All Photos By Pat Yukon/@liveshowpix
On April 25, 2024, the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, became a haven for the macabre and music enthusiasts as: The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight graced the stage, delivering a performance that bypassed Orchestras of the ordinary.
Against the backdrop of flickering candlelight, the audience was treated to an evening of symphonic rock bliss. As the lights dimmed and anticipation filled the air, the orchestra took their positions, led by the lead violinist who commanded the stage with effortless charisma and attitude.
From the first note, it was evident that this would be no ordinary concert. The orchestra seamlessly blended classical instrumentation with the raw energy of rock, creating a sound that was both timeless, contemporary and unbelievable.
The setlist was a carefully curated journey through musical history, featuring reimagined classic rock and more modern hits. From the haunting strings of LED ZEPPELIN's "Stairway To Heaven" to the anthemic crescendo of PAPA ROACH's "Last Resort", each song was performed with precision and passion, eliciting cheers and applause from the captivated audience.
For me, the highlights of the evening were the orchestra's take on "Thunderstruck". Having a saxophone effortlessly replace the vocals by AC/DC's Brian Johnson was nothing short of incredible. To hear the lyric
"Rode down the highway, Broke the limit, we hit the town, Went through to Texas, yeah, Texas, and we had some fun"
"sung" through the saxophone was mind blowing.
RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE's "Killing In The Name Of" was my other favorite. This was the encore. The visceral vocals and insane violin (ala Tom Morello style) put concert goers back into their flannels for a nostalgia ride that clung to me long after the final note.
But it wasn't just the music that captivated the audience; it was the atmosphere of camaraderie and connection that permeated the venue. Surrounded by flickering candlelight and enveloped in sound, strangers became friends as they shared in the collective experience of a one of a kind musical reboot!
The musicians themselves were a sight to behold, each one a master of their craft, pouring their heart and soul into every note. From the thunderous horns to the delicate (and often in your face) wails of the violin, each instrument added its own voice to the symphony, creating a kaleidoscope of sound that was exhilarating and deeply moving.
As the final notes of the encore reverberated through the air, the audience erupts in a thunderous ovation, reluctant to let the magic come to an end. But even as the lights came into play and the last echoes faded out, the memory of that unforgettable show will last as testament to the power of music and its ability to uplift the spirit and unite us all in harmony.
Check out some more photos from the show!
All Photos By Pat Yukon/@liveshowpix
