Columbus, OH based duo Twenty One Pilots bought their highly entertaining and theatrical show to Los Angeles’ Staples Center last Friday. “The Bandito Tour” is in support of their fifth studio album Trench, which was released last fall and has been recognized for its musical diversity and thoughtful lyrical content.
The band consisting of drummer Josh Dun and frontman Tyler Joseph had a humble and grassroots start to their career back in Ohio. They’ve managed to quickly climb the pop and rock charts over the past few years, with critical acclaim and support from die-hard fans all over the world.
The sold-out Staples Center was buzzing with excitement from the crowd that had lined up hours before the start of the show. Many of the young devoted fans known as the “skeleton clique” were decked out in Bandito-theamed camouflage outfits highlighted with strips of yellow and the band’s signature red and black beanies and bandanas.
As the curtain rose, shrieks of elation and anticipation filled the 21,000 seat arena. Joseph and Dun appeared on stage standing side by side on a giant car, illuminated by a single torch. Opening song, “Jumpsuit” set the pace for a whirlwind of explosive energy. Confetti rained down over the crowd and lights beamed through the room like giant light sabers. Joseph energeticaly ran back and forth across the stage and effortlessly leaped off of his piano. Dun’s drumming was highlighted as his riser elevated off the ground.
Somewhere around the middle of the set, Joseph asked the fans in the pit to step to the sides, forming a long walkway. He jumped off of the stage and walked down the isle to another piano in front of the soundboard. Asking everyone to take their seats, he proceeded to slow down the pace with a solo piano song, which he announced was written for his wife. He added that, “Sometimes the only sad part of touring is the moment you come on stage is the first time all day that you get to play your instrument.” Dun joined him after this, and they went on to play several more songs including “Tear in My Heart,” enveloped by a chandelier of lights.
The frontman went on to tell an endearing story from their early years when a couple hired them to play at their house. They cleared out their bedroom and paid them seventy dollars. “We brought this piano everywhere….into venues, literally everywhere. Everyone thought we were crazy” he said with a chuckle. “I miss that, man.”
Twenty One Pilots continued to tear through their chart-topping set list of songs with “Holding Onto You” and “Pet Cheetah.” While the past few years have bought them fame and success—it’s clear they remain humble and grateful for their journey.
MISTER WIVES
