Evanescence Returns Triumphant as Sanctuary Tour Opens in Tampa

Tampa, Fl (June 12th, 2026)

After four long years away from the road, Evanescence finally returned to the concert stage Friday night at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre in Tampa, bringing with them a renewed sense of purpose, a brand-new album, and one of the strongest live productions of their career. As the second stop on the Sanctuary Tour, supporting their recently released album of the same name, the evening felt less like a routine tour date and more like a celebration of a band reclaiming its place among rock’s elite.

The excitement was evident long before the lights went down. Fans packed the amphitheater wearing vintage Evanescence shirts, black lace, and tour merchandise from previous eras. There was a sense that this wasn’t just another concert. It was the return of a band that many had waited years to see again.

The evening began with a brief but memorable set from Nova Twins. Despite many audience members arriving unfamiliar with the British duo, it didn’t take long for them to win over the crowd. Their 30-minute performance blended rap-rock, alternative rock, punk energy, and massive grooves into something entirely their own.

From the moment they stepped on stage, Nova Twins commanded attention. Their infectious enthusiasm and fearless stage presence transformed what could have been a typical opening set into a genuine discovery for many in attendance. Their chemistry was undeniable, and their unique sound provided an ideal contrast to what was to come later in the evening. By the time they exited the stage, they had undoubtedly earned themselves plenty of new fans.

Next came Spiritbox, a band that has rapidly become one of modern metal’s most compelling acts. Their twelve-song set leaned heavily on their acclaimed 2024 release Tsunami Sea, and the audience responded enthusiastically throughout.

Opening with “Black Rainbow,” Spiritbox immediately established a darker, heavier atmosphere. Songs like “Perfect Soul,” “Keep Sweet,” and “Cellar Door” showcased the band’s ability to balance crushing heaviness with haunting melody. “Jaded” and “The Void” generated some of the night’s first major singalongs, while the title track “Tsunami Sea” demonstrated the band’s ambitious songwriting.

Of course, longtime fans were rewarded with favorites such as “Circle With Me” and “Rotoscope,” both of which drew huge reactions from the crowd.

At the center of it all was vocalist Courtney LaPlante. Watching her perform remains one of rock’s most fascinating experiences. Her ability to shift effortlessly between ethereal clean vocals and devastating screams continues to set her apart from nearly every vocalist in the genre. Throughout the set she was hypnotic, intense, and completely captivating.

By the time Spiritbox closed with the ferocious one-two punch of “Holy Roller” and “Soft Spine,” they had delivered a performance worthy of headliner status in its own right.

Yet everyone knew who they were waiting for.

As the house lights dimmed and the opening notes of “Sanctuary” filled the amphitheater, a deafening roar erupted from the crowd. Evanescence emerged to a massive stage production featuring towering video screens, dramatic lighting, and an expansive thrust that extended deep into the audience.

The title track from the new album served as the perfect opener. It immediately demonstrated the confidence behind the band’s latest material while establishing the cinematic atmosphere that would define the evening.

Without missing a beat, the band launched into “Tell Me When You’ve Had Enough,” “Afterlife,” and “Rapture,” giving fans an early showcase of the new record. Rather than slowing momentum, the fresh material stood comfortably alongside classics from throughout the band’s catalog.

When the unmistakable opening of “Going Under” arrived, the crowd exploded. More than two decades after its release, the song remains one of the band’s most powerful live weapons, and Friday night’s performance proved exactly why.

One of the evening’s most memorable sequences followed shortly afterward.

As the opening notes of “Lithium” began, a grand piano slowly rose from beneath the thrust stage, creating one of the night’s most visually stunning moments. Amy Lee took her seat behind the instrument as the crowd erupted in applause.

The performance itself was breathtaking.

Lee’s voice floated effortlessly above the arrangement, delivering every lyric with emotional precision. As impressive as the staging was, it never distracted from the song itself.

Rather than leaving the piano after “Lithium,” Lee remained seated and transitioned directly into the deep cut “Like You.” For longtime fans, it was a welcome surprise and one of the night’s emotional highlights.

