PHOTOS: Sevendust, Theory of a Deadman, Return to Dust in Hampton Beach, NH (08.27.26)

Return to Dust, Sevendust, and Theory of a Deadman brought their collective energy to the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom on the first of their two-night stop at the venue on August 27. The Dead/Seven Tour, a co-headline run over two decades in the making, was built on a friendship between Sevendust and Theory of a Deadman that dates back when they first shared the stage in 2002. Return to Dust even opened for Sevendust a few years ago on one of the first tours of the young band’s career, which kicked off at that very same venue. Needless to say, there was a feeling of community in the air as the three bands took the stage in Hampton Beach. 

Return to Dust opened the night, highlighted by a rock-and-roll rendition of Outkast’s “Hey Ya!” that landed with true charm. The hip-hop classic was a surprise that nobody saw coming, yet one that the whole crowd welcomed.

Sevendust followed, touring in support of their fifteenth studio album, ONE, and didn’t shy away from digging deep into their catalog. Decades of material shined with the same heavy, riff-driven intensity that’s defined the band since the late ’90s. Despite the nostalgic pull of their setlist, it felt less like a trip down memory lane and more like a reminder of why they’ve stayed essential for this long.

Theory of a Deadman closed out the night with their grunge-soaked, riff-heavy anthems. Frontman Tyler Connolly worked the stage like a true professional, impressing the crowd with the glow of his shiny guitars and beautiful vocals. A perfect note to end on, full of moments delivered by a band that’s clearly having fun doing it.

Two co-headliners, two decades of mutual respect, and a room in Hampton Beach that got the best of both worlds, two nights in a row. 

Listen to Return to Dust’s cover of “Hey Ya!” – HERE
Listen to Sevendust’s new record, ONE – HERE
Pre-save Theory of a Deadman’s upcoming EP, Part One: Funeral Songs – HERE