At Grace BayCare Sound On March 20th

All Photos By Travis Failey Photography

The first night of spring arrived in Clearwater,Florida with a soundtrack no one will be forgetting anytime soon. 98 Rockfest made its debut at the newly christened BayCare Sound in Coachman Park on Friday evening, and what unfolded over the course of several hours was a reminder of why hard rock festivals, done right, still occupy an irreplaceable space in American live music culture.

We arrived at the venue right as SLEEP THEORY was closing out their set with the sun going down over the Bay which lies adjacent to the venue known to all as “The Sound.” It was packed to capacity which is somewhere between 9-10 thousand with men, women and their children of all ages in attendance. Thankfully most of the youngsters had ear protection on as it was definitely needed.

After a short break for a gear change after SLEEP THEORY, I PREVAIL took the stage to a huge roar from the crowd as many were there to see them specifically. Hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan and led by singer Eric Vanlerberghe, I PREVAIL performed a symphony of controlled chaos..

Even with the departure of former co- lead singer, Brian Burkheiser, I PREVAIL haven’t lost a step. They continue to gain fans and have expanded their aggressiveness which was evident in their live performance during their opening two songs in “NWO” and “Bow.”

The fans were waiting for the pyro show during “Self-Destruction” as it is one aspect they are known for, but after seeing their first attempt travel from right to left across the stage due to the wind, it was better not to continue using any of it to make sure the band and the fans remained safe.

After “Into Hell” and “Bad Things,” guitarists Dylan Bowman and Steve Menoian along with drummer Gabe Helguera played the opening notes to Metallica’s “Sad But True.” Even fans not familiar with the band they are listening to, will always react to a band playing a classic METALLICA song especially when it is done perfectly and with a little added angst like I PREVAIL did on Friday night.

After I PREVAIL concluded their 12 song set with “Gasoline” the crowd got a much deserved rest as many of them surfed and moshed and made the security staff at the rail earn their paychecks.

After a 30 minute break, the highly anticipated return to the Tampa area by THREE DAYS GRACE finally happened as the band hit the stage at 9:30 and put on a truly memorable performance. They haven’t played in the area for over four years now due to the dreaded geography clause implemented by DWP festivals.

This was also the first time here that marked the return of original singer Adam Grontier who departed in 2013. But he wouldn’t be the only front man on stage as the band not only welcomed him back but they kept on Matt Walst who replaced him.
This would be a two singer attack which is super rare and not only would they both be a part of the band, both would sing parts of all the songs they recorded during the bands 8 studio releases.

Drummer Neal Sanderson appeared on the drum riser and with both sticks in the air as the crowd roared with approval. THREE DAYS GRACE then opened their set with “Dominate” from their highly acclaimed 2025 release ‘Alien Nation.’

The band moved quickly through the next three songs in “Animal I Have Become” “So Called Life” and “Break” before Grontier addressed the fans saying how happy the band were being back in the area and if he were to choose another place to live it would be in Florida. He sequed his statement into the band transitioning into “Home” from their debut self titled release.

It was during “Home” that I noticed that not only was Matt Walst singing with Grontier but also playing guitar. Both of them would play rhythm guitar during their set joining their guitarist extraordinaire Barry Stock as he played lead.

Grontier discussed his departure from the band to a round of boos to which he said he never can get used to as Walst once again tool the primary vocal duties on one of their more recent hits in “The Mountain.”

Speaking of hits, THREE DAYS GRACE only trail SHINEDOWN in the genre of #1 songs on the mainstream rock chart by a count of 22-20. They continue to battle for that title with both of them having released new albums in 2025.

Both Walst and Grontier have embraced their roles and it is working perfectly especially during “I Am Machine” “I Hate Everything About You” and “Pain.” Both of them bounced the chorus of the latter perfectly in time with each other and was one of the highlights of the night.

Walst also talked about how they grew up in the small town of 1000 in Norwalk, Ontario and that you either played sports, did drugs or played music. The band used to sit by the fire and play acoustically and write songs as kids. So that’s what they did once again at The Sound.

The band brought out chairs and and performed “Chalk Outline/ Porn Star Dancing” under the stars next to the fire with some friends. It was super special and words cannot describe how cool of a scene it was.

Another great moment was when they performed a bit of “Here Without You” as a tribute to the memory of Brad Arnold from 3 DOORS DOWN. The stage went quiet and the crowd took over during the chorus and goose bumps were had by all with a few tears mixed in.

THREE DAYS GRACE kicked it back up with “I Am Machine” with Walst raising his terminator mic stand in the air as fans crowd surfed once again towards the barrier.

Right before they concluded their set, Walst addressed the crowd for the last time saying that when they started the band that they always wanted to write songs to help people and to get through dark times and one of these was the second to last in “Never Too Late.”

But of course THREE DAYS GRACE wouldn’t end then night like that. This crowd was getting what they came for and that was to lose a bit of control and they did that in spades as the band concluded with “Riot.” The video screens flashed “Let’s Start A “Riot” and as the song concluded and the last mosh pit was exhausted, the fans dispersed as the band took their bows and exited the stage.

On a beautiful spring night in Clearwater, THREE DAYS GRACE’s comeback to our area was complete. The combination of both singers that was once in question, was a huge success and with them both in tow moving forward, I can’t see THREE DAYS GRACE not continuing to gain new fans and to continue climbing “The Mountain.”

I PREVAIL

THREE DAYS GRACE