Audio Adrenaline says "Adios" to Memphis for last time

In a sad but moving show, Christian rock band Audio Adrenaline said goodbye for the last time to Memphis last night at the MercyMe "Coming Up To Breathe" tour at the Desoto Civic Center. The group has been a leader in Christian music for over 15 years and decided to call it quits after frontman Mark Stuart began having vocal problems. The group sang their new song "Goodbye" as their banner was lowered, prompting a standing ovation that lasted well over 5 minutes. Show opener Aaron Schust, as well as all of the MercyMe members, came out on stage to say their goodbyes to Audio A, and MercyMe even performed one of Audio Adrenaline's lesser known songs in tribute to them.

I had the privelege of being able to work at the concert and it was amazing. The first thing I did upon arriving was go to the stage area where MercyMe was doing a sound check. We sat on the front row for a couple of minutes before heading on up to the main floor. An hour before the show began, we started passing out fliers for the next concert. Afterwards we passed out FCS coupons. The Audio Adrenaline merchandise, as you can imagine, flew off the tables, as it was the last time any of their merch would be available. I didn't buy anything, but was able to obtain (as a volunteer having priveleges) a cymbal from Audio Adrenaline, signed by the band.

Back to the show.

Aaron Schust was the opener. He played for roughly 15 minutes, including his hit, "My Savior, My God." This was followed by an hour from Audio A, and then headliner MercyMe.

MercyMe was phenomenal, singing most of their big hits, and several from the new CD. Compared to last time, this show was bigger and flashier. The lights they had working were amazing, and a huge screen was behind them, which they used for video and music videos.

Overall, The Coming Up To Breathe tour was one of the best I have seen in a long time, enhanced by the farewell performance of Audio Adrenaline, and the autographed cymbal I got.