Avenged Sevenfold with special guests Falling in Reverse brought their explosive live show to the masses to the City of Angels on June 9th, 2023, delivering a night of high-octane rock that left the crowd speechless when the dust finally settled. Fans from all over the world, along with A7X friends and family, celebrated the triumphant return of one of the world’s most influential metal bands of our time and their first ever live performance at the Kia Forum in Inglewood. It was a show for the ages, kicking off their 2023 Life Is but a Dream Tour.
It’s been far to long since Avenged Sevenfold graced the stage here in Los Angeles, and lots have changed in the music business since that time including how we listen to music, where we buy it, and an ever increasing belief in music where “one size fits all.” Fortunately for us, A7X still holds true to a lifetime of unconventional approaches to the business and a constantly evolving sound that continues to push the envelope of musical boundaries. Their Friday night homecoming would highlight this premise in spades and the importance of this band in the industry today. Let’s dig in.
Falling in Reverse opened the show with a bombastic set that was full of energy and intensity. Their signature combination of punk, metal, and pop elements energized the crowd from the moment they took the stage. Lead vocalist Ronnie Radke’s charismatic stage presence was on full display as he engaged the audience with his unique vocals and commanding stage presence. The band played several fan favorites, including “Losing My Mind,” “The Drug in Me is You,” and “Popular Monster” which had the crowd singing along at the top of their lungs. My only concern with their abbreviated set: I wanted more!
After a short break, Avenged Sevenfold finally took the stage, kicking off their set with “Game Over” from their latest release, Life Is but a Dream. The crowd went wild as the band launched into their unmistakable blend of heavy riffs, blistering solos, and soaring vocals. The 16-song setlist was a perfect mix of classic hits and new material, keeping the audience engaged and energized throughout the show. “Bat Country,” “Nightmare,” and “Hail to the King” were crowd favorites, with fans singing every word.
One of the highlights of the show was when the band performed “So Far Away,” a tribute and memorial to their late drummer and founding member of A7X, Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan. Introducing the song, M. Shadows shared with Deathbats from around the world that he met with Jimmy’s parents before the show. Tears were flowing as they launched into one my all-time favorite A7X tracks. As the song built to its epic climax, the crowd erupted in applause and cheers, with many holding up lighters and cell phones to create an unforgettable scene.
Ramping up to the encore, another one of my favorites, “A Little Piece of Heaven,” was also played. The song has always demonstrated the incredible range of Avenged Sevenfold and their ability to sonically venture into new places that keep their music fresh, energized, and captivating. Creatively it reminds me a lot of Danny Elfman and Oingo Boingo and takes things to a whole new level. The show wrapped up with an encore consisting of the final three songs from Life Is but a Dream, “G,” “(O)rdinary,” and “(D)eath,” While not your typical A7X encore songs, this actually worked—and in spades.
One noticeable call out, the unique and vital chemistry between the band members was evident throughout the 2 hour show, with each musician performing flawlessly and feeding off each other’s energy. Guitarist Synyster Gates delivered his signature shredding solos, while vocalist M. Shadows brought his trademark power and range to every song. The dynamic stage presence of bassist Johnny Christ and guitarist Zack Vengeance was particularly impressive, as they kept the energy level high and engaged with the audience. Drummer Brooks Wackerman kept the rhythm alive throughout the entire set and demonstrated via breathtaking skill his evolution and contributions to the band.
Friday’s performance was a testament to Avenged Sevenfold’ s dedication to their craft and of course their fans. Their musicianship and showmanship were unparalleled, and the sound quality at the Kia Forum was exceptional, with every note and lyric crystal clear, enhancing the overall experience. On top of this, A7X really brought the concepts of Life Is but a Dream to Life (well, to life) with a minimalistic stage setup, insane lighting, and otherworldly art by the legendary Wes Lang.
From top to bottom, this Avenged Sevenfold and Falling in Reverse show in the City of Angels was a night to remember for all who attended. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to their music, their live performances are not to be missed. This is definitely a must-see show and one you should circle on your calendar today. Hail to the King!
FALLING IN REVERSE
