River Riot
The Astro Amphitheater
La Vista, Nebraska
October 18th, 2024
After a year off, the return of River Riot brought an electric lineup and powerful performances La Vista’s Astro Amphitheater. For the first time in River Riot’s storied history, this year would feature co-headlining sets by two iconic rock bands.
The night kicked off with newcomer Royale Lynn. Known for her country-rock flair, she quickly engaged the audience, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. Not only did she bring a fresh energy to the stage with her current radio hits “Death Wish” and “Six Feet Deep”, she also dazzled the crowd with an incredible cover of Flyleaf’s iconic “All Around Me”. Her soulful vocals and relatable lyrics resonated well, and she kept the crowd warmed up with her down-to-earth yet fierce stage presence.
Seether took the stage next, delivering an intense and emotional performance that stayed true to their hard rock roots. By my count, this was the band’s 14th performance in the Omaha Metro Area since 2002, and they are greeted with screams and applause every time. With a catalog spanning decades, their setlist struck a chord with both longtime fans and new listeners. Shaun Morgan’s raw vocals and the band’s gritty sound created a powerful atmosphere. An acoustic rendition of “Broken” and blistering performance of “Rise Above This” were clear crowd favorites of the night, with fans singing along to every word. Their set was intense yet well-paced, showing their knack for blending raw emotion with head-banging riffs. Seether closed out the night with shenanigans as the band’s crew took their instruments for a fun-filled rendition on “Remedy”.
Closing out the night, Skillet delivered a high-energy, exhaustively theatrical set that kept the audience on their feet. Known for their bold sound and faith-based lyrics, Skillet’s performance brought a wave of enthusiasm that was almost contagious. John Cooper’s dynamic presence and Jen Ledger’s powerful drumming kept the energy soaring. Songs like “Monster” and “Rise” had fans roaring, and the stage effects of “The Resistance” added to the show’s intensity, making for a grand finale.
The 2024 edition of River Riot was a perfect blend of hard rock, alternative, and country flair. Each act brought something unique, making it a memorable night for everyone in attendance. The Astro Amphitheatre proved once again to be a stellar venue, and the mix of artists ensured there was something for everyone. This year’s lineup left a lasting impression, making River Riot 2024 a huge success.
Words and photos by Adam Tibbott
