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Image: Vasili Papathanasopoulos.
I first saw Twenty One Pilots perform live over a decade ago, at this very venue. Then, they were supporting Paramore on their national arena tour. The next time the duo ventured to our shores, they played to a sold-out crowd at The Metro Theatre - with roughly 1350 fans in attendance. To witness how the scale and production of their live show has blossomed is truly a marvel. Far too often, artists seem hesitant to take risks when their career leads them towards performing in arenas. Twenty One Pilots however have pushed the envelope to create an encompassing live experience.
From the moment vocalist Tyler Joseph leaped over the piano, flying through the air, to kick off opening number Overcompensate, it is clear that the following two hours will be an action-packed shared experience. They open the show with Holding On To You, Vignette and Car Radio, tracing their history as a band. With seven studio albums under the belt, Twenty One Pilots have a vast catalogue to select from when curating a setlist. For The Clancy World Tour, the focus is on tracks from their latest studio album, Clancy, however the duo perfectly walk the line with new songs, older ones and fan-favourites. Songs such as Shy Away, Heathens, Next Semester, Nico and the Niners, Heavydirtysoul and Ride prompt rapturous cheers from their devoted audience.
Images: Vasili Papathanasopoulos.
Twenty One Pilots have an unrivalled connection with their audience. They held up signs that wrote “This tour is saving my life” and “eight years of holding on to you.” Singing along to every lyric that has seeped into their souls, the fans in attendance were able to get up close with their idols a number of times throughout the evening. During Car Radio, Joseph made his way into the uoper circle to perform, following his venture into the crowd during Holding On To You. Both Joseph and his band mate Josh Dun step set off stage during Routines In The Night, to make their way in to the crowd. Here, Joseph begins to interact with the camera, showcasing his charisma as a frontman and creating this personable aura that extends throughout the arena. The duo have a B-stage of sorts, where each of them are perched on platforms on either side of the arenas mosh pit to perform Addict With A Pen, Migrane, Forest, Fall Away and Mulberry Street. The latter finds Joseph sectioning off the audience and instructing them to life their phone lights during certain words - creating a visual spectacle that could rival their own production. At one point, Dun appears holding a flame in the upper circle and walks through the bleachers to meet Joseph on the arena floor. It is through these moments the duo are able to keep the charm and intimate presence of their shows in smaller venues ten years ago, whilst elevating the production to create a spectacle.
The Clancy World Tour was built for arenas - and has earned its spot as one of the years most engaging live shows. With pyrotechnics, flames and one of the most captivating lighting plans within the sphere of live music, Twenty One Pilots have left no stone unturned. The production is catered to each song, be that lights and lasers beaming across the room, red tones flooding the arena or lone spotlights hitting the stage, each decision serves a purpose to further elevate the songs being performed. Beguiling visuals played on screens, and the stage design shifted throughout the show. The only thing ti upstage the tours production, is Joseph and Dun’s skilful musicianship and beaming energy. Both musicians displayed an expert showmanship of their craft, never faltering. Joseph’s inimitable vocals moved between commanding the audiences attention and more intimate moments, whilst Dun’s riotous work on the drums leaves his marked as one of the greats. The duo closed the show with Trees, stepping into the crowd one final time after instructing audience members on the floor to create a circle and make space for them and their respective instruments. As soon as Joseph and Dun entered the circle, they were flooded with fans who shared one final, intimate moment with their beloved artists.
Having first seen Twenty One Pilots at this very venue in 2014, with minimal production as a support act, it is clear they were always destined to dominate arenas - and they have done so fearlessly.
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