Photos by Daniel Ashwood ; Written by Daniel Ashwood
On October 8th, 2024, Mushroomhead rocked out to a sold out crowd at the Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg Virginia. Formed in 1993 in Cleveland OH, Mushroomhead is known for their distinctive blend of metal, industrial, and alternative rock, coupled with theatrical live performances. The group originally started as a side project for members of other local bands, and they quickly gained attention with their unique sound and elaborate stage presence, which often features masks and costumes. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1995, followed by a series of successful albums that showcased their evolving musical style, including *XIII* in 2001, which achieved significant commercial success. Over the years, Mushroomhead has faced lineup changes, but they have maintained a loyal fan base, consistently pushing creative boundaries and remaining influential in the underground metal scene.
The evening kicked off with the band taking the stage to the lively theme song of SpongeBob SquarePants, much to the crowd’s delight as they sang along. While the choice of song was a bit of a mystery, it felt perfectly fitting as they launched into their set. As the first track, “12 Hundred,” began, band members pounded on massive drums positioned on either side of the stage, sending splashes of water into the audience with each powerful beat.
They continued their set with fan favorites like “A Requiem for Tomorrow” and “Our Apologies.” When “Fall in Line” began, the crowd erupted in excitement as Jackie LaPonza joined the stage to deliver her powerful vocals. Her voice added an incredible dimension to the performance, and this wasn’t the only song she graced the stage for; each time she appeared, the audience roared with approval. Jackie was highly engaging, even crowd surfing during one of the songs, which only heightened the audience’s excitement for her.
Overall, this performance was nothing short of spectacular. Even if this style of music isn’t your usual “cup of tea,” you absolutely must see Mushroomhead live if you get the chance! Their shows are a thrilling fusion of visual artistry and powerful sound, featuring stunning lights, elaborate costumes, and dynamic crowd interaction that make every night unforgettable. I’ve never witnessed a mosh pit that lasted throughout an entire performance, and the crowd surfing was absolutely wild. Just a heads-up—if you’re in the first few rows, be prepared to get a little wet! Don’t miss out on the chance to experience Mushroomhead live as they continue their North American tour; it’s an electrifying event that will leave you craving more.
