Linkin Park and Incubus take Cincinnati by storm

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Linkin Park and Incubus co-headlined the 2012 Honda Civic tour at Riverbend Music Center August 22, 2012.  The weather was perfect as opening act Mutemath opened the outdoor rock and roll show.  I arrived a little late, due to other commitments, but it was apparent right away that the crowd was fired up.

Shortly after arriving, Incubus took the stage with the song “Adolescents.”  They sounded really good and generated a high level of energy.  Lead singer Brandon Boyd’s long hair swayed to the music and the vocals were strong.

About half way through the set the band slowed things down and included the Lionel Richie ballad, “Hello.”  They seemed to enjoy surprising the audience, then immediately picked them back up with “Anna Molly.”

Incubus played a very good set and on most nights it would have stood out as outstanding.  However, Linkin Park hit the stage with all barrels blazing, taking fans to even higher ground.

Early in the set they played “Papercut,” and it was apparent Linkin Park wasn’t messing around.  The energy level was amazing as they used every inch of stage available.  They also gave each member of the band a time to shine as they blended soaring vocals with solid rhyme.

The set list covered their entire career and they were quick to alter intros and arrangements to keep the music fresh.

Closing the show, the band performed a three song encore which included their mega-hit “In the End.”  By that point the fans were so whipped into a frenzy, with fists pumping, I believe they would have stayed all night.

As awesome as the Riverbend Incubus performance was, it only set the stage for the entrée provided by Linkin Park.