Papa Roach (w/ Nothing More, Escape The Fate) @ State Theatre (Portland, ME) on April 13, 2018 [Photos & Show Review]

Papa Roach are currently tearing their way across America on the “Crooked Teeth Tour” along with supporting acts Nothing More and Escape The Fate. We caught up with the tour on Friday, April 13th, with a sold-out audience at the State Theatre in Portland, Maine.

It was already a wild night when opener Escape The Fate took to the stage. Two disorderly concert goers had been kicked out before their set could even start–something of a record for the venue, or so I was told. I’m not too familiar with ETF’s recent work, but when the band pulled out the classic, “This War Is Ours (The Guillotine II),” they got my attention and that of the audience, many of whom sang along.

After being lightly warmed up by Escape The Fate, San Antonio’s finest, Nothing More, came forth to melt the faces of all in attendance. I hadn’t seen these guys live in 5 years and had forgotten how amazing their live performances are. Frontman Jonny Hawkins was an absolute animal on stage, leaping and bounding about, laying down some percussion at times, and at one point climbing a hydraulically powered contraption known as “the scorpion tail,” conceived by bassist Daniel Oliver. The band’s set consisted predominantly of material from their 2017 full-length The Stories We Tell Ourselves and their 2014 self-titled album, including hits, “Christ Copyright,” “Go To War,” “Jenny,” and the absolute banger “This is the Time (Ballast).” The crowd was easily won over–jumping and moshing in unison to Nothing More’s bouncy brand of rock music.

Watch Papa Roach’s video for the single “Crooked Teeth” here.

By the end of Nothing More’s set, the sold out venue was hot and sweaty and fans were more than ready for the mighty Papa Roach to close things out. As the lights dimmed, a computerized voice instructed the audience to repeat the words “Fuck Papa Roach.” The audience happily obliged, middle fingers held high as the band emerged and kicked straight into the title track from their new record, Crooked Teeth. The group followed this opening track with fan-favorites “…To Be Loved” and “Getting Away With Murder,” both of which garnered loads of audience participation.

Frontman Jacoby Shaddix dominated the stage, climbing over risers and out onto the PA to get closer to and engage with the crowd. The atmosphere in the venue was electric as fans enthusiastically belted out every line to songs old and new. It rose to a climax during the encore, when Shaddix and his cohorts pulled out tracks “Scars,” and “Last Resort.” The “Crooked Teeth Tour” continues through mid-May, check out the remaining dates below and catch a show near you!

Remaining Tour Dates:

04/21 – Cleveland, OH – Agora *^
04/22 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room @ Old National Centre *^
04/24 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom *^
04/26 – Des Moines, IA – 7 Flags Event Center *^
04/27 – Sioux Falls, SD – The District *^
04/29 – Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cummings*^
05/01 – Regina, SK – Conexus Arts Centre*^
05/02 – Calgary, AB – Grey Eagle Showroom*^
05/04 – Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo*^
05/05 – Portland, OR -Roseland*^
05/07 – Fresno, CA – Woodward Park Amp*^
05/09 – Albuquerque, NM – El Rey Theater*^
05/11 – Tulsa, OK – Brady Theater^
05/12 – Houston, TX -Revention^
05/13 – Corpus Christi, TX – Concrete Street Pavilion^

* with Nothing More
^ with Escape The Fate