of winning over US fans at one of their first shows in the country. They played a number of songs from their upcoming debut due out soon, one to certainly check out for an upbeat pop rock sound with the occasional heavy element thrown in.

Art of Dying followed suit, with four of the five members on stage to play their first album, "Vices and Virtues" almost in its entirety. With their hits "Die Trying" and "Sorry" receiving nonstop airplay throughout the last year, fans were singing along with each and every word. A few songs into their set a fifth, empty chair sitting on stage was filled. Adam Gontier, who's vocals were featured in "Raining", joined his friends and family in the band, drawing nonstop smiles from both the band members and audience. After their awesome set the guys stuck to promises of hanging out and having a drink with fans, taking pictures and signing everything that was thrown at them.

Having announced recently his departure from Three Days Grace, Adam Gontier still made it out to the city for the highly anticipated solo show. Most in the audience were unsure of what to expect from the new material, eager to hear the new direction Gontier will be taking. He opened with a few of his own songs, stepping out on stage with no instrument and wowing us. The unique start to the set was the beginning of a mix of covers, Three Days Grace songs, and Gontier's own music. The combination of the three was refreshing, allowing his fans to hear "Never Too Late" as well as the new stuff. Gontier appeared to savor every moment of the show, strumming away to Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game" and simply getting lost in the music, songs that clearly came from his heart. Check out the video below for a little taste of what to expect from his new sound. Amidst petty and heartbreaking arguments between the ex band members, the support for Gontier and Three Days Grace among the audience was inspiring.

This once in a lifetime show was an unbelievable showcase of some of the most talented men in modern rock. Raising money for a great cause while being treated to a great show most definitely made for a great night.

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