The name may not be too inviting, but Papa Roach is less about insects and more about passion. Many words can describe a Papa Roach show: rock, anger, sorrow, life, movement. but none capture the spirit of Papa Roach as much as "passion". The music pounds into your chest, the lyrics echo in your head, the sight of the four rockers giving their all- it's enough to make you smile- it's enough to make you cry. Front man Jacoby Shaddix, formerly known as Coby Dick, moves with the beat, pouring his heart and soul into his performance. You can feel his emotions come over you like a blanket- sometimes warm, other times ice cold.

     The stage backdrop displays just as much emotion. From left to right, it shows a heart, labeled with medical terms, a gun, and finally, a man lying dead on the ground. Still, death is the furthest thing from your mind at the end of the set. What consumes you is LIFE. A s Jacoby put it, "Rock and roll keeps me alive, therefore, we must keep rock and roll alive".

     At the end of the set, it's apparent that the purpose of this band is to give to the audience all they have, and still they look for more to give. After several "thank-yous" to the audience, each band member tosses out mementos to their fans- picks, drumsticks, even set lists, and as the crew comes out to clear the stage, Jacoby is still hoping to find something more to give. Look no further. Papa Roach gives the gift of passion, and lets not forget the gift of rock.

- noah
bandchat.org correspondent
Dallas, TX
Smirnoff Music Centre