Rock Music’s Underdogs Show Prove Their Mettle With Powerful Live Return

“I have not travelled all the way from California and missed my son’s birthday for you all to just sit or stand there – get up!” exclaimed Papa Roach’s lead singer Jacoby Shaddix when the American rock band played Leeds Arena. With an order like that you definitely have to conform.

Although the band has been performing and recording for thirty years, beyond their core fan base they are not widely known. If you wanted the consummate frontman, Shaddix would be the perfect choice; with attitude, determination and a lot of energy he was adept at rounding up the audience and commanding them just like an army sergeant major.

Playing a sixty minute set Papa Roach displayed all the elements that make them a top rock band – yes there was a strong attitude but also a mutual respect between band and audience.

Kill The Noise was a great opening song, the inclusion of The Prodigy’s Firestarter was a big surprise making the track sound as if it was one of their own.

Papa Roach playing The Cure? Although it might sound odd on paper their version of Lullaby was a contrasting moment from their normal full on rock style of music.

When Born For Greatness was performed followed by Last Resort the mosh pit was in full force – hardly surprising when you have two of the best rock songs of recent years, performed back to back.

Even Shaddix would have found it hard not to agree that his journey from California was worth it after this riveting show.