Lunatic Luau

Live Review By Annette Holloway

After a two-year pandemic hiatus, Lunatic fans braved the nearly 100-degree heat at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater May 20, 2022. With the new requirements to enter shows implemented worldwide over the last year — proof of vaccination, negative Covid tests, and masks — seeing your favorite bands has been a completely new experience. Thankfully, this seemed like a normal summer concert day in Virginia.

The Luau featured two stages: the Hardee’s Main Stage and the nearby Nancy’s Nook side stage. With alternating set times, the crowd could enjoy the best of both worlds with continuous rock from 2:15–10:50 p.m.

Headliner Disturbed brought the heat to the main stage and was greeted by thousands of fists raised high as lead singer David Draiman opened with “Ten Thousand Fists.” One of their darkest songs, “Inside the Fire,” was next. Later, the violin, cello, piano, timpanis, and acoustic guitar were brought out for their most popular song, “The Sound of Silence (Simon & Garfunkel cover),” which I think showcases the lead singer’s vocal ability and classical training brilliantly. David then dedicated “Indestructible” to “military peeps,” which was appreciated by the crowd, as we have many military bases in the area. The 2-song encore included “The Light” and their most popular original song, “Down With the Sickness.”

Opening for Disturbed on the main stage were The Pretty Reckless, Dirty Honey, Bad Wolves, Ayron Jones, and Lilith Czar. Living Colour headlined the side stage and was supported by Plush, Crobot, Magg Dylan, Dead Friends, and the local Battle of the Bands’ winner, One Shot Fired.

Check out the photos below by Annette Holloway.