Soldiers stationed at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan pose with members of the band Sevendust, July 12, after a performance by the band. The performance completed Sevendust’s first USO tour.
Sevendust Performs for Bagram Service Members
By Pfc. Scott Davis
Combined Joint Task Force-101
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan
Modern rock band Sevendust put on a performance like no other for service members stationed at Bagram Air Field, July 12, at the final stop on their first United Service Organization tour.
Although the band was not known for playing an acoustic set, they still managed to put out a diverse sound that left rock fans wanting more.
“I just got done watching Sevendust in concert,” said Army Sgt. Mark Decker, B Company, 101st Airborne Division Special Troop Battalion. “I never thought anybody could ‘jam out’ acoustically like they did.”
After the performance, Sevendust let a Soldier from the crowd come up on stage and smash a guitar. They also gave him one of their guitars and gave other service members a set of bongos and another guitar, practically giving away their entire set of instruments.
“I think they were awesome,” said Air Force Capt. Vanessa Mahan, 455th Aerial Expeditionary Wing. “It’s been a while since we’ve had a hardcore band here so it’s kind of refreshing. “
The band gave thanks and saluted the service members for serving in the military.
“If it wasn’t for you guys over here, the Taliban would be over there, [in the United States],” said Lajon “LJ” Witherspoon, Sevendust’s lead singer during the performance.
The band stuck around to ensure everyone who wanted an autograph, a free copy of their new CD and/or a picture with the band got one.
Sevendust said they plan on doing another USO tour in the future.
“This, to us, has been the best thing that’s ever happened in our lives,” said LJ. “As soon as you guys will have us back, we’ll be back.”
That was wonderful WT.
I remember a badly wounded ROKMC at Danang who was there for the duration, if he were an American he’d have been sent home, instead he was recuperating by going to the beach where the salt water cleansed his wounds and he got valuable exercise.
Imagine being stuck for the duration without any entertainment or contacts from home, that must take a lot off the troops morale. Thanks WT for all you do and thanks for the USO and Sevendust.
!! I HOPE THEY DO GO BACK– !!! I THINK CHARLIE DANIELS- AND KID ROCK HAVE BEEN THERE THE MOST- NOT POSITIVE!
Jack, thank you for sharing abouto the wounded ROKMC, I agree Jack he healed faster.
LOL wasn’t it great. I can just imagine when they gave most of their equipment to the soldiers what it had to feel like to our troops. Gosh I love things like this so much.
Cheryl, yes I am not sure either. Gary Sinise too has been there a ton of times. They all are awesome to do this I love it.