TWENTY ONE PILOTS TAKE ON TORONTO
BY ARLINThe chilling echoes of distorted vocals build up as cheers begin to flood the air. Red lights flicker, illuminating the lone drum set on stage as Josh Dun makes his way into view, face covered and eyes glowing bright red. The “welcome back to Trench” introduction of “Overcompensate” still gives me chills when I hear it, and even more so as the crowd chants it right back. As all eyes suddenly look to the other side of the stage in anticipation, Tyler Joseph makes his grand entrance as he jumps up and over his piano onto the stage. I can truly say I’ve never been a part of a crowd so passionate. Everyone from fans, to parents and children, venue workers and photographers, we’re all decked out in red and yellow tape, lyric bracelets, bandanas, and old tour tees, and everyone is chanting every word.
“I’m right near the group of Neds!” I texted one of my photographer friends as she was trying to find me before the show. Ned is a character featured in their music video for “Chlorine” especially beloved by children that love to dress up just like him. We traded bracelets with other photographers and venue workers, recounting past experiences of Twenty One Pilots shows we’d seen throughout the years. I’d first seen them perform at Budweiser Stage nine years ago for their Emotional Roadshow tour, and this was their first time back at this venue since. All the way on the lawn I still remember having the time of my life, and now all this time later, getting to photograph them from the pit was something I had only ever dreamed of.
Despite an early entrance and shortened setlist due to an incoming storm that hit just as they played their final song, Twenty One Pilots gave us everything they could.
“We came on early tonight, there’s a thunderstorm. They told me to cancel, my goal is to play as many songs as we can until they kick us off. So I apologize but we’re going to try and give you as much as possible tonight.” says Joseph.
Midway through the show they still manage to head to B-stage out in the lawn where the “Heavydirtysoul” car is situated after walking through the stands high fiving excited fans. Joseph stands on the top of the car as it ignites in flames, and you feel like you’ve been transported right into the music video. Their shows are more than just incredible performances, they’re immersive, weaving together a decade long story right before your eyes. They perform 5 songs on the B-stage including two of my favourites, “Routines in the Night” and “Polarize”. Dun (as torchbearer) lights his torch on the flames of the car, and carries it back to the stage, and in the other hand he’s holding a Toronto flag signed with names and messages from hundreds of fans. Once on the stage, he pensively faces away from the audience as the Dema towers are unveiled, igniting in flames. This is the third time I’ve seen this part of the show, yet it's still just as chilling and impactful as the first.
After a few more songs, Joseph announces that the storm is quickly approaching and they’ll have time for just one more song. “I promise you, we’re operating at 150% up here trying to give you everything… I’m supposed to be off stage right now but I think they’ll let us get one more in.”
The ending is bittersweet, but beautiful nonetheless. “Trees” holds a very dear place in their fans hearts, and clearly for the band as well as they’ve stuck with it as their closing song for over a decade. It begins calmly, growing into a choir of emotion as fans lift their hands high in praise, mirroring Joseph. Dun and Joseph get onto platforms held by the crowd and go out with a bang. Red confetti rains down as they strike their drums in unison. It was an emotional, beautiful end.
Having also attended night one the previous night and getting to see them perform the full setlist, I cannot recommend enough to attend one of their stops on this tour. Twenty One Pilots put on a show you will never forget.
