Twenty One Pilots are undeniably huge. For a band that’s had little support from mainstream networks, it’s impressive they sold out both an afternoon U-18 and evening 18+ show at the Corner Hotel. The screams that welcomed the duo’s arrival were thunderous. Arriving onto a pitch black stage, lead singer Tyler Joseph beamed in a glow-in-the-dark ghost mask and glowing red microphone. On drums, Josh Dun launched into Heavydirtysoul, from latest album Blurryface.
Stage presence may well seem like a challenge for a two person act, but with Dun’s drum-kit and Joseph’s grand piano taking up half the stage, it made the entire event feel more intimate than even the Corner usually allows. The crowd response was astonishing, with every audience member matching Joseph’s ferocious rap delivery (Ride provided the most impressive challenge).
Joseph also absolutely nailed the high notes in The Judge – an element that’s absolutely crucial to the band’s appeal. And amid Dun’s complex playing (Guns For Hands packs multiple time changes) and the duo’s frequent outfit and instrument changes, there were no omissions. Rather than letting backing tracks take care of certain parts, Joseph swapped between ukulele, piano, keyboard and bass guitar. Before climbing onto the crowd to sing fan favourite Holding Onto You, over screams of adulation, Joseph asked if it was anyone’s birthday. A few hands shot up, to which the singer cheekily responded, “I actually don’t care… I love doing that.”
If they weren’t already lapping it up, Joseph’s refreshingly honest stage banter kicked the audience’s emotions into overdrive. When the band closed with Trees, both members proceeded to stand on body-boards and drum simultaneously on top of the crowd.
BY JONTY SIMMONS
Loved: The band performing on the crowd. Always a winning move.
Hated: A particular group of girls singing at each other the entire night, filming with their phones, and dedicating approximately 10% of their time actually watching the band.
Drank: Red Bull.
