ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY: NADINE SWIGER
After seeing Chad Gray’s first-ever solo show in Las Vegas a little over four months ago, I was excited to see him again. This time, he brought his first North American solo tour to Boston, Massachusetts, at Big Night Live. In those few months, the show has continued to evolve. It was exciting to see how the experience had grown while still keeping the raw, powerful energy that made that first night so memorable.
With 30 years of music behind him, Chad has an incredible catalog to draw from, and this show delivered a great mix of songs spanning both Mudvayne and Hellyeah. One of the things I really enjoyed about this show was how much the setlist evolved. Chad changed things up several times on the fly and even let the fans choose songs on more than one occasion. There was something really special about watching the crowd become part of the decision-making process. It made the show feel spontaneous and personal, like everyone in the room was creating a unique night together.
You could also tell Chad was genuinely enjoying himself, allowing each moment to sink in while inviting the fans to be part of the experience. By inviting the crowd to choose which song to play next, he shaped the show into something personal. His connection with the crowd made the show feel less like a performance we were simply watching and more like something we were all sharing together.
The songs themselves carry so much history. Some take you right back to a particular time and place, while hearing them performed now gives them an entirely new perspective. Chad’s voice continues to be incredibly strong, and his passion for these songs is obvious. After 30 years, he still performs them with the intensity and emotion they deserve.
Chad also shared stories about the songs and memories of Vinnie Paul. Hearing him talk about the stories behind the music, along with his memories of Vinnie, gave the songs an even deeper meaning. You can feel how much those experiences, friendships, and the music they created together continue to stay with him. There is something really special about seeing Chad carry those memories forward, keeping Vinnie’s spirit alive through the songs they created and the stories he continues to share with the fans.
One moment that really stood out was when he talked about “Nothing to Gein,” which was originally written about serial killer Ed Gein. Chad explained that every time he performs the song, he takes himself to the darkest places he can and lets it all out. He encouraged the crowd to do the same, telling us to go within to release it and scream as loudly as we wanted. After all, where else are you really allowed to completely let loose and scream at the top of your lungs but at a concert?
That moment captured something I love about live music. It can be more than entertainment. It can be an outlet, a release, and, in its own way, healing. For a few minutes, you can let go of whatever you are carrying and simply feel it, scream it out, and leave it there.
That is really what makes these solo shows special. Chad is taking music that fans have loved for decades and giving it a new life, while also creating something of his own alongside his fans. He is not simply revisiting the past. He is carrying it forward.
Opening the show was Devil’s Cut, who got the night started with a strong performance, followed by Butcher Babies, who brought their own unmistakable energy and flair to the stage. Both bands helped set the tone for a night that was loud, energetic, and packed with great music.
Seeing Chad Gray twice now, first in Las Vegas and then in Boston, has been an incredible experience. It has been especially exciting to witness how much the show has grown and evolved in a short span of time. Each night has its own energy, its own moments, and its own connection between Chad and the fans.
If you missed my review of Chad’s first-ever solo show in Las Vegas, you can check it out here and see where this incredible solo journey began.
Here’s hoping this North American tour is only the beginning. The response from the fans is there, the songs are there, and Chad Gray is absolutely still at the top of his game.
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