By Erin Lee
Twenty one pilots showed up for two action-packed nights at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
South Florida Concert News flew to the city to cover the shows. At 8:43 p.m. on both nights, a voice over the loudspeaker asks: "What's your ETA? TWO MINUTES!" A nod to "Midwest Indigo" from the band's newest album, Clancy.
Taking the stage promptly at 8:45, ("Chill out, man: we're right on time") the band burst into "Overcompensate" filled with energy.
Next was "Holding Onto You," a fan favorite from early career album Vessel.
Drummer Josh Dun ceremoniously stepped from behind the kit, doing a little spin around before climbing on singer Tyler Joseph's piano and executing a flawless backflip.
This relentless pace continued throughout the band's 28-song set on both evenings.
Speeding across the stage addressing every section of the crowd, showing up in the balcony, crossing into the pit to perform on a B Stage (TWICE!)...there was so much frenetic energy I found myself remarking to my friend that I don't know how they do it night after night.
When we reached the portion of the show where the band played 2021's "Mulberry Street" from Scaled and Icy, Tyler asked the audience to pull out their phones and shine flashlights left to right for each part of the chorus. The arena lit up in rhythm, and it was so cool!
When the song ended, Josh Dun showed up in full Torchbearer gear, leading Tyler Joseph across the crowd and back to the stage and unveiling large scale Towers of Silence representing DEMA.
For those unfamiliar with twenty one pilots lore: the band put a lot of thought into structuring this tour's setlist in a way that tells a story.
Tyler's character, whom we eventually come to learn is Clancy, is escaping the dystopia known as DEMA. Torchbearer lights the way as they gather with like minded individuals (Banditos) who come together in opposition of the 9 bishops headed by a character known as Nico.
Symbolically it's a fight against mental health challenges. Finding your place in the world. Staying alive.
The setlist spanned the band's entire catalog, thoughtfully constructed.
Tyler took center stage, ukulele in hand.
He began a bare and hauntingly beautiful introduction to "Oldies Station" before Josh joined him on drums.
Tyler donned oversized sunglasses for a lighthearted stroll across the stage during "Lavish," which ended with Josh stripping off his Boston jersey and tossing it into the eager crowd below.
We were treated to the band's 2015 hit "Ride" featuring a cute kiddo pulled from the audience, and then the stage reset once again.
Dun stepped from behind the kit to center stage to play a midi keyboard as Joseph sat in front of him.
The opening notes of "Paladin Strait" filled the space as the audience fell silent.
Tyler and Josh sang the song in a call and response style before Josh broke away to sing "Bandito" as Tyler continued "Paladin Strait."
It was a highlight among a series of highlights in an evening surrounded by like- minded clikkies who love to celebrate the band's success. Tyler expressed his gratitude for everyone showing up over the course of their career, then instructed people in the pit to open up around a red circle on the floor.
Gear was loaded into the space and the crowd closed in around the bandmates.
They wrapped the show with their traditional closer "Trees."
Jumping up and down and shouting every lyric of "Trees" is the perfect way to feel connected to every person in the space: A special moment filled with joy.
To experience the music of twenty one pilots live is an emotional roller coaster in the best way possible. These performances and accompanying production were such a treat for fans.
All images by Erin Lee:
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