A Night to Remember: Orange Goblin Rocks Lincoln with Unstoppable Energy

Review and Photos by Mark and Mathew Pitfield

A Night to Remember: Orange Goblin Rocks Lincoln with Unstoppable Energy

Our first time together at The Drill in Lincoln on a school night was nothing short of memorable! Seeing two of Matthew’s teachers in the crowd added a touch of recognition to his work and earned him a couple of high-fives the next day—a nice bonus to an already incredible night!

The evening was the warm-up show for Orange Goblin’s “Science Not Fiction” tour, and the intimate setting of The Drill perfectly complemented their heavy metal sound and electrifying presence. As soon as we were accredited, we made our way to catch Lavire, one of the two supporting bands (apologies to Phoenician—we missed your set due to work). Matthew has photographed Lavire before, and it was a pleasure to see the talented lead singer, Chloe, command the stage once again. She was in top form, fully throwing herself into their alternative grunge sound, delivering a short yet powerful set. The Lincoln crowd was clearly supportive, and the band fed off the positive energy. Despite sharing the stage with Orange Goblin’s massive setup, Lavire had plenty of room to engage with their audience, and they made every moment count. Being a local Lincoln band, they definitely deserve more recognition, and we encourage everyone to check them out when you can!

Then came the moment we were all waiting for—Orange Goblin. With no need for introductions, they hit the stage with an undeniable presence and power. Formed in 1995, the band members—Ben Ward, Joe Hoare, Chris Turner, and Harry Armstrong—played with the tightness and chemistry that only comes with decades of experience. Their stoner and heavy metal, hard-rocking sound echoed through the venue with intensity.

It was my first time seeing them, and both Matthew and I were blown away by their performance. The near-capacity crowd in Lincoln, a town not known for its wild nightlife, responded with such enthusiasm that it was clear no one left disappointed. For a warm-up show, it didn’t feel like one. Every song was delivered with heart, passion, and precision, and their energy was infectious.

All in all, Orange Goblin’s performance was a masterclass in heavy metal, and it felt like the perfect warm-up to their tour. From Lavire’s local charm to the legendary power of Orange Goblin, it was a night that Lincoln will remember for a long time. If you get the chance to see them on their tour, don’t miss it!