MIKE PROTICH (of Red Sun Rising) @ Lambeau Field – Green Bay, WI
October 26, 2019
Review by Makena Betler
Photos by David Urmanski
www.Facebook.com/MikeProtichMusic
THE BAND: MIKE PROTICH
Mike Protich – Vocals & Guitar
Dave McGarry – Guitar & Vocals
Pat Gerasia – Drums
When you hear the words Lambeau Field, you think dedicated and screaming Packers fans, referee whistles, Lambeau Leaps and lots of Miller Lite. Saturday night, Mike Protich of Red Sun Rising performed an acoustic set with Dave McGarry and Pat Gerasia also of Red Sun Rising fame. Although there were no referee whistles or Lambeau leaps in attendance, the intimate and luxurious ambiance of the Festival Foods MVP Deck was the ideal environment for a concert overlooking the breathtaking Lambeau Field. Expectations were high going into the show and exceeded by a landslide by the time the last note rang out.
The evening started with familiar Red Sun Rising tunes Veinsfrom from the latest album “Thread” and Amnesia from “Polyester Zeal” released in 2015. The third song had never been released before, though written a while back. Before performing the number, Mike explained the story behind it. He was in a long-distance relationship and during a visit with his girlfriend, the relationship had appeared to come to an end. He said, “All night I couldn’t sleep because I knew as soon as I woke up and the morning came, that I might never see this girl again. That next morning, I woke up and left and I wrote this song the next day. But now, that woman is my wife and things worked out. So, this song is called When the Morning Comes.” A calm, steady beat then drove the crowd through the emotional lyrics of the devastating heartbreak.
The audience was then taken back in time to the first single The Otherside from album “Polyester Zeal” before a very personal topic for Mike led to the next song. Left for Dead, as Mike explained, is about the time his father left his family. He expressed his unconditional love for his mother and how she did her very best to make him and his sister feel normal through the tough times in their lives. “Sometimes,” said Mike, “when someone leaves you physically, it’s almost like you wish you could remove them mentally because, you know, it hurts.”
The next song performed, Blister, was released in 2011 on the “Making of Kings” album and is the most recognizable track from that release. The beautiful guitar and soothing beat that accompanied Mike’s one-of-a-kind intonation and inflection helped slow things down before introducing the band’s latest creation Talking You to Sleep. Mike stated the song would not be released as a Red Sun Rising track but hinted that the track would be released by their new band that is currently in the works and they are anxious to share the fresh sound with everyone.
The big question everyone in the audience wanted answered was ‘Is Red Sun Rising still together?’ Short answer, yes. Full explanation, there is no Red Sun Rising without guitarist and co-founder, Ryan Williams, who had taken some time off about a year ago to be with his family and their latest addition. That said, Mike, Dave and Pat are moving forward with the formation of a new band with an expected release date of new material in January 2020. Mike explained that there will always be Red Sun Rising and they will welcome back Ryan with open arms when he is ready to return. “No matter what it’s called, we’re still gonna be there,” Mike reassured the crowd. “Though I am sad that the band is taking some time apart, I am so glad that they are all taking the time they need to proceed as musicians in a healthy way. We have lost way too many to mental illness, it’s crucial that the people we admire so much and look up to remember take care of themselves as well.” Mike continued by sharing the fact that Pat was the one to deliver the news that Chris Cornell had taken his own life, which was the inspiration to their next piece Stealing Life. They all felt it was important to bring light to the devastating and realistic sickness that haunts millions of people – depression. “This track almost didn’t make it onto Thread, but it has become one of my favorites from the album.”
Though many of the songs derived from heavy topics, Mike, Dave and Pat find it easy to laugh and make the best of each moment they are given. The pure talent and love they have for each other and music is inspiring to say the least. The stories they told, some more serious than others, on Saturday night just goes to prove how strong their relationship is. Apparently, Pat sleeps between Mike and Dave because he has ‘the softest hands.’ Maybe that’s a story for another night after a few beers.
Before introducing another soon-to-be-released song, Mike reassured the fans in attendance that despite everything being acoustic tonight, the new album will be anything but ‘chill.’ In fact, it will have full blown production! The word of new music has only been out a few short days, however it is already highly-anticipated. World Out of Tune was yet another teaser for the next chapter in the band’s career and is going to be absolutely incredible.
According to Mike, “this next song made me about 50 bucks…” as the mysterious minor strums of the guitar and the iconic rattle of the shaker sent chills down my spine. The room echoed from the enchanting words to Emotionless. Released in 2015 with Polyester Zeal, Emotionless came to be Red Sun Rising’s biggest hit to date. About a dream Mike once had, this song is about a girl he knew he loved even though he couldn’t see her face or even knew if she was alive. In his dream, he referred to her as an emotionless being.
Not ready to end the night just yet, the bandmates continued with a gorgeous and flawless cover of Nine Inch Nail’sHurt. The song had also been covered by Johnny Cash, but Protich made it abundantly clear that the outstanding songwriters Trent Reznor of NIN and Johnny Cash are inspirations to them all. Therefore the song was dedicated to both artists. Transitioning into the final number, the musicians were nothing short of gracious to the Wisconsinites who have shown them so much support over the years. Requesting that crowd sing and dance along, Dave started to play Deathwish. One of my favorite songs and the most well-known number from “Thread,” Deathwish kept everyone movin’ and groovin’ until Mike, Dave and Pat finally left the stage. Shortly after their exit, all three took the time to meet with every attendee in the room. They took pictures, signed autographs and answered every question that came their way. I had the opportunity to meet them numerous times before and they continue to prove to be among the most genuine, sincere people I ever met. The rockers care deeply about their fans and what we have to say, which is a quality that can easily be lost when admired so dearly by millions.
This intimate night at Lambeau Field, with Mike, Dave and Pat was a night I not not soon forget. Being an avid concert-goer for years and having witnessed hundreds of concerts, this is by far one of my favorites. The dim lights that shined through the glass overlooking the legendary football field set the mood perfectly for the acoustic performance. I’m looking forward to see what’s next for the talented trio and have no doubt their passion will carry them far for years to come.
SETLIST: *Indicates Red Sun Rising Songs
Veins*
Amnesia*
When the Morning Comes
The Otherside*
Left for Dead*
Blister*
Talking You to Sleep
Stealing Life*
World Out of Tune
Emotionless*
Hurt (Johnny Cash cover)
Deathwish*
CONCERT REVIEW RATING SCALE:
1 = Poor
2 = Average
3 = Good
4 = Excellent
5 = Extraordinary
MIKE PROTICH Concert Rating: 5
