Seether, Slash, Godsmack + More Rock 2015 Rise Above Fest

Seether have been touring heavily in support of their album Isolate and Medicate since last year, but the hard-working band was still able to organize and stage their annual Rise Above Fest. Awareness and prevention of teen suicide is the focus of the third Rise Above Fest, taking its name from the Seether song "Rise Above This."

In 2008, Shaun Morgan penned the song "Rise Above This," a piece largely dedicated to Morgan’s brother Eugene, who suffered from depression before taking his own life. This was a life-changing song for the band. They realized the widespread impact of suicide is a worldwide epidemic and wanted to do something about it, resulting in the creation of their Rise Above Fest.

The bands took over the Bangor Waterfront Pavilion, a quintessential Maine setting, with three stages set up that included local favorites like Uncle Jack and Muckler’s Circle mixing with second stage headliners Tremonti and the Butcher Babies. On the Main Stage, Papa Roach and Slash with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators led into headliners Seether and Godsmack.

The entire day was filled with community outreach. Even the local Sea Dog Brewery brewed up a concoction called Rise Above Red to further support the cause and raise awareness. Meanwhile, Rise Above Fest concert promoter, Waterfront Concerts, partnered with the Maine Military & Community Network to provide complimentary festival tickets to Maine Veterans. Add in numerous shout outs from the band, and the message was clear: Through music, community and caring for each other, when facing life’s problems, no matter how extreme, together we can RISE ABOVE IT!

The message of the day was carried throughout the event from bands talking about how their lives have been impacted by suicide to fundraising events like auctioning off autographed guitars and memorabilia. Thanks to Seether for keeping Rise Above Fest in New England and here’s to next year.

In closing, if you or someone you know has been impacted by suicide or could use some help contact Suicide Awareness Voices of Education. If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Article and photos by special contributor Micah Gummel.

Rise Above Festival Photo Gallery

Seether

Micah Gummel, Loudwire