If one would close their eyes and listen to the crowd they may feel as though they were transported back to first appearance of the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show in the sixties. The screams and swoons were overpowering beyond mere devotion. If one blocked out the music they might have been ‘flashbacked’ to the Shout at the Devil Motley Crue tour in ’83. But last night was clearly and audibly a night to worship at the altar of The Black Veil Brides.
Aptly held at well-known concert venue The Altar Bar in the historic Strip District of Pittsburgh, BVB worshippers held their hands high, sang every word of every song, and pierced the air in joyous cries of love. Black Veil Brides did not disappoint, they were highly enthusiastic and responsive to their fans, proved their musicianship, and flaunted their sense of showmanship that keeps them at the top of their genre.
Part metal, part pop, part circus; borrowing from their influences, yet somehow turning those sounds into their very own brand of rock, BVB proved why they continue to rise in the ranks of rock. The sold out crowd was painted for the party, mimicking their idols, and some of the parents who chaperoned the younger audience members were often adorned with makeup and BVB merchandise as well. It was a truly overwhelming atmosphere.
The Hollywood, CA band who built much of their original buzz through Hot Topic has matured since their signing in 2009. Touring to support their latest release Wretched and Divine: The Story of the Wild Ones. With a clear intention to marry a pop sensibility with the party atmosphere and metal sounds of the 80’s, BVB seems to have learned much in their travels on the road about carrying a crowd and performing a tight set. The future is certainly not dark for these boys and if they continue with the skyward trajection that they have been on, they will be at the top of an even bigger rock n roll heap as they branch out beyond their genre.
All photos property of Pittsburgh Music Magazine and AWelding photo 2013. No use without permission.