Falling in Reverse’s Popular MonsTOUR II" Brings Chaos, Catharsis, and Genre-Bending Mayhem to Leader Bank Pavilion
Falling in Reverse brought the heat to Leader Bank Pavilion last night, headlining the "Popular MonsTOUR II" alongside a powerhouse lineup that included Dance Gavin Dance, Black Veil Brides, Tech N9ne, and opener Jeris Johnson. The evening was an exhilarating fusion of genres, with each act delivering distinct energy and style that had fans screaming from start to finish.
Jeris Johnson kicked things off in style, blending rock, rap, and viral hits with his infectious energy. His set included tracks like "My Sword" and "When The Darkness Comes," each showing off his genre-blending chops. But it was his unexpected cover of Seal’s "Kiss From A Rose" that truly stood out, giving the crowd a hauntingly beautiful moment amidst the chaos. Johnson’s confidence and unique sound set the tone for the madness that followed.
Tech N9ne came in like a wrecking ball, spitting bars at lightning speed and commanding the stage with unmatched energy. From the very first moment, he had the crowd in the palm of his hand, opening with classics like "Riot Maker" and "Come Gangsta," both of which sent waves of nostalgia through longtime fans. The audience erupted, singing along to every word, feeding off his raw intensity. But it wasn't just about revisiting old favorites. Tech N9ne also dove into heavier, more introspective material, showing off his darker side and versatility as an artist. The party really kicked into high gear with his iconic anthem "Caribou Lou," which turned the entire venue into a sea of bouncing bodies and raised hands. The high-energy track got everyone hyped, but the heavier, more intense songs that followed added a surprising depth to the set. These tracks carried a chaotic, almost primal energy that perfectly matched the wild atmosphere of the night. Each beat, each verse, built upon the last, creating an unforgettable experience that left the crowd wanting more.
Black Veil Brides brought their signature gothic drama to the stage, blending hard-hitting metalcore riffs with soaring, anthemic choruses. Opening with fan favorites like "Knives & Pens" and "Bleeders," they struck the perfect balance between aggression and melody, captivating the crowd from the start. The performance was both theatrical and intense, with Andy Biersack’s commanding vocals and magnetic stage presence driving the energy. Songs like "In The End" felt larger than life, uniting the crowd with their powerful message of resilience and defiance. The band's tight musicianship and stage production created a visually stunning atmosphere that matched the intensity of the music. By the end of the night, fans were left with an overwhelming sense of unity and the feeling they had experienced something truly unforgettable.
Dance Gavin Dance took the stage and unleashed their unique brand of post-hardcore. With their technical guitar work, genre-bending sound, and Andrew Wells’ clean vocals soaring over Jon Mess' guttural screams, their performance was nothing short of electrifying. They hit hard with crowd favorites like “We Own the Night” and “Synergy,” keeping the energy high. Their set was tight, and the interplay between complex riffs and breakdowns made for some of the night’s most intense moments. DGD’s ability to jump between melody and aggression gave the crowd an adrenaline rush that primed them perfectly for the main event.
Falling in Reverse took over with full force, and Ronnie Radke commanded the stage from the first note. The setlist was packed with bangers like "ZOMBIFIED" and "Watch the World Burn," showing off their mastery of blending metalcore, rap, and electronic elements. Radke’s swagger and unapologetic attitude were on full display when he declared, “I can do any fuckin genre I want and it'll be the best fuckin thing ever!” The crowd was right there with him.
After performing "All My Life," Radke had a lighthearted moment, teasing a fan with his cowboy hat. He jokingly asked if they wanted it, only to pull it back and say, “No, it's a Stetson. You probably don't even know what that is.” The crowd laughed, but the mood shifted quickly as Radke dove into more emotional depths playing hits “Popular Monster” and “Voices In My Head.” Before launching into the heavy-hitting "Voices In My Head," he addressed the crowd: "It’s time to let go of that depression, that post-traumatic stress, that anxiety!" The song’s raw lyrics, dealing with internal battles and self-perception, hit harder in a live setting, adding a weighty emotional punch to the night.
For the encore, Radke had one last bomb to drop. “Guys, it's been a long ride and I’m fuckin so sick of these people talkin shit! I’m gonna let it out right fuckin now!” That’s when Tech N9ne returned to the stage, and the duo ripped through “Ronald,” closing the show with pure, unfiltered rage.
From Jeris Johnson’s genre-bending set to Falling in Reverse’s jaw-dropping finale, the "Popular MonsTOUR II" was a relentless ride. Each band brought their own flavor, creating an unforgettable night for fans of every stripe.
