Staind Proves Rock Never Left with Ferocious Oklahoma Set

September 9, 2025

*Stained performing in Durant, OK. Photo by Craig Youngblood*

It was a beautiful Friday night in September as fans poured into the Choctaw Grand Theater in Durant, Oklahoma, buzzing with anticipation for a powerhouse night of rock. Headlining the evening was none other than Staind—icons of ‘90s and early 2000s alternative metal—while the unlikely but highly effective opener came in the form of blue-collar country-rockers, Lakeview. As concertgoers made their way through the casino floor and toward the venue, the atmosphere was electric. Lines wrapped around the merch tables as fans grabbed t-shirts and memorabilia, ready for a night they wouldn’t forget.

As the house lights dimmed and the crowd settled in, Lakeview took the stage—led by the high-energy duo Luke Healy and Jesse Denaro. Kicking things off with their anthemic “Hits Different”, they wasted no time turning the Grand Theater into a full-on party. Luke welcomed the crowd, shouting out the Oklahoma and Texas fans in attendance: “Tonight, we’re all one big family!” The chemistry between the vocalists and the crowd was instant, with synchronized headbanging and fist-pumping that blurred the line between country grit and rock chaos. Their set included the explosive “Dying Breed”, which earned thunderous applause. Before launching into “Money Where Your Mouth Is”, Luke shared some advice he got from Staind’s Aaron Lewis: “If you’re gonna run your mouth, you better back that shit up.”* And they certainly did—gritty vocals, tight instrumentation, and infectious energy that had even skeptical first timers nodding along. By the time they walked off stage, Lakeview had successfully warmed up the room—and made sure everyone knew their name.

After a swift stage change, the theater went dark again. The eerie tick of a clock played over the speakers as a visual countdown lit up the stage screen. The moment had arrived. Staind drummer Sal Giancarelli appeared first, waving to the fans as the rest of the band filed in. Aaron Lewis, ever the stoic frontman, strode to the mic and with no delay launched into “Lowest In Me”. The room exploded. Fans jumped to their feet, where they’d remain for the rest of the night. Next came “Eyes Wide Open”, with Aaron alternating effortlessly between searing growls and clean, mellow vocals. The band was in top form: the guitarist tore through solos with wild abandon, hair flying, while the bassist held down thunderous low-end grooves and added backup vocals that filled out the sound. The unmistakable opening notes of “Fade” sent the crowd into another frenzy. Staind sounded tight and powerful—seasoned pros delivering the hits with raw energy and polished precision. Midway through the set, Aaron paused to address the crowd, thanking them for coming and then launching into “Right Here”. The emotional highs kept coming. A few songs later, Lewis returned solo with his acoustic guitar for a stripped-down version of “Epiphany”—a haunting, intimate moment that had fans visibly moved and silently singing along. One of the night’s surprise highlights was the tongue-in-cheek “Wannabe”—yes, that “Wannabe”—complete with Aaron rapping and singing, showing off a lighter side that got the crowd laughing and dancing. Later, Lewis teased a rarely played B-side before dropping into “Outside”—one of Staind’s most iconic ballads. Phones lit up the room like stars, fans capturing every moment of the stripped-down classic. The set roared on with fan favorites like “Paper Wings”, “So Far Away”, and “For You”. As the final note of “For You” rang out, Aaron silently exited the stage, lights dropping to darkness. But the fans weren’t done. The crowd erupted into chants of “Staind! Staind!”—stomping their feet so hard the floor shook. Moments later, the band returned for a powerful encore. First up: the deeply personal anthem “It’s Been Awhile”—arguably their most beloved track. Phones came out again, capturing a moment that felt both nostalgic and timeless. Then came the finale fans had been begging for all night: “Mudshovel”. It was pure chaos in the best way possible. The floor bounced, fists flew in the air, and Aaron Lewis delivered the vocals with ferocity. As the last note faded, Lewis thanked the crowd and walked off with a few parting words, leaving everyone wanting just one more song.

As fans spilled out of the theater, their voices buzzed with excitement, replaying the night’s best moments and praising Staind’s still-potent stage presence. From the emotional highs of “Epiphany” to the raw aggression of “Mudshovel,” this show was more than a throwback—it was a testament to the staying power of authentic, emotionally-driven rock. If Staind rolls through your town, don’t miss it. This was more than just a concert, it was a reminder of what live music is supposed to feel like.