Breaking Benjamin takes the stage in front of a packed crowd at Casey's Center in Des Moines, Iowa, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.[Photo credit: Pam Whisenhunt]
PAM WHISENHUNT | Go Venue Magazine
Road tested veterans Breaking Benjamin, the newly unified Three Days Grace and newbies Return to Dust took the stage at the newly branded Casey’s Center in Des Moines, Iowa on September 23rd 2025.
Return to Dust, up and comers from Texas kicked off the night. Return to Dust played an 8-song set starting with “Summer Rain” and ending with their biggest song to date “Belly Up”. I love their heavy riffs, grungy vibe and nonstop energy. They have an old school sound with a new school twist that I appreciated. Return to Dust made sure to expressed gratitude for being on this tour with Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace and how much they love and respect them. They also, noted they literally wouldn’t be there without the people in the crowd keeping rock music alive.
Before I go onto Three Days Grace set, I want to preface, I knew Adam Gontier of Three Days Grace had rejoined the band in 2024 after a 10-year hiatus and both Gontier and Matt Walst would be co-lead singers going forward. That was a big reason I wanted to cover this tour. I’d listened to their new music and it was fantastic. I was very excited to catch the new line-up live. So, let me continue…
Three Days Grace entered in grand fashion to LL Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out”. They strolled from the back of the arena to the stage, dressed in yellow boxing robes with hoods draped over their heads, as if they were ready to throw down. Three Days Grace launched their set with “Animal I Have Become” and they didn’t look back. Their set was packed with hits spanning their discography. Everything from “I Hate Everything About You” and “Home” off their 2003 debut album to their newest works “Apologies”, “Mayday” and “Kill Me Fast”. Gontier and Walst were flawless. They each had their own parts and their vocals blended perfectly. Gontier performed an acoustic solo mid-show of Alice in Chains’ “Rooster”. It was so powerful and undoubtedly showcased the strength of his voice. Honestly, I was overall impressed with Three Days Grace’s showmanship, energy, stage presence and all the ways they connected with the crowd; singing at the edge of the stage, making eye contact, Walst walking along the main floor fist bumping fans, and commenting about how Des Moines feels a lot like home. It was a must-see set.
Finally, Breaking Benjamin appeared after a curtain bearing their logo dropped, and they launched the first song, “Awaken”. The crowded joined them singing immediately. Breaking Benjamin’s set was packed with all the usual suspects “So Cold”, “Breath”, “Failure” “Polyamorous” and the traditional finale “I Will Not Bow” and “The Diary of Jane”. It’s a set that always keeps fans swaying and singing along. They added a few uncommon songs to the set, “You”, “Blood” and “Without You”. Breaking Benjamin consistently performs a solid show, drawing a huge crowd every time. What I appreciate, just as much, is their keen ability to stack their tour with amazing talent. This tour is no different, bringing on Three Days Grace and Return to Dust.
A special shout out to Casey’s Center event staff. This was my first experience at the venue and everyone was top-notch from ticketing, to security, to our escorts and media accommodations. Thank you for welcoming me. I hope to be back soon.
Breaking Benjamin Three Days Grace Return to Dust All images © Pam WhisenhuntFollow our socials, only take a second and is free by finding us on:
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