Reside Overview: Ladders to Leaders II Benefit Concert @ The Maryland Theatre — 1/10/26

Walking into The Maryland Theatre on a cool January night, there was a unique form of vitality floating across the foyer. This wasn’t only a night time out, it was an evening for one thing.
The Ladders To Leaders II profit live performance carried weight from the bounce. This wasn’t only a assortment of heavy hitters buying and selling riffs for enjoyable. This was a profit with objective, aimed straight on the laborious, difficult work of habit restoration.

Singer and bassist Brad Divens acted as each anchor and connective tissue all through the night time on Jan. 10. He’s bought that uncommon potential to make a big room really feel like a dialog as a substitute of a presentation. Between songs, he spoke about why everybody was there. Not lengthy speeches, no rehearsed traces, simply lived-in reflections about restoration, relapse, and the quiet energy it takes to ask for assist. Those moments landed tougher than any energy chord.

Musically, Divens held issues along with a gentle, soulful presence. His bass traces grounded the songs, giving them a heartbeat that matched the night’s intent.

Brian Forsythe of Kix introduced a well-known swagger, but it surely got here with a unique tone than the world days. Still sharp and nonetheless playful, however layered with expertise. His guitar work was assured and expressive, by no means flashy for the sake of it.

Shannon Larkin, previously of Godsmack, took the drum throne with a presence that was inconceivable to disregard. His enjoying was muscular and exact, however what stood out was his consciousness of the room. He pushed when it made sense, pulled again when the second known as for it.
Bob Pare rounded out the core lineup with guitar work that leaned extra towards really feel than flash. His enjoying complemented Forsythe fantastically, filling within the areas with out crowding them. It’s the form of musicianship that doesn’t draw consideration to itself, however you miss it instantly if it’s gone.

Special Guests, No Ego

Doug Pinnick of King’s X introduced one thing else completely. Soul. Texture. A voice that carries each grit and charm. When Pinnick sings, it looks like he’s pulling one thing up from deep inside and handing it on to the viewers. His harmonies lifted the room, including shade and heat to the songs.

John Moyer of Disturbed stepped out to a heat reception, and for good cause. His presence introduced a contemporary heaviness to the combo, each musically and emotionally. Moyer has been open about his personal journey, and that openness translated into his efficiency. His bass tone was thick and commanding, however by no means overpowering. It sat proper the place it wanted to, holding the low finish regular whereas the remainder of the band stretched out.

Jimmy Chalfant of Kix joined in for a few songs as properly, including one other layer of rhythmic mastery. Watching two drummers who’ve lived completely different chapters of laborious rock historical past share area on the identical stage was a reminder that point doesn’t erase ardour, it refines it.
Shannon even shared somewhat story about when he was eight years outdated and watching Jimmy play drums for The Shooz (who later grew to become native heroes, Kix) and deciding then and there that he was going to be a drummer when he grew up!

The Ladders To Leaders II profit wasn’t about excellent performances or profession highlights. It was about utilizing music as a bridge. Between previous and current. Between battle and stability. Between individuals who’ve been there and other people nonetheless attempting to get there.
As the night time unfolded, that objective stayed entrance and heart, woven by means of riffs, rhythms, and voices which have seen loads of miles. There was no must wrap it up neatly. No bow required. The level had already been made, not with phrases alone, however with sound, presence, and a room full of individuals keen to pay attention.

Special thanks and an enormous shout out for Alicia Divens, who deliberate and arranged the profit live performance to lift consciousness and funds for habit restoration in addition to the pre-show meet and greet (and he or she even wrangled the musicians)!

When the night was over, The Maryland Theatre glowed heat towards the winter night time exterior, a short lived shelter constructed on shared sound and shared intention and that’s what lingered after I was strolling again out into the chilly. Not simply the riffs or the names on the invoice, however the sense that this night time meant one thing past itself. Music doing what it’s at all times completed finest when it’s sincere. Holding the ladder regular whereas somebody climbs.

Setlist

1. Riff Raff
2. Let The Music Do The Talking
3. Brown Sugar
4. Moby Dick
5. Bring it on Home
6. Hot Legs
7. Fortunate Son
8. Jesus Just Left Chicago
9. Just Like Your Mama Did
10. Get The Lead Out
11. Working For MCA
12. If You Want Blood
13. Voodoo Child (Doug Pinnick vocals)
14. Jailbreak (Doug)
15. Foxy Lady (Doug)
16. Dog Eat Dog (with John Moyer)
17. Ooh LaLa
18. Jane Says
19. Can’t Always Get What You Want
20. Slave To My Dick (Shannon vocals)
21. My Way (Shannon vocals)
22. Danger Us
23. No Deposit
24. Love Pollution
25. Been There, Done That
26. Stay With Me
27. Can’t You Hear Me Knocking/ Do You Feel Like We Do

Here are footage of the musicians performing dwell on the Ladders To Leaders II Benefit Concert on Jan. 10, 2026. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Michael Sprouse/ Odd Rocker Photography.