RECAP: DRI – 40th Anniversary Tour at Empire Underground 09/07/2022 with the Debut of Faded Line -By: Rob Smittix

On Wednesday September 7th, DRI brought their 40th Anniversary Tour to Empire Underground in Albany, NY. The show started early at 6: 30pm with opening acts  1000 Yard Stare, Faded Line, Remains Of Rage, and Hate The Adversary. All of the bands brought their “A” game for sure. This was the debut show for Faded Line with front-man Vegas Nacy and it sounded as though these guys have been playing together for decades.

Of course DRI ripped the stage in half with their now classic brand of thrash. The crowd was thick so chances are you may have been there to experience it, if not well… you missed out. I (Rob Smittix) would start at the stage to take a few photos and proceed to work myself back near the bar area. That’s where I ran into my friend Bob Riley (Murderer’s Row) and I told him this is where I hang out now, away from the pit… I am a Grandfather now after all. We laughed and I showed him a picture of my 7 month old Grandson from my phone. I share this little side note because I never thought I’d be at a show showing off photos of my grand kid but I certainly have arrived at this new stage in my life. A twenty something year old made sure to tell me that I was the coolest grandfather because I was at a DRI show, he’s not wrong.

All in all, this show was a tremendous success be sure to keep up to date on Empire Underground’s events because I believe this venue is really bringing in some great acts for our scene!