Sevendust

The Cabaret Metro, Chicago • September 16, 1998

Cindy Rivers

Just five days prior, Sevendust kicked major ass at Rockstock ‘98 Festival at the New World Music Theater in Tinley Park, IL. But that’s just not enough for some. It wasn’t for Sevendust, fresh off this summer’s Ozzfest ‘98 tour. And it certainly wasn’t for their fans, who were still salivating once Sevendust left the stage. So it came as no surprise when the hip-hop, industrial metalists quietly announced a “surprise performance” at the Metro. Fans arrived as early as 5 AM in front of the venue, clamoring for a spot in line to receive a coveted wristband to gain entry.

Later that evening, they would relinquish all rights to their likeness upon entering what turned out to be the sold-out taping of Sevendust’s first-ever live video, scheduled for November ‘98 national television broadcast and cable networks, including CNN, singer Lajon stated.

For their first-ever video venture, they’ve pulled out all the stops. From what I’ve seen, Sevendust has all the makings of a hit rock star extravaganza: cool lighting and smoke, famed video director “dude” Mark Hafaeli (Janet Jackson Live, Aerosmith, and Rolling Stones Live), Spinal Tap moment (the vibration of the music caused a storage drum resting atop a speaker to fall to the floor, slightly injuring guitarist Clint Lowery’s right leg), and video vixen wannabes (female audience members) whose urge to expose their naked breasts was infectious.

Clad in khaki pants, tattoos, and bronze, washboard stomach, his signature dreadlocks beating his baby face profusely as he sang, Lajon carried on nonchalantly as the reluctant rock star, shaking hands from the stage, yet he didn’t seem to be hating it either… Girls love it, too, their hands “miraculously” gravitating toward his butt during photo ops backstage.

Surrounded by a “toxic wasteland” set, complete with “Radiation Area” sign, flashing road blocks, bright orange cones, and chemical storage drums, the band taped two hours straight, recording such as songs as “Black,” “Bitch,” and “Prayer,” stopping only to adjust lighting, take a swig of water, and change video film. After taking a thirty minute break, the band came back to jam “off the record,” treating the audience to a twenty minute set, which included “Terminator” and “Will It Bleed.”

Lowery dabbled in G ‘N R riffs (“Sweet Child ‘O Mine”) and sang “Sweet Home Alabama” in between takes, which they did three of “Black,” and drummer Morgan Rose passed out Gatorade to cool the restless fans. “Say hello to my mom,” he urged the audience as the cameras rolled. Well, if she were here, she’d certainly be proud. ◼