Concert Review: Twenty One Pilots electrify in their first of two sold-out Vancouver shows

Dec 20 2017, 5:15 am

Hundreds of teenagers descended upon the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on Sunday evening to ogle over one of today’s hottest young duo, Twenty One Pilots.

The Ohio natives returned to Vancouver for two back to back sold-out shows, only a few short months after a sold-out gig at The Vogue Theatre. With one sold-out concert after the other, it’s clear the boys of TWENTY ØNE PILØTS (as it’s sometimes stylized) have a grasp on their fanbase.

Image: Rob Feller/Vancity Buzz

Rob Feller

With their 2015 release Blurryface, the Pilots topped charts globally, but also confused many critics. Like many new age musicians, Twenty One Pilots are undefinable under one single genre. Mixing drums, synths, keyboards, ukulele, melodic vocals, and rap, there really isn’t a genre that fully describes what the Pilots are all about. Genres aside, it is definitely “popular music” – as shown by the co-pilots dedication to each and every single song.

Surprisingly, their chart topper “Stressed Out” was the second song performed out of the sixteen track setlist. But it didn’t matter anyway, the fans knew every single word to every song. They knew every pause, and every beat to clap along with. A few tracks through, during “House of Gold” Joseph brought out his ukulele, sunglasses, and a Hawaiian shirt. It was one of a few wardrobe changes by Joseph, while Dun – the talented drummer – simply took his shirt off. I found myself studying his drumming a lot more closely from that point on. Good thing Joseph performed the cover of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” solo on his uke, otherwise I may have missed it.

Image: Rob Feller/Vancity Buzz

Rob Feller

Between the duo, the energy was electric throughout the evening. From impressive backflips, to crowd walking, and drumming on top of the crowd (actually), Twenty One Pilots may look like a boyband/pop duo, but their theatrics prove otherwise. And a sense of humour doesn’t hurt, as Joseph dedicated “Tear in my heart” to his good friend, Tim Hortons. The action-packed show also included a Houdini move by Joseph, who suddenly appeared on the upper balcony during “Car Radio,’ leading up to their encore.

Rob Feller/Vancity Buzz

Rob Feller

Finishing up with “Goner” and “Trees,” the boys returned to the crowd, drumming over a lucky few, as smoke cannons and confetti filled the air. Loud cheers and screams of approval soon followed, as the band took a bow before exiting the stage.

Rob Feller/Vancity Buzz

Rob Feller

Image: Rob Feller/Vancity Buzz

Rob Feller

Image: Rob Feller/Vancity Buzz

Rob Feller

Rob Feller

Rob Feller

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