Skillet rolled through Waterloo on Saturday, September 13th, delivering the fans at Del Lago Resort & Casino a night of pure fun, adrenaline, and nostalgia. Anticipation filled the air as fans packed into the venue. The crowd gathered, clutching onto merch bags, and wearing band t-shirts, eyes glued to the stage waiting for that first drop. Then it happened; the lights dropped and the venue turned pitch black as ear shattering cheers filled the room.
The blast of drums and a wall of guitars soared through the crowd as lead singer John Cooper stormed the stage like a man on a mission. The band commanded the crowd’s attention from the start as they kicked off the night with “Surviving The Game.” The pit area went out of control with excitement as fog shot up from the stage. John Cooper’s vocals were strong, as expected, with clarity and command. Guitarist Korey Cooper, who is the wife of John, captured the attention of the crowd from the get-go, jumping up and down with her hair covering her face, wowing the fans with her rockstar charisma.
Jen Ledger was behind the drum kit, fire in her eyes, and the speed of her hands syncing perfectly with the pulsing bass that rattled the venue walls. When she stepped up to sing, her unique yet angelic voice cut flawlessly over the chaos. Hits like “Sick Of It” and “Comatose” resonated with fans as they sang along and seemed to know every word. With their blend of hard rock, christian rock, and alternative, there was something for every kind of rock fan. The energy and stage presence the band brought was unparalleled.
Johns ability to hype up the crowd was nothing short of incredible. At one point during the night he put on a CO₂ arm cannon and blasted clouds of cold smoke over the crowd as he roared into the mic. The cheers and screams coming from the fans were so loud that you couldn’t hear yourself think. You didn’t want to. He recognized the fans holding signs and cheering on from the pit, and reached out to high five them in the front row. Before heading into their song “Hero,” John dedicated the song to the military, acknowledging veterans in the crowd, inviting everyone in attendance to show their appreciation with a round of applause. John preached with a growl in his voice, engaging the crowd in between songs, encouraging them to hang on and keep going no matter what anyone was going through.
Lead guitarist Seth Morrison drew the crowd’s attention through the mayhem, capturing the attention of everyone in attendance as he took center stage and unleashed a screaming riff during “Psycho In My Head.” His strong physical presence and impressive guitar work pieced together Skillet into perfect unison. The synchronicity of dominant vocals from John, and flawless guitar work from Seth, blended perfectly with the stage presence of Korey, and heavy-hitting drum work of Jen, creating a powerful performance that kept fans engaged throughout.
The band slowed things down with their song “Never Surrender,” which added a nice contrast to their performance. The fans were with them every step of the way. From the first note to the last chorus, there was a strong interaction. Sing‑alongs, chanting, arms raised, full bodies swaying, you could feel the crowd anticipating favorites even during newer songs. There was a genuine emotional connection, moments where John addressed faith, hope, and the enduring message behind the music.
Skillet walked the line between rock spectacle and heartfelt connection. It was an electrifying experience that transcended the usual boundaries of live music. With powerful performances, heartfelt moments, and a raw energy that connected every soul in the crowd, it was apparent that they had delivered more than just songs, they shared a journey of hope, resilience, and unity. It was far from your typical rock show, it was a celebration of strength, faith, and the unbreakable bond between the band and their fans. The band ended the night with “Resistance,” leaving fans in awe, astounded by what they had just witnessed. John waved goodbye as the lights dimmed, thanking the fans for nearly thirty years of loyalty.
Skillet continues their tour in Illinois on Friday, September 19th, followed by performances in Oregon, and Tennessee.
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