Hard rock acts performing in Poplar Bluff on Saturday

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Hard rock bands Theory of a Deadman and Alter Bridge will perform Saturday at the Black River Coliseum in a stop on the Carnival of Madness tour. Hard rock acts Black Stone Cherry, Adelitas Ways and Emphatic will round out the lineup.

Around 1,500 tickets, about half the coliseum's capacity, had been sold by Tuesday afternoon, according to box office director Subrina Berger. Many fans waited to purchase tickets so the box office has seen more activity in the last week.

"We went from selling about 10 tickets a day to this week selling 75 per day," Berger said.

Three-quarters of ticket sales have been to people outside of the local area, indicating local residents may be waiting until Saturday to purchase tickets. Berger urges locals to purchase tickets before then. The box office will feature extended hours Friday and Saturday, staying open until 6 p.m. Friday and opening at 9 a.m. Saturday.

The tour was offered to the Black River Coliseum through K Square in St. Louis. The tour will be in Tulsa, Okla., tonight before Saturday's stop in Poplar Bluff. The bands will then travel Sunday to Dayton, Ohio, for the conclusion of the tour.

"We became a part of the original tour and not a drop-in," Berger said. "That says a lot about the coliseum and its reputation in the industry."

Theory of a Deadman, formed in 2001 in British Columbia, Canada, has had several songs crack Billboard charts, including "Bad Girlfriend" and "All or Nothing." World Wrestling Entertainment also has used several of the band's songs. "The Truth Is ...," released in July, climbed to No. 8 on the Billboard 200 chart and No. 2 on the Rock Albums chart.

Alter Bridge was formed in 2004 by lead guitarist Mark Tremonti, bassist Brian Marshall and drummer Scott Phillips, members of the rock band Creed. Myles Kennedy lends lead vocals and rhythm guitar to the quartet. Kennedy also fronts the solo project of Guns 'n Roses guitarist Slash.

The band's most recent album, "AB III," rose to the No. 3 spot on the Billboard Rock Albums chart and No. 2 on the Hard Rock Albums chart. Alter Bridge's music has been used by World Wrestling Entertainment and in the Marvel Comics films "Elektra" and "Fantastic Four." Charting singles by the band include "Isolation" and "Open Your Eyes."

Black Stone Cherry was formed in 2001 in Edmonton, Ky. The band features John Fred Young, son of Kentucky Headhunters guitarist Richard Young, on drums. "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea," released in June, rose to No. 2 on the Hard Rock Albums chart.

Adelitas Way was formed in 2005 in Las Vegas. "Invincible" from the band's 2009 album "Adelitas Way" cracked the top 30. The track was used by World Wrestling Entertainment and as an intro for the St. Louis Blues during the 2009-10 season.

Emphatic of Omaha, Neb., released its Atlantic Records debut album "Damage" in July. The album was produced by Howard Benson, who has also produced Three Days Grace and Skillet.

For those with general admission tickets worried about being stuck in line when the show starts, Berger reassures fans who arrive in a timely manner they will be inside the building before the opening act starts.

"People aren't in a hurry to buy their tickets, they're in a hurry to get to the door," Berger said about those with pit tickets. "People will start lining up in the morning and the line continues to grow."

To help lines move quickly, Berger encourages concertgoers to have their tickets ready when they approach the door. Professional cameras will not be allowed in the venue, and security will ask those carrying large bags to take them back to their vehicles. Sharp objects will not be allowed in the building.

Saturday night's event will also be a no re-entry event. Visitors who leave the venue will not be allowed to return. A designated smoking area will be set up outside but if a concertgoer leaves that area he or she will not be allowed back into the coliseum.

The show begins at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. For more information on tickets contact the box office at 573-686-8001. Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.ticketmaster.com.

Pertinent address:

301 S. 5th St., Poplar Bluff, MO