Crossing Off a Bucket List Band: My Night with Five Finger Death Punch
- Mickey Miller
- Sep 4, 2025
- 4 min read
The night at Soaring Eagle Casino’s outdoor amphitheater couldn’t have been more perfect—clear skies, warm air, and the kind of atmosphere that makes live music feel larger than life. It wasn’t just another show for me, though. This one was layered with memories, friendships, and moments I’ll never forget.
I’ll admit, I’ve never been the biggest fan of the new era of Saliva since Josey Scott left. Josey will always hold a special place in my heart, and supporting him has always come naturally. But don’t get me wrong, Bobby Amaru has an amazing voice and is incredibly talented. It’s just that hearing the old Saliva songs without Josey’s voice still doesn’t feel quite right to me.
Still, I also believe in supporting my friends when they join new chapters, and that’s why I was there rooting for Sebastian LeBar. I first met him about five years ago when I booked Tantric in Kalkaska, and seeing him now as a part of Saliva felt full-circle.
Sebastian is every bit the incredible guitarist you’d expect, carrying the talent and fire of his legendary father, Jeff LeBar of Cinderella. After their set, Sebastian sent me a message letting me know where to meet him. He stepped away from behind the merch tent just to catch up with me, and we shared stories, pictures, and even videos of his new son. While I was watching Sebastian interact with fans, I even took pictures of some of those moments, it was amazing to capture the way he genuinely connects with people. Then something unexpected happened, people began lining up to meet him. Fans, young and old, waited eagerly for a photo or autograph, and I got to witness him handle it all with humility, patience, and genuine kindness.
At one point, a woman even asked if I’d step into a picture with them. I laughed, but Sebastian without hesitation, said, “Get in here!” A true VIP moment. He joked with me, looking at the line forming, and said, “Look what you did—this is your fault,” grinning at the crowd. He told them he was supposed to be at the merch tent but came out to see me and catch up. Later, when a friend of mine asked me to take her picture with him, I laughed and said, “I guess I’ll have to get in line too.” But Sebastian waved me over with a smile and said, “No, you’re like VIP. You can get a picture anytime.”
Watching him interact with fans—young and old—was powerful. I sat back in awe, seeing just how humble he truly is. The way he gave each person his time, making them feel important, showed me that he understands exactly what it means to be a fan. And believe it or not, yes, I consider Sebastian a friend, but I am also a fan of him as well. I know what it feels like to be that fan, to just want a moment with someone you admire and Sebastian gave that freely. That kind of humility and gratitude for the fans only deepened my respect for him.
While I was spending time with Sebastian, Drowning Pool was tearing it up onstage. I didn’t catch all of their set, but I made it back in time for the last two songs. They closed with “Bodies,” of course, and when the crowd shouted “Let the bodies hit the floor!” it was impossible not to feel the surge of energy. The raw power of “Sinner” and the emotion in “Tear Away” echoed through the amphitheater, reminding me why their music has stood the test of time. Even just catching those moments was enough to feel their impact.
And then it was time for the band I’ve waited 20 years to cross off my bucket list: Five Finger Death Punch. From the moment they launched into “Welcome to the Circus,” the energy was electric. The crowd was on fire through “Lift Me Up,” “Trouble,” and even their cover of “The House of the Rising Sun,” which hit differently under the night sky. Every song carried me deeper into the moment...“Wash It All Away,” hit me hard it is like an anthem to me, “Jekyll and Hyde,” “Sham Pain,” and “No One Gets Left Behind” surged with energy, while “Burn MF” and “Wrong Side of Heaven” reminded everyone of the band’s emotional and musical range. Midway, Chris Kael led “Got Your Six” while Ivan took a brief break, and then they ripped into “Bad Company,” “IOU,” and “Under and Over It,” each song electrifying the crowd further.
The closing moments hit me hardest. They ended with “Never Enough” and “The Bleeding”—two songs I’ve been dreaming of hearing live for two decades. The riffs, the vocals, the sheer intensity—it brought me back in time, to the years when those songs were a part of my everyday life. It was surreal, emotional, and unforgettable. I have to say, Five Finger Death Punch is one of the best live bands I have ever seen in my life.
I want to thank Damien for getting the tickets and for making my dream of seeing Five Finger Death Punch live come true. It was also cool to see an old co-worker of mine and her man at the concert—we got to watch it all together, even if I was in my own little musical world in my head.
This night wasn’t just a concert—it was a mix of past and present, of friendships and fandom, of guilt and pride, and of dreams finally realized. Watching Sebastian with the fans reminded me of the power of connection. Hearing Five Finger Death Punch close with the songs I’d been waiting twenty years to hear reminded me why music is the heartbeat of my life.
And finally, I can say it out loud: Five Finger Death Punch is officially crossed off my bucket list. It's hard to believe that I got to see two bucket list bands in just a nine-day span (Creed then Five Finger Death Punch) a memory I’ll carry with me forever.
Until the next concert, Peace Love and Loud Music,
Mickey
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