Twenty One Pilots have been climbing the Billboard music charts since the release of their album Blurryface, which features popular songs including the #2 hit “Stressed Out” and “Ride,” which reached #6 on the Hot 100 this summer. Their results on the Hot Rock Chart are even more impressive. With the recent release of “Heathens,” their single from Suicide Squad: The Album, the alternative-rock duo earned the title “Most Weeks at #1 on the Hot Rock Chart” at 33 weeks, beating out Foo Fighters, the reigning champs at 30 weeks.
We were fortunate to see them at Hangout Fest in 2013 and happily drove two short hours to see the two-man band live at the Wharf in Orange Beach where they put on a magical performance. Literally. At one point, lead singer Tyler Joseph embraced his inner Houdini, disappearing from the stage and reappearing atop a concession booth.
The high-energy show kicked off with Tyler and Josh Dunn taking the stage in their signature red jackets and ski masks. With an electrifying light show and boundless series of stunts—ranging from walking over the audience in a hamster ball to death defying flips and leaps—the twosome kept the audience enthralled. Weaving through a wide range of songs including “Tear in My Heart,” “Lane Boy,” “Polarize”, “Trees” and “Heathens,” the talented duo proved their spot atop the charts is well deserved.
By the end of show, which was cut short by a looming lightning storm, Josh proved he is a force on the drums while Tyler captured the audience with his one-of-kind-style of rap while playing keyboards, ukulele and guitar at various points throughout the show.
Midway through the 60-plus minute set, they headed to a platform in front of the sound booth and performed some of their earlier releases in a more intimate setting within the crowd, further demonstrating their artistry and desire to connect with the audience.
Honest, real, passionate, heartfelt and energetic are but a few of the adjectives that come to mind when thinking of the raw emotion and unbridled talent they poured out on this tour, appropriately named the Emotional Road Show. But you should be the “Judge.” They’ve already announced some U.S. tour dates for 2017, including stops in New Orleans and Birmingham.