Korn and Staind at Xfinity Center, Mansfield, MA – October 1, 2021

Earlier this summer, Korn and Staind made their way out on the road, co-headlining amphitheaters across America. As the tour approached Massachusetts in August, what everybody was hoping to avoid happened. Korn frontman Jonathan Davis contracted Covid-19, and they had to reschedule shows, including the Mansfield date. But now, five weeks later, the tour is winding down, and they found their way back to New England.

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’68

Duo ‘68 performed first, they started the evening with loud, noise-rock. Led by Josh Scogin, former front man for bands like the Chariot and Norma Jean. For just two people they had an enormous sound, it was a great way to wake up the early arriving crowd and warm up the stage for the rest of the evening.

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STAIND

Massachusetts natives in Staind played before Korn, while they haven’t had exactly the same career success as Korn, they can hold their own. They played cuts from five of their seven studio albums, including hits like “It’s Been Awhile,” “Outside,” and they closed with the bludgeoning “Mudshovel” from their major label debut Dysfunction. 

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KORN

By the time nu-metal pioneers Korn hit the stage, they were playing to a packed house. After their first song, Jonathan Davis brought up the fact he’d contracted covid-19. He was very appreciative of the fans coming back to the rescheduled date, he said it kicked his ass but the band was ready to give it their all, which they definitely did. Davis, who has had breathing problems due to asthma during live shows in the past, had a throne set up behind him so he could occasionally sit down to regain his breath. Other than that Davis looked healthy and it did not hinder his performance whatsoever. 

Guitarist James “Munky” Shaffer also had a bout with covid-19 earlier in the tour and did not appear to have any ill effects. They played a mix of songs throughout their catalog. 

As many times as I’ve seen Korn throughout the years they never cease to impress me with their passion and energy. They have matured their live show throughout the years involving various solos including a fun back and forth between Suicidal Tendencies bass player Ra Diaz (fill in bass player for Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu who is on hiatus to be with his family,) and Ray Luzier behind his large drum kit. Brian “Head” Welch and James “Munky” Shaffer had their turns at guitar solos as well.

One of the highlights of the night was their classic song from their debut effort Korn in 1994, “Shoots and Ladders.” Davis started the song with bagpipes and when the guitars come in is always a head banging moment. They also feature a snippet of Metallica’s song “One” at the end of the tune. They then went into another classic tune “Clown.” They ended the main set with one of the songs that broke them through mainstream rock music 1999’s “Freak on a Leash” from Follow the Leader. As one of the leading mid 90s bands to bring nu-metal to mainstream, they’ve still stayed relevant to be a powerhouse touring band that I always try to see whenever they come around.