Walking into The Maryland Theatre on a cool January evening, there was a different kind of energy floating around the lobby. This wasn’t just a night out, it was a night for something. The Ladders To Leaders II benefit concert carried weight from the jump. This wasn’t just a collection of heavy hitters trading riffs for fun. This was a benefit with purpose, aimed straight at the hard, complicated work of addiction recovery.
Singer and bassist Brad Divens acted as both anchor and connective tissue throughout the night on Jan. 10. He’s got that rare ability to make a large room feel like a conversation instead of a presentation. Between songs, he spoke about why everyone was there. Not long speeches, no rehearsed lines, just lived-in reflections about recovery, relapse, and the quiet strength it takes to ask for help. Those moments landed harder than any power chord.
Musically, Divens held things together with a steady, soulful presence. His bass lines grounded the songs, giving them a heartbeat that matched the evening’s intent.
Brian Forsythe of Kix brought a familiar swagger, but it came with a different tone than the arena days. Still sharp and still playful, but layered with experience. His guitar work was confident and expressive, never flashy for the sake of it.
Shannon Larkin, formerly of Godsmack, took the drum throne with a presence that was impossible to ignore. His playing was muscular and precise, but what stood out was his awareness of the room. He pushed when it made sense, pulled back when the moment called for it. Bob Pare rounded out the core lineup with guitar work that leaned more toward feel than flash. His playing complemented Forsythe beautifully, filling in the spaces without crowding them. It’s the kind of musicianship that doesn’t draw attention to itself, but you miss it immediately if it’s gone.
Special Guests, No Ego
Doug Pinnick of King’s X brought something else entirely. Soul. Texture. A voice that carries both grit and grace. When Pinnick sings, it feels like he’s pulling something up from deep inside and handing it directly to the audience. His harmonies lifted the room, adding color and warmth to the songs.
John Moyer of Disturbed stepped out to a warm reception, and for good reason. His presence brought a modern heaviness to the mix, both musically and emotionally. Moyer has been open about his own journey, and that openness translated into his performance. His bass tone was thick and commanding, but never overpowering. It sat right where it needed to, holding the low end steady while the rest of the band stretched out.
Jimmy Chalfant of Kix joined in for a couple of songs as well, adding another layer of rhythmic mastery. Watching two drummers who’ve lived different chapters of hard rock history share space on the same stage was a reminder that time doesn’t erase passion, it refines it. Shannon even shared a little story about when he was eight years old and watching Jimmy play drums for The Shooz (who later became local heroes, Kix) and deciding then and there that he was going to be a drummer when he grew up!
The Ladders To Leaders II benefit wasn’t about perfect performances or career highlights. It was about using music as a bridge. Between past and present. Between struggle and stability. Between people who’ve been there and people still trying to get there. As the night unfolded, that purpose stayed front and center, woven through riffs, rhythms, and voices that have seen plenty of miles. There was no need to wrap it up neatly. No bow required. The point had already been made, not with words alone, but with sound, presence, and a room full of people willing to listen.
Special thanks and a huge shout out for Alicia Divens, who planned and organized the benefit concert to raise awareness and funds for addiction recovery as well as the pre-show meet and greet (and she even wrangled the musicians)!
When the evening was over, The Maryland Theatre glowed warm against the winter night outside, a temporary shelter built on shared sound and shared intention and that’s what lingered when I was walking back out into the cold. Not just the riffs or the names on the bill, but the sense that this night meant something beyond itself. Music doing what it’s always done best when it’s honest. Holding the ladder steady while someone climbs.
Setlist
1. Riff Raff
2. Let The Music Do The Talking
3. Brown Sugar
4. Moby Dick
5. Bring it on Home
6. Hot Legs
7. Fortunate Son
8. Jesus Just Left Chicago
9. Just Like Your Mama Did
10. Get The Lead Out
11. Working For MCA
12. If You Want Blood
13. Voodoo Child (Doug Pinnick vocals)
14. Jailbreak (Doug)
15. Foxy Lady (Doug)
16. Dog Eat Dog (with John Moyer)
17. Ooh LaLa
18. Jane Says
19. Can’t Always Get What You Want
20. Slave To My Dick (Shannon vocals)
21. My Way (Shannon vocals)
22. Danger Us
23. No Deposit
24. Love Pollution
25. Been There, Done That
26. Stay With Me
27. Can’t You Hear Me Knocking/ Do You Feel Like We Do
Here are pictures of the musicians performing live at the Ladders To Leaders II Benefit Concert on Jan. 10, 2026. All photos copyright and courtesy of Michael Sprouse/ Odd Rocker Photography.
