BY MAUI CABRAL The one that got away... and the one that didn’t. As photographers, you learn pretty quickly that not every show goes ac...
BY MAUI CABRAL
The one that got away... and the one that didn’t. As photographers, you learn pretty quickly that not every show goes according to plan. Sometimes the lighting doesn’t cooperate. Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate. And sometimes, about an hour before doors open, you find out you’re not allowed to shoot one of the bands you’ve been looking forward to photographing the most. That was this show. And honestly? I was devastated. Yet very happy/grateful at the same time.
Opening the evening was Nova Twins, one of the most unique rock acts on the road today. Hailing from the UK, Nova Twins have built their reputation by refusing to sound like anyone else. Blending rock, punk, grime, alternative music, and massive bass-driven grooves, they’ve created a style that’s completely their own. And live, that originality jumps off the stage. Their energy was infectious. The chemistry between the duo was undeniable, and from the first song, they had the crowd moving. They weren’t trying to fit into anybody else’s lane. They were creating their own. And that’s exactly why they’ve become one of the most exciting bands in modern rock.
Then came Spiritbox. Or at least... the band I wasn’t allowed to photograph. And man, that one hurt. Not because I felt entitled to shoot them. But because I’ve wanted the opportunity for a long time. Just before the show started, we got word that photographers wouldn’t be shooting Spiritbox. That’s part of the job sometimes. You respect the band’s wishes, put the camera down, and enjoy the performance as a fan. Still doesn’t make it any easier.
Then the lights dropped. And suddenly it was time for Evanescence. For a lot of people, Evanescence wasn’t just another band growing up. They were a moment. Formed in Arkansas and led by Amy Lee, the band exploded into mainstream consciousness with Fallen, one of the defining rock albums of the early 2000s. Songs like "Bring Me To Life," "My Immortal," "Going Under," and "Everybody’s Fool" became part of an entire generation’s soundtrack. And years later, those songs still carry the same weight. Some artists evolve. Some artists change. And some artists somehow remain exactly as powerful as you remember them. Amy Lee is one of those artists.
The second she stepped onto the stage, the entire venue locked in. Her voice remains one of the most recognizable voices in rock music. Powerful. Emotional. Effortless. And seeing those songs performed live under the lights of Coastal felt like stepping back into a part of music history while somehow still feeling completely relevant today.
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- JOSH "MAUI" CABRAL
Hey! I'm Maui. Originally from Queens, New York, now making Raleigh, NC my new home. I'm a touring photographer and Nomadic Motorcycle Rider, obsessed with seeing the world through different lenses!
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