Concert Review: Skillet Celebrates 20 Years of Comatose in Boston
On October 7, 2026, Skillet brought their Comatose 20 Years, Still Screaming Tour to MGM Music Hall at Fenway in Boston, Massachusetts. Joining them for the evening were supporting acts Escape the Fate and Autumn Kings.
Opening the night was Autumn Kings. The Canadian rock band, formed in 2015 in LaSalle, Ontario, and now based in Detroit, Michigan, quickly energized the crowd. Blending hard rock, pop rock, and alternative rock, the band draws influence from artists such as Linkin Park and Metallica. Their music often centers on themes of empowerment, redemption, and optimism.
Autumn Kings describe themselves as “a band about empowerment and redemption,” aiming to balance heavy, emotional rock with uplifting and hopeful messages. Their sound combines catchy riffs, high-energy performances, and lyrics that confront personal struggles while encouraging resilience.
The band's lineup consists of Jake Diab (guitar and co-lead vocals), Joseph Coccimiglio (co-lead vocals), and Troy Dawdy (drums), Sky Wetth (bass).
The second act of the night was Escape the Fate. Known for powerful verses and anthemic choruses, Escape the Fate is an American rock band formed in 2004 in Pahrump, Nevada. Their music often explores themes of struggle, perseverance, and defiance, helping them maintain a loyal fanbase despite numerous lineup changes over the years.
The band's debut album, Dying Is Your Latest Fashion, was released in 2006. Their second album, This War Is Ours, followed in 2008 and debuted at No. 35 on the Billboard 200. Their self-titled third album, Escape the Fate, arrived in 2010 and reached No. 25 on the Billboard 200. In 2013, the band released Ungrateful, which featured "One for the Money," their highest-charting song on the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart.
Escape the Fate's lineup includes drummer Robert Ortiz, lead vocalist Craig Mabbitt, rhythm guitarist Erik Jensen, and lead guitarist Matti Hoffman.
At 9:30 p.m., headliner Skillet took the stage. Wasting no time, they opened the show with "Rebirthing," the first single from their sixth studio album, Comatose (2006). The song immediately ignited the crowd as the band members emerged on stage. They followed with a collection of fan favorites, including "The Last Night," "Better Than Drugs," "Comatose," "Falling Inside the Black," and more.
Blending hard rock with faith-driven themes, Skillet has built a sound that is both aggressive and uplifting. Known for orchestral rock anthems, emotional ballads, and high-energy performances, the band has attracted fans far beyond Christian rock circles. Their evolving sound and messages of hope and perseverance have helped them remain influential for decades.
At MGM Music Hall, Skillet delivered an outstanding performance. John Cooper's distinctive, gritty vocals sounded as strong as ever, while the entire band brought relentless energy to the stage. From the audience, it was impossible not to notice the musicians constantly moving, jumping, and interacting with the crowd.
Jen Ledger was a particular highlight of the evening. Her ability to deliver powerful vocals while simultaneously driving the band's sound behind the drum kit added another dimension to the performance. Her talent and stage presence brought an additional level of excitement and musicianship to the show.
One of the night's standout moments came when the band performed "Feel Invincible." The song, centered on finding strength and hope during difficult times, resonated strongly with the audience. Frontman John Cooper has described the track as being about finding that one thing that helps you believe in yourself and maintain hope, while still allowing listeners to interpret the message in their own way.
Speaking to the audience, Cooper reflected on his views regarding contemporary Christian music:
"Even though I am a Christian, I never really cared for contemporary Christian music. The easy-listening pop songs are often too shallow and superficial, the singers flaky, sweet, and saccharine, and almost all they sing about is 'God is good,' 'Jesus is Love.'"
Reviewing Skillet's performance in Boston, what stood out most was the band's energy and passion. The elaborate production, featuring colorful lighting effects, strobes, and smoke machines, enhanced the experience without overshadowing the music itself.
Skillet is a band that resonates deeply with listeners facing difficult moments in life. Their songs feel raw, honest, and authentic because they speak openly about struggle, perseverance, and hope.
Regardless of one's religious beliefs, Skillet's music has a unique ability to bring positivity to dark moments. Their songs leave listeners feeling encouraged, energized, and ready to keep moving forward.
The Skillet consists of John Cooper (lead vocals, bass), Korey Cooper (rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals), Seth Morrison (lead guitar), and Jen Ledger (drums, vocals).
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