Vets Rock
Dropkick Murphys
Mohegan Sun Arena
November 11, 2016

The Vets Rock event is an annual show at Mohegan Sun to say thank you so all the veterans and veterans’ families that have given up so much of their lives for our freedoms. This year featured Tony Orlando as the master of ceremonies, with entertainment from Mara Justine, Tat Holler, Madison Rising, Godsmack and Dropkick Murphys.

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Mara Justine, a 14 year old America’s Got Talent star started the show singing “God Bless America”. With a voice beyond her years, she brought everyone to their feet. Then, Tony Orlando came out and charmingly took over the show. This 72 year old star hasn’t lost a beat. He smiled, he sang, he drew in the crowd. He cared. One by one, he went through the wars, and we cheered for the survivors that stood up and had a moment of silence for those who couldn’t. Multiple friends joined him on stage to sing classic songs from his big hit “Tie a Yellow Ribbon ’round the Ole Oak Tree” to covers of classic pro-America songs. Tony was very engaging with the crowd, which was perfect since he would spend the rest of the night filling up the breaks in between bands.

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The next band was a surprise to me, as they were not listed on anything I had read. Signs went up saying “Tat Holler”, and then out he strutted. He does covers of country songs, but they sound much closer to rock than anything else. He had the look and voice to go with it. Tat is a local boy, from Middletown, CT, but he was a superstar on the stage. The handful of songs he played were very well done, his vocals were strong, and his band backed him up with all the skill of a veteran rock band. Keep your eye on this guy, he is definitely going places! Check out his Facebook page HERE and as he says “HOLLER” back at him!

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Next up was Madison Rising. I was prepared for them to be performing, but I had no idea what I was about to hear. They were a rock group with the most patriotic songs I have ever heard. Of course when you’re group that was started by an Air Force Veteran, how can you not be? They also played a short set, which was seeming to be the theme of the night. They manage to sing only patriotic songs, and I am not entirely sure if they have any other kind. Even though they were only on stage for a short amount of time, they were a great deal of fun. The lead singer came out with a Go-Pro and enjoyed seeing which side of the arena was louder. The guitar player joined in, and I do believe his side won. Being a room full of veterans, listening to pro-America songs, they won over the crowd really easily, and they deserved it!

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When Sully Erna and the rest of Godsmack hit the stage, the crowd exploded.  This native Massachusetts band has been cranking out hits since the 90’s, and didn’t need the Tony Orlando introduction. Like all the bands, there was lots of talk about the respect they had for the veterans. Sully mentioned that he had a hard time picking out the setlist since the performance was so short, and I was beginning to give up hope that I would hear my favorite tracks. Out of the 7 songs they played, my two favorite he saved for last. “Whatever” and “I Stand Alone” were sung so loudly by the attendees around me, it was clear that I was not the only one that would call those my favorites!

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Dropkick Murphys however, did not make me wait for my favorite song. Once the curtain dropped, “Shipping up to Boston” started and the crowd collectively lost it. This Boston punk rock band had the longest set of the night, which included a live premier of a new song titled, “Blood”.  The track is off their new album, 11 Short Stories Of Pain And Glory, which is being released on January 6. You can pre order it HERE and get a instant download of the song.

A lot of their set consisted of cover songs, The Who’s “The Kids Are Alright” and the popular “Dirty Water” by The Standells.  They finished their set with Bachman-Turner Overdrive’s “Takin’ Care Of Business”. It was fitting since they did indeed, take care of business!

It was a great night, with great bands, for a great reason.  Thank you to all the veterans, and veterans families for all you do and continue to do for our freedoms!