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The transformation of The Fox in Hays has been nothing short of remarkable since it underwent new management. What was once primarily a cigar venue has evolved into a fully-fledged concert hall, with substantial investments in its audio and lighting systems, and a booker bringing in bigger and bigger names. This metamorphosis has had a profound impact on the local community in Hays, Kansas, and the surrounding areas.
Recognizing the diverse musical tastes of the population, whether you’re a fan of classic rock bands or newer emerging artists, or if your musical preferences lean towards the hard and heavy or something more soft and toe-tapping, The Fox has offered quite a variety over the past couple of years. It’s alleviated the need for residents to travel to cities like Salina, Wichita, or even as far as Kansas City or Denver to enjoy some bigger names when they pass through the area.
The Fox has undoubtedly brought a stage to the local music scene, offering a platform for established and up-and-coming artists, and fostering a vibrant and diverse musical culture right in the heart of Hays, Kansas.
The Southern Maryland-based Hard-Alt Rock trio, Any Given Sin, had already built a reputation with their audience before they took the stage. While I was most familiar with their song “The Way I Say Goodbye,” their short set for tonight’s show was well-paced and introduced their music to anyone who might not have been familiar with their work. Devoid of ballads or slower, more intimate songs, instead it was a relentless barrage of one song after another, allowing them to convey their sound with sharp and focused precision.
One noteworthy aspect of their performance was the absence of a bass player, which could have been perceived as a limitation. However, it seemed to work in their favor as it encouraged their lead guitarist to take the reins and put on a captivating show, filling the void left by the bass in a way that engaged the crowd.
Vic Ritchie’s vocals bore a resemblance to a young and burgeoning Brent Smith, lead singer of Shinedown, hinting at the promise of their experience and where they are going. They’ve a lot of growing to do, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they were headlining arenas in the near future. “The Way I Say Goodbye,” released in August on their “War Within” album, was the standout track of their set, leaving the audience with a memorable musical experience. Any Given Sin’s performance showcased a band on the rise, poised to make a significant impact in the world of Hard-Alt Rock.
Adelitas Way, hailing from the vibrant lights of Las Vegas, made their way to Hays, delivering a high-octane performance that had the crowd enthusiastically nodding their heads to their brand of hard rock. The band’s setlist featured a range of their notable tracks, from the powerful “Still Hungry” to the anthem-like “Ready for War (Pray for Peace).” With a career spanning back to 2009, Adelitas Way has crafted an impressive catalog of music over the years.
As the set reached its climax, the band closed the evening with a flourish, leaving the audience on an adrenaline high with their performance of “Invincible,” one of their earliest singles. Despite the brevity of their setlist, the band left a lasting impression, reminding everyone in attendance why they’ve been a driving force in the world of hard rock for well over a decade. Their performance in Hays was a testament to the enduring power of their music and their commitment to delivering electrifying live shows.
Saliva, took the stage next. The anticipation in the packed theater was palpable as they kicked off their performance with the explosive opening tracks, “Come Back Stronger” and “Ladies and Gentlemen.” They wasted no time in igniting both the stage and the crowd, seamlessly carrying on the hard rock legacy that Saliva is renowned for with music from every aspect of their catalog.
The atmosphere was electric, and it felt like the crowd could break into a mosh pit at any moment. With hands in the air and an audience in constant motion, every person in attendance was thoroughly engrossed in their set. Saliva’s performance was an exhilarating display of unbridled energy, seamlessly blending both their classic hits and newer songs, which kept the audience focused and engaged.
One of the standout moments of the night was when Saliva delved into a medley featuring iconic tracks like “In The Air Tonight,” “Another Brick in the Wall,” “Lose Yourself” and “Give It Away.” This medley stole the show and had the crowd absolutely loved it. Their energy brought with it the thrilling vibe you’d expect from a fantastic Friday night, even though it was just a Thursday. It was a reminder of the kind of live music experience one might encounter in larger cities, where such electrifying shows seem to happen every night of the week.
The buzz reached its peak during “Click, Click, Boom” when the band invited a lucky audience member to join them onstage and sing along with the lead singer. This unforgettable moment will undoubtedly be etched in their memory. As the set came to a close, the audience was left both exhilarated and drained, a testament to the extraordinary energy and passion that Saliva brought to the stage. It was nothing short of a musical journey that left everyone in awe, and it’s a wonder that there was any energy left in the crowd after such an unforgettable performance.
Drowning Pool was tasked with closing out the electrifying night at The Fox, and while it was undeniable that a bit of energy had dissipated by this point, any sense of weariness quickly evaporated as they launched into their set. The crowd’s enthusiasm was reignited from the very first notes of “Sinner” seamlessly transitioning into “Let The Sin Begin,” which in turn led into “Step Up.” Even for someone like me, who is primarily familiar with their first album, Drowning Pool’s ability to command the stage and deliver their signature alt-metal sound was undeniable. Having had numerous lead vocals since the passing of their original lead singer, Dave Williams, Drowning Pool has proven that their music still had the power to captivate and energize.
A turning point in the set was their rendition of “Rebel Yell,” a cover that had the crowd roaring back to life. It was at this moment that I, like many others, found myself completely hooked by the forceful and relentless performance that Drowning Pool was delivering at The Fox. The only element missing to make the evening even more memorable was a full-blown circle pit, which would have been a perfect culmination of the night’s energy. However, security might not have been too thrilled with the idea, considering it’s a metal show after all.
Throughout the night, there was a sense of subdued energy that lingered, which might have been slightly unexpected for shows of this nature. Metal shows typically involve more movement within the crowd. However, it was refreshing to witness a crowd that absorbed the music and the performance without resorting to overly aggressive thrashing. The experience served as a reminder that different shows can evoke diverse emotional responses, and not every metal performance requires a chaotic mosh pit to feel its impact.
The night ended with the statement from lead singer Ryan McCombs that the music truly starts and ends with the audience. Without the audience, neither would be a part of the magic that is music. The bond between the band and their fans was evident, and it was the collective experience of everyone present that made the evening unforgettable.
