Corfu, NY — On a picture‑perfect late‑summer night, the Darien Lake PAC hosted one of the year’s biggest modern‑rock tours. Breaking Benjamin topped the 2026 North American Tour, supported by Chevelle, Starset, and newcomer Kami Kehoe. The varied lineup proved to be a smart pairing, offering the 8,500 fans a full evening of powerful sets from four artists who continue to push forward.
Kami Kehoe kicked off the night at roughly 6:00 p.m., bringing a burst of intensity right out of the gate. The 23‑year‑old singer, songwriter, and drummer began her set behind the kit, unleashing a hard‑hitting drum showcase that immediately set the tone. She shifted seamlessly into her opener, “PSYCHO,” and kept momentum throughout a nine‑song set that highlighted her confidence and stage presence. The early start meant a lighter crowd, but those who were already inside responded enthusiastically. Kehoe’s new album Love Is a Weapon, released August 28th, was represented with three songs that fit well into her set.
Next up was Starset, and for anyone unfamiliar with their signature aesthetic, it was definitely a bit of a WTF moment. The band came out in full dystopian sci‑fi gear, looking like futuristic AI soldiers, which has been an evolving part of their identity since forming in 2013. They opened with “p a r a d 0 x 1 c” and delivered a well‑received eight‑song set. It wasn’t until the third song that Dustin Bates, the group’s singer, songwriter, and keyboardist, appeared in human form, creating a sharp contrast to the rest of the lineup. Their cinematic rock approach always stands out, and sharing a bill with Breaking Benjamin will only help grow their fan base. As for their long‑term plans for world domination, hopefully they stick to music and not destroying the earth, lol.
Direct support came from the post-grunge trio Chevelle, the closest thing on the bill to a traditional rock band. Chevelle consists of original members Pete Loeffler on lead vocals and guitar and Sam Loeffler on drums, with current touring bassist Kemble Walters rounding out the lineup. Formed in Grayslake, Illinois in 1995, the band delivered a dynamic twelve‑song set that hit with serious force. The bass was pushed so high in the mix that anyone near the barricade could feel it like a punch to the chest.
Chevelle opened with “Family System” and received a headlining crowd reaction, showing that fans are still deeply connected to their catalog. Their most recent release, ‘Bright as Blasphemy’ (2025), was represented by only one track, “Pale Horse,” while four songs came from their breakthrough album ‘Wonder What’s Next’: “Comfortable Liar,” “Family System,” “Send the Pain Below,” and “The Red.” Chevelle appears focused on rekindling interest and pushing their momentum forward as they move into the next phase of their career.
Headliners Breaking Benjamin hit the stage at 9:30 p.m., led by original member Benjamin Burnley on lead vocals and rhythm guitar. The current lineup also includes Jasen Rauch on lead guitar and programming, Keith Wallen on rhythm guitar and backing vocals, and Aaron Bruch on bass and backing vocals, with Brian Medeiros serving as their touring drummer for 2026. They opened with “I Will Not Bow” and delivered almost ninety minutes of intense, passionate modern rock that had the crowd fully engaged. Burnley thanked the fans many times throughout the evening for their support and for keeping the band going for more than twenty‑five years, and the audience responded with the same level of appreciation.
The band has a new record coming soon, and both of their already released singles, “Something Wicked” and “Awaken,” were major highlights of the set. Breaking Benjamin also leaned heavily into their breakthrough 2006 multi‑platinum album Phobia, performing six fan favorites: “Breath,” “Dance With the Devil,” “Evil Angel,” “The Diary of Jane,” “Until the End,” and “You.” The chemistry onstage and the connection with the crowd made the headlining set feel both powerful and personal.
Overall, this was a fun, interesting, and enjoyable concert. Breaking Benjamin proved once again that they are a strong and reliable headliner, with music and stage production that translate perfectly in a live setting. Their passion, matched by the crowd’s energy, shows they still have plenty left in the tank. Hopefully they will continue touring and bringing their magic to fans for many years to come. And between Starset plotting world domination, Chevelle punching people in the chest with bass, and Breaking Benjamin surviving twenty‑five years of touring, humanity might be doomed, but at least the soundtrack will be incredible.
Breaking Benjamin setlist 09-10-2026
I Will Not Bow
Until the End
Evil Angel
Crawl
Red Cold River
Blow Me Away
Follow
Angels Fall
You
So Cold
Polyamorous
Dear Agony
Something Wicked
Breath
Awaken
Failure
Dance With the Devil
The Diary of Jane
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Thomas S. Orwat Jr.
RockMusicStar.com 
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