Des Plaines, Il – Grit, sweat, and Southern tinged rock hit the historic Des Plaines Theatre, as the Mississippi bred band Saving Abel, known for catchy hooks and raw, heartfelt lyrics, stormed the stage for a night that blended their classic hits with a taste of new material.
The band kicked off the night launching into “Shadow” and “Knife at a Nuke Fight”, two brand new songs that singer Jared Weeks mentioned would be on an upcoming album. The band then dove straight into a couple of their classics “Drowning (Face Down)”, and “In God’s Eyes” a reminder of their breakthrough days when radio rock anthems dominated the airwaves. Mid-set highlights included “Miss America” and “New Loser,” both of which carried sharp lyrical hooks that had longtime fans singing along.
Jared Weeks’ vocals cut through the songs with raw passion, while the gritty guitar riffs by both Riley Haynie and Blake Scopino, backed by the pulsing rhythm section of Dave Moraata on drums and bassist Greg Young, filled the now 100 year old ornate theatre. The band kept the momentum going with “Bringing Down the Giant,” a track that showcased their knack for anthemic choruses and dynamic stage presence, while standing up to life’s bullies. “Mississippi Moonshine” brought out the Southern charm, with its bluesy undertones and storytelling lyrics drawing the audience deeper into the band’s roots. Each performance was tight and passionate, with frontman Jared Weeks connecting with the crowd between songs and sharing stories about coming together.
Beyond their classic catalog, Saving Abel treated fans to new songs from their latest project. “Dodged a Bullet” stood out with its driving rhythm and introspective lyrics, revealing the band’s growth and resilience. While their brand new single, “Keep Swinging” was an uplifting life anthem about perseverance and continuing to move forward, no matter the obstacles that get in your way, and overcoming those hurdles, resonated with many in attendance. The band’s energy was contagious, and their willingness to debut new material demonstrated their commitment to evolving as artists while staying true to the spirit of Saving Abel.
Closing out their set with a cover of Stone Temple Pilots “Plush”, the band rounded up their evening with their breakout hit “Addicted,” which prompted a full throated crowd singalong and a wave of nostalgia throughout the theatre. Fans relished every moment as the band gave it their all for the finale. From chart-topping favorites to brand-new tracks, Saving Abel proved why they remain a force in the modern rock scene.
Shadow
Knife at a Nuke Fight
Drowning (Face Down)
In God’s Eyes
Keep Swinging
Miss America
New Loser
Bringing Down the Giant
Dodges a Bullet
Hell of a Ride
Mississippi Moonshine
18 Days
Plush (Stone Temple Pilots cover)
Addicted
Saving Abel Online:
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Show Date: 9.11.2025
