Under the vibrant lights of the Kia Forum, a musical spectacle hailed as the Popular MonsTOUR II unfolded in front of 6,000+ fans and was nothing short of an electrifying. Featuring Ronnie Radke and his band Falling In Reverse, the evening provided an explosive energy that engulfed Inglewood, setting the tone for an unforgettable night of rock and hip-hop. (Yes, you heard that correctly.) A convergence of diverse musical talents, each act brought its own unique flavor, creating a dynamic fusion that hit home for the raucous crowd looking to burn off some energy on a cool Thursday night in the City of Angels.
Opening the night, Jeris Johnson injected a surge of raw energy with his signature blend of rock and modern pop sensibilities. Donning what looked to be some type of crazy animal pelt, his set was a quick but entertaining featuring tracks such as “Welcome to Valhalla,” “My Sword,” and cover of Seal’s “Kiss From a Rose.” Jeris’s charismatic stage presence was a masterclass in engaging an ever-growing crowd, leaving a lasting mark on all who witnessed this killer performance.
Next up, Tech N9ne took the stage (with a full band) and unleashed once again a torrent of lyrical prowess. His “chopper-style” delivery and unmatched flow dazzled Technicians crowding the barrier with hits such as “Einstein,” “Caribou Lou,” and “E.B.A.H.” Tech N9ne’s command over the stage was immediately evident, as he effortlessly melded intense beats with emotionally charged verses, creating an electrifying atmosphere that was simply second to none. Tech’s set, although abridged, was my favorite of the evening and highlighted his true artistry in spades.
Dance Gavin Dance followed, weaving a tapestry of intricate melodies and powerhouse vocals that captivated the Forum. With tracks like “Synergy,” “Carve,” and “We Own the Night,” they showcased their signature post-hardcore flair, blending soaring choruses with infectious hooks. The interplay between Andrew Wells and Jon Mess was a sight to be seen with their dynamic vocal exchanges nothing short of mesmerizing. Their 8-song set left the audience dripping in sweat and screaming for more as they took their final curtain-call of the evening.
As the night progressed, Black Veil Brides stormed the stage with their gothic glam rock aesthetic, captivating the audience with “Faithless,” “The Legacy,” and “In the End.” I also liked the spin BVB put on Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell.” Definitely one of my favorite moments of the evening. The band’s tight-knit musicianship was on full display, with frontman Andy Biersack delivering, per usual, thunderous vocals and incredible range that reverberated through the arena, adding to the power of their incredible set.
Closing the night, Falling in Reverse delivered a powerhouse performance that was as unpredictable as it was captivating. Frontman Ronnie Radke’s dynamic presence and vocal versatility shone through in tracks “Zombified,” and “Popular Monster,” where his ability to oscillate between rap and rock took center stage. The crowd was a sea of motion, mirroring his visceral energy—along with some ridiculous pyro—that was literally pouring off of the stage. My favorite from this 14-song set was “Ronald,” and it really wasn’t close. The show wrapped with “Watch The World Burn” and was the perfect way for Radke and company to end their amazing performance at Kia.
FALLING IN REVERSE
BLACK VEIL BRIDES
DANCE GAVIN DANCE
TECH N9NE
JERIS JOHNSON
