Images: Streetlight Manifesto, Rodeo Ruby Love, Empty Orchestra July 1, 2013 at the Hard Rock Live

It was bittersweet seeing Streetlight Manifesto play Hard Rock Live on July 1, since it was their Beginning of the End Tour, and I knew it could likely be the last time I see them. They kicked things off with new song “The Three of Us” (which already sounds like a classic) then immediately launched into two of my favorites, “Down, Down, Down to Mephisto’s Cafe,” and “We Will Fall Together.” They sped through their catalogue-spanning set, only talking to the crowd long enough to tell everyone to steal their new record The Hands that Thieve. For their encore, they played “Here’s to Life” then announced the “last song they would ever play in Las Vegas,” “Somewhere in the Between.” Each song was a constant reminder of how much I love this band, and I hope they return sooner than they anticipate.

The show was opened by Flint Michigan’s Empty Orchestra and Bloomington, Indiana’s Rodeo Ruby Love. I didn’t really feel that either band was that great of a match for the manic speed Streetlight is known for, but the crowd seemed to enjoy them nonetheless. Empty Orchestra has a slow folk-rock vibe and Rodeo Ruby Love accurately self describes as “songs rooted in the pop-country radio and church hymns.” Steven had the pleasure of filming a Stripped Down Session with Rodeo Ruby Love frontman Zach Melton, so keep your eyes open for that coming up soon.

-Aaron Mattern | https://www.flickr.com/photos/akmofoto/