If you would have asked the members of Knocked Loose a decade ago if they’d be supporting a band as big as Slipknot on tour, what would their response have been? You would probably have to ask the band themselves, but any way you slice it, their ascension has been striking to witness on the way up. From a personal perspective, witnessing Knocked Loose play in almost every sized venue imaginable has been like a slow-burning movie in real time.
Currently supporting Slipknot on their headlining tour, Knocked Loose are playing some of the biggest venues they have in their history. Witnessing the band bring the ARF ARF to Madison Square Garden is a surreal moment.
Proof that music and art can take you almost anywhere in life, Madison Square Garden is one of the most famous venues in the world. Some of the most famous moments in music and sporting history have happened here, in fact. The New York Knicks winning their most recent NBA championship over 50 years ago and the New York Rangers hoisting the Stanley Cup in 1994 are notable. And it’s well known as a favorite venue of Elton John and Billy Joel, who have performed there dozens of times each.
Anyone who was fortunate enough to witness Knocked Loose’s first time after famed arena knows it’s not likely to be the last time, either. Seeing a band this heavy in a venue like this is happening elsewhere, of course. After all, it was just a couple weeks ago where Gojira set the world on fire when they brought metal to a worldwide audience on television. Given how that kind of history making performance has elevated their stature recently, the fact that Knocked Loose has steadily done this in a more slow burning fashion is remarkable.
You really have to give a band like this props, though, even though the venue is there, playing at are much bigger today, they haven’t forgotten where they came from. They’ll still put on shows in for their hometown and state, and throw random, unannounced last minute shows at small venues now.
Any hardcore or metalcore band needs to take notes here. No scene drama and no controversial statements – just work ethic, the power of self-belief, and fulfilling the vision you’ve stuck to.