Bassist Emma Anzai’s harmonies during both songs added tremendous depth. Her voice blended beautifully with Lee’s, creating rich vocal textures that elevated the performances even further. Throughout the evening, Anzai proved to be an invaluable presence, both musically and visually.

The show’s energy shifted dramatically as the band launched into “Self Destruct.” Suddenly the mood became more aggressive, the guitars grew heavier, and the crowd’s energy surged once again.

That momentum continued with “Calm Down,” which introduced the first major pyro effects of the evening. Flames erupted around the stage, illuminating the amphitheater in bursts of orange and gold. The visual spectacle perfectly matched the song’s intensity.

Lee then moved to a keyboard setup positioned elsewhere on the stage. As she played the iconic introduction to “Call Me When You’re Sober,” the audience instantly recognized the song and responded with one of the loudest cheers of the night.

The hit still resonates powerfully in a live setting, and the band’s performance demonstrated why it remains one of their defining tracks.

Newer songs such as “Beautiful Lie” and “Wasted on You” continued to showcase the strength of the current lineup, while “Forever Without You” provided another emotional centerpiece.

For this touching moment, the rest of the band temporarily exited the stage, leaving only Lee and Anzai in the spotlight. With Lee at the piano and Anzai supplying delicate harmonies, the song became one of the evening’s most intimate performances. The amphitheater grew noticeably quieter as thousands of fans absorbed every note.

Of course, no Evanescence concert would be complete without “Bring Me to Life.”

The response was immediate and overwhelming. Thousands of voices joined Lee as the song’s iconic chorus echoed throughout the venue. More than twenty years after introducing the band to the world, it remains an undeniable highlight and one of rock’s most enduring anthems.

“Imaginary” and “Better Without You” kept the momentum rolling before the band returned to newer material with “About Us.”

Then came one of the night’s most unforgettable moments.

For “Fight Like a Girl,” Lee welcomed Courtney LaPlante and Nova Twins to the stage. The collaboration transformed an already powerful song into a full-scale celebration of female voices in modern rock and metal. Watching the performers share the stage created an electric atmosphere, and the crowd responded accordingly.

The song became a statement piece for the entire evening, showcasing multiple generations of artists pushing heavy music forward while honoring the path Evanescence helped create.

As the concert moved toward its conclusion, “Who Will You Follow” maintained the emotional weight before giving way to perhaps the most anticipated ballad of the night.

“My Immortal” remains one of the most recognizable songs in the band’s catalog, and hearing thousands of fans sing along created a genuinely moving moment. It served as a reminder of just how deeply these songs have connected with audiences over the years.

The evening concluded with “Wide Open Heart,” a fitting finale that left fans energized and satisfied while providing a hopeful closing statement for the new era of the band.

Throughout the entire performance, Amy Lee was simply magnificent.

After twenty-two years in the spotlight, her voice remains one of rock music’s greatest instruments. Powerful when required, delicate when appropriate, and hauntingly beautiful throughout, she delivered a performance that reinforced her status as one of the genre’s most iconic vocalists.

Equally impressive was the rest of the band. Guitarists Tim McCord and Troy McLawhorn provided the muscle behind many of the night’s heaviest moments, delivering crushing riffs and soaring melodies with precision. Drummer Will Hunt was a relentless force behind the kit, while Emma Anzai anchored the rhythm section with confidence and charisma.

Most importantly, the chemistry between the musicians felt genuine and effortless.

As the Sanctuary Tour continues across the country, Friday night’s performance demonstrated that Evanescence has lost none of the power that made them one of rock’s defining acts. If anything, the years away seem to have strengthened their resolve.

The new material sounds formidable in a live setting, the classics remain as impactful as ever, and the current lineup appears to be firing on all cylinders.

For fans who have waited four years for Evanescence’s return, the wait was worth it. The Sanctuary Tour is not simply a victory lap built on nostalgia. It is a declaration that one of rock’s most enduring bands is still evolving, still creating, and still capable of delivering unforgettable live experiences.

If Tampa’s performance is any indication, the Sanctuary Tour may very well become one of the defining rock tours of the year.