Skillet fans young and old packed the Keith-Albee Theatre for the West Virginia stop of the 2026 “Take Control, It’s Now or Never” tour—resulting in a completely sold-out show.
Let’s start with the venue itself. This place is an absolute work of art. I’ve never experienced a rock-and-roll show in such a breathtaking setting. It honestly felt like we were inside a Roman coliseum. I also had never attended a fully seated rock show before—even the pit had chairs. That said, it didn’t stop people from standing up, rocking out, and fully embracing the night.
Opening the show was The Protest, an Indiana-based Christian rock band that kicked things off strong. They already had fans in the crowd singing along, which is always a great sign. This was my first time hearing them live, and they made an impression with songs like “Chains Are Made for Breaking,” “Take It Back,” and “Dying Breath.” They also showed love to the headliners with a few Skillet shout-outs during their set.
Then it was time for Skillet—and the energy in the room instantly shifted. This was my third time seeing them live and my second time photographing them, and they never disappoint. Their stage presence and intensity are always off the charts.
With Korey Cooper rocking bright purple hair (my favorite color and my usual go-to), capturing those flying-hair action shots was effortless. The band tore through hit after hit, including “Rise,” “Feel Invincible,” “Awake and Alive,” “Hero,” “Monster,” and “Legendary.”
During “Legendary,” John Cooper took things to another level with CO₂ cannons attached to his arms, blasting the crowd and sending the already-high energy soaring even higher.
Drummer Jen Ledger stepped out from behind her kit to perform “Hero,” adding her powerful vocals and giving the song an extra emotional punch.
If you’re looking for a live show that feeds your soul, look no further than Skillet. Their concerts bring together people from all walks of life—from the young to the old; from tattooed, pierced, brightly colored-hair “freaks” like us, to church-going families and youth groups. Skillet reminds us that we all relate to music. It speaks to every one of us, no matter our lifestyle. That faith and music have the power to bring people together.
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