Photos and review by Alex Seeley
STROUDSBURG, Pa. — The floor was covered in confetti while streamers hung from the ceiling they were stuck to as satisfied fans exited the Sherman Theater. Stone Sour know how to throw a party. The hard rockers packed their performance with fun surprises last Sunday night. The confetti and streamers were shot from a hand-operated cannon that front man Corey Taylor fired during multiple songs that were also often emphasized by showers of sparks. These sights were very exciting, but what was really impressive were the performances by Taylor, drummer Roy Mayorga, bassist Johny Chow and guitarists Christian Martucci and Josh Rand. Rand recently rejoined the band after undergoing treatment for unknown issues.
Stone Sour played with such authentic joy and personality that it was hard not to smile throughout much of their set. Many cuts from their new album, “Hydrograd,” were showcased, but their discography was represented well with tracks from each album dating back to 2001’s self-titled debut. The band returned to the stage for an encore, which began with the fist-pumping “RU486” and ended with “Fabuless,” which prompted the inflation of wacky waving inflatable arm-flailing tube men across the stage that swayed back and forth to the music. The colorful, whimsical sight accompanied with the violently energetic sounds perfectly summed up the attitude and energy of Stone Sour, a hard-rock band that doesn’t take itself too seriously to have fun.
Spilling into the streets, fans could be heard shouting “It’s all downhill from here!” a hook from the closing song that will no doubt remain stuck in heads throughout the week. Support included a high-energy rock performance by Palaye Royale, as well as the two-piece band 68, who no doubt made some fans with a very heavy set.
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