Twenty One Pilots and Balu Brigada Review with Photos 9-4-24

Clancy World Tour: An Unforgettable Night
with Balu Brigada and Twenty One Pilots

   As a long-time fan of Twenty One Pilots, having attended two of their previous tours, this event was more than just a concert—it was a journey into the heart of a community that has defined my youth and career. The anticipation for the Clancy World Tour was palpable, and I had the privilege of capturing the magic of the night for Rocking H-Town Live.

    Balu Brigada: The Perfect Opener:

    The night kicked off with Balu Brigada, a band that has been steadily climbing the ranks in the music world. Originally from Aukland, New Zealand, brothers Henry and Pierre Beasly have brought their genre-bending sound to the international stage after signing with Atlantic Records in 2022. Their music is a genre-bending blend of dreamy synths, catchy hooks, and introspective lyrics that resonate deeply with fans. Drawing inspiration from artists like Frank Ocean and Gorillaz, they took the audience on a journey through tracks like "Moon Man" and "Designer." Balu Brigada’s sound is a unique fusion that’s both familiar and refreshingly innovative.

    In the media pit, alongside some of the most talented creatives, I was captivated by Balu Brigada’s performance. Their set was the perfect opener for the Clancy World Tour, filled with a vibrant energy that set the stage for the night’s headliner. The brothers performed with an effortless coolness that only heightened the crowd’s anticipation for what was to come. The experience of documenting their performance from the pit was exhilarating—every beat, every lyric felt like a story unfolding before our eyes.

    Twenty One Pilots: A Theatrical Experience

    As a long-time fan of Twenty One Pilots and a devoted member of the CLIQUE, I knew I had to immerse myself in the fan lines early in the day, honoring my inspired line project. The energy outside the Toyota Center was electric as I connected with over 100 new friends, all of us united by our shared love for the band. Our group was even featured in The Judge fan intro three times, thanks to Mark from @reelbearmedia, the band’s creative media director since 2011. This was a moment of pure joy and community that set the tone for the entire evening.

    After Balu Brigada set the stage, the crowd eagerly awaited the headliners. As the venue filled, a giant red curtain descended from the top of the stage, transforming the Toyota Center into something akin to a Broadway theater. The anticipation built as the opening lines of "What's Your ETA?" echoed through the arena, and the crowd roared back with "Two MIinutes," a call-and-response that has become a staple of the band’s performances.

    Twenty One Pilots took the stage with their signature blend of theatricality and raw emotion. The setlist was a mix of fan favorites and deeper cuts, including "Holding On To You," "Car Radio," and "Tear In My Heart." The performance was more than just music; it was a narrative, a journey through the band’s world of DEMA, complete with stunning visuals and heartfelt moments.

    One of the most touching parts of the night was during "Ride," when Tyler Joseph pulled a young fan, Jonie, onto the B-Stage to sing the chorus with him. Watching this next generation of fans connect with the music in such a personal way was a reminder of how much this band means to its audience.

    As Josh Dun took on vocal duties for "Paladin Strait" and "Stressed Out," the crowd erupted. The chemistry between Tyler and Josh is electric, and it was on full display as they performed in the midst of their fans, making everyone feel like they were part of something bigger.

    A Night To Remember

    The night ended with the iconic "Trees," a song that has become a rallying cry for the CLIQUE. The crowd’s chant of "Hey! Hey!" filled the arena, and as confetti rained down, fans scrambled to collect pieces of the night to take home with them. The band’s final words—"We Are Twenty One Pilots, And So Are You"—left the crowd in an emotional whirlwind, a perfect end to a perfect night.

    As I left the venue, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much this band has shaped my life. From the new friendships formed in the fan line to the moments captured in the media pit, this night was a dream come true. Twenty One Pilots, has a unique way of making every fan feel seen, heard, and part of the story. For that, I am eternally grateful.

    From the fan lines to the final notes of "Trees," the Clancy World Tour in H-Town was an unforgettable experience. Balu Brigada was the perfect start to a night that reminded all of us—why we stay connected through the music that speaks to our hearts.

    Stay alive.

Twenty One Pilots’ Setlist:
Overcompensate
Holding On to You
Vignette
Car Radio
The Judge (Fan video intro, "Cut My Lip" snippet)
The Craving (Jenna's Version)
Tear in My Heart
Backslide
Shy Away
Heathens
Next Semester
Routines in the Night (Extended drums)
Addict With a Pen / Migraine / Forest / Fall Away (B-Stage)
Mulberry Street
Navigating (A-Stage, DEMA)
Nico and the Niners
Heavydirtysoul
My Blood
Oldies Station
Fake You Out
Guns for Hands
Lavish
Ride (With a young fan, Jodie, singing)
Paladin Strait (With "Bandito" snippet)
Encore:
Jumpsuit
Midwest Indigo
Stressed Out
Trees (Performed in crowd)

Lena Reyna is a freelance photojournalist
from the H-town area.