Page 48 - ION Indie Magazine_MayJune 2022

LIVE MUSIC REPORT

Story by Erika Johnson
Photography by Daniel Johnson
https://www.facebook.com/DagdaPhotography

SNHU Arena • Manchester, NH • March 19, 2022

https://www.snhuarena.com/

Chevelle shirts lined the steps and atrium to the SNHU Arena in
Manchester, NH, on a cold March night. Fans anxiously anticipating an
arena full of live music from their favorite band who released their new
album titled “NIRATIAS” in 2021. “I’ve been waiting so long for this man!
Woo!” A bearded man said to his friend as ushers opened the doors to the
arena.

The opening chords to “Sleep the Deep,” a hit single off of “NIRATIAS,” had
fans on their feet. Chevelle settled on the acronym “NIRATIAS,” which
stands for “Nothing Is Real And This Is A Simulation,” to go along with the
theme of their concept album which centers on humans leaving earth to
travel space. Two alien figures flanked the stage, giving the vibe of an out-
of-this-world experience.

“Aw, dude! I hope they do some of the old stuff!” A man in a Chevelle
sweatshirt said to ION Indie Magazine during a quiet moment as a
technician took the stage to adjust the sound. It was as if lead singer Pete
Loeffler heard the fan from the stage. The bass ripped through the air as the
band began playing one of their most famous songs, “The Red.” The crowd
erupted as Pete crooned into the microphone.

Chevelle was formed by the Loeffler brothers: Pete (on lead vocals and
guitar), Sam (on drums and percussion), and Joe (on bass and backing
vocals) in 1995. Named for the brothers’ passion for fast cars, Chevelle, is
also named to pay honor to their father whose favorite car is the Chevrolet
Chevelle.