One Year Ago Today Was Portland’s Last Big Rock Show

I knew this was coming, scrolling through my Timehop and Facebook Memories, there it was. Proof of what felt like dream. A concert. The first, and last one I attended in 2020.

It was at State Theater. Ledger, From Ashes to New, and Skillet. Ironically, Skillet was the first band I ever saw headline in my life. Crazy to think they were my last, for now.

I remember joking about how the jam-packed theater was and that it was such a petri-dish considering this virus everyone was talking about. I even joked that I should just quarantine myself now. Hindsight being 20/20 (pun only somewhat intended) it was a dumb thing to joke about. But in all honesty, I didn't think COVID-19 would become the monster that we know today.

I cherish that night now. I'm so grateful I got to witness an amazing moment when From Ashes to New brought kid after kid on stage to join in the rock and roll madness. I think of those kids today, and all they've been through this last year. I'm certain this must have been their favorite memory of the year. I'm sure they struggled with virtual learning and missing their friends. My heart breaks for them.

Skillet, of course, brought the house down. Skillet is one of those bands that feels like home to me. As I stated before they were the first band I ever saw headline. It was in 2008 at New Life Church in Biddeford.

Two years later they made the jump from Christian radio to mainstream. I saw them open for Puddle of Mudd and Shinedown at The Colisee in Lewiston and I truly felt like the crowd fell in love with them that night. Every show I've seen them in since then there's always a huge crowd singing along to every song.

I long to see Skillet again and all the other bands I love. I was heartbroken to see that Maine's larger venues (Darling's Waterfront Pavilion, Thompson's Point, and Maine Savings Pavilion) are likely not opening for shows this year. I understand, but for a live music buff like me, it's still a disappointment.

What concert season 2021 will look like, I have no clue. It could very well be nothing at all. It could be very small crowds, bubbles, drive-in theater shows. I have no idea. But I'll hold on to hope that there will be something, no matter how small, masked, or socially distant.

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