Falling in Reverse, Black Veil Brides, Dance Gavin Dance, Tech N9ne, and Jeris Johnson at Hollywood Casino in St. Louis, Missouri on September 21, 2024.
Photos and Review by The Pit Magazine Contributor Sevauna Photography
Falling In Reverse stopped in St. Louis for an unforgettable night on their “The Popular MonsTOUR II: World Domination” tour. They had a plethora of well-known openers, Dance Gavin Dance, Tech N9ne, Jerris Johnson, and most anticipated, Black Veil Brides. With each band bringing their unique flair, it was promised to be not just a concert, but a celebration of rock in all its forms.
Jeris Johnson
Thousands of fans were still filling the venue as Jeris Johnson started off the night for Falling in Reverse. From the moment he launched into his set, his energy was infectious. He non stop ran across stage making sure every corner of the venue felt his magnetic stage presence. The audience was especially pumped for “When The Drarkness Comes”, a rock tune mixed with folk instrumentation. This is a one of a kind recurring theme in most of his music. As his set was coming to a close, he announced his upcoming headlining tour, “The Dragonborn Tour,” planned to begin later this year. The news left fans eager to follow his journey. Johnson made it clear that he’s an artist to watch as he continues to rise in the rock scene.
Jeris Johnson Gallery
Tech N9ne
Next on the bill was fan favorite Tech N9ne. From the moment he took the stage, his high-energy presence captivated fans, many of whom were clearly longtime followers of the hip-hop icon. He effortlessly transitioned between rapid-fire verses and playful banter, further setting the tone for the night to come. As he wrapped up his quick set, the excitement reached a fever pitch with his hit song “Face Off.” Hands were in the air while fans sang each of the rap verses. It was no surprise he was a standout opening act with his talented vocals and vibrant personality.
Tech N9ne Gallery
Dance Gavin Dance
The venue was now at just about max capacity as Dance Gavin Dance started their set. As a post-hardcore band with a loyal following, the crowd was ignited in no time. Despite their history of lineup changes, vocalists Jon Mess and Andrew Wells proved to be an unforgettable duo. Mess’s intense, hard-hitting vocals paired seamlessly with Wells’s lighter, catchy melodies, created a fusion that highlighted the band’s unique sound. They perfectly closed their set with their biggest hit from 2015, “We Own The Night”. The opening guitar riffs echoed and fans erupted in cheers, singing along to every word.
Dance Gavin Dance Gallery
Black Veil Brides
It was obvious fans were nearly just as excited for Black Veil Brides as Falling in Reverse. From the moment lead singer Andy Biersack belted out the first notes, it was clear that his signature screams were as powerful and precise as they were back in the 2010s when the band first rose to fame. The setlist was a nostalgic journey, with hits such as “Knives and Pens” and “In the End” resonating deeply with the long time fans including myself! The audience was in for a surprise with a cover of Billy Idol’s classic “Rebel Yell.” This cover showcased the band’s ability to honor rock roots while bringing their own flair to the performance. Black Veil Brides’ set was a powerful reminder of their lasting impact on the rock scene, combining nostalgia with a fresh energy that left the audience craving more.
Black Veil Brides Gallery
Falling In Reverse
After hours of anticipation and four dynamic opening acts, the crowd was more than ready for Falling in Reverse, who had graced the same stage almost a year ago while opening for Avenged Sevenfold. The lights dimmed and the stage went black, giving way to a projection of the band roaming the back halls of the amphitheater. Fans were on the edge of their seats as they watched the video, eagerly anticipating the moment when Falling in Reverse would take the stage. Suddenly, the iconic lead singer Ronnie Radke emerged under a single spotlight and he let out the low notes of “Prequel”.
Falling in Reverse Gallery
The Falling in Reverse setlist was a carefully curated journey, showcasing plenty of classics alongside many tracks from their most recent album, Popular Monster. As they performed fan favorites, the crowd sang along every word, with the same attitude in their voices as Radke is known for in many of their tracks. Most of these songs were from their debut 2011 album “The Drug In Me Is You” that pulled them into the spotlight immediately. The tail end of their set was when the night reached a climax when Tech N9ne made a surprise return to the stage to perform his feature on “Ronald.” Both artists feeding off the crowd’s energy delivered an unforgettable performance. They finished the night with the biggest hit on Popular Monster, “Watch The World Burn”. This track unravels all of Radke’s vocal talents. With lightening fast rapping and brutal screaming vocals, this song preformed live is a masterpiece. This show was more than just a showcase of their music through the years, it was an experience that reinforced their connection with long time fans and demonstrated their unwavering impact on the rock scene. As the final notes faded, it was clear that this was a night St. Louis would remember for a long time.
Photos by The Pit Magazine photographer Sevauna Photography in St. Louis, Missouri. ©2024.
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