Twenty One Pilots at the O2 Arena
Twenty One Pilots have a longstanding history with London, having performed their first show to a few hundred people in 2013. 12 years later, the proof of their impact is unmistakable: imagery from the band’s discography adorns fans’ faces and clothing as they bring their Clancy World Tour to the much larger O2 Arena.
The show opens in spectacular fashion with Overcompensate as drummer Josh Dunn gets things going, before frontman Tyler Joseph launches himself off a piano amid perfectly timed pyro. It’s a perfect introduction for the night to come: full of extravagance and sprinkled with surprises. Donning a balaclava, he transforms into character, rarely letting the charade slip throughout the evening.
Across a two hour set, Joseph and Dunn deliver tracks from across the band’s seven albums, each greeted with deafening cheers and passionate singalongs. For a band like Twenty One Pilots, there’s no such thing as “the hits”. To this crowd, every song is just as valuable as the last. From the frantic energy of heavydirtysoul to the delightfully charming The Line, the setlist showcases the band’s diverse sound and emotional range.
With the addition of two b-stages and various opportunities to get up close to their adoring fans, the duo move through the venue with disarming ease. Their ability to create intimacy in a 20,000-capacity arena is nothing short of remarkable. Not even one song in, and Joseph is already standing in the crowd on a small wooden platform held aloft by fans. It’s an act of commandery that only intensifies as the night progresses – the mutual respect between band and audience palpable.
In a time where artists are focused on pushing boundaries, Twenty One Pilots show themselves to be in a league of their own. An early highlight involves sprinkling a little magic onto fan favourite Car Radio as Joseph vanishes through a trapdoor mid-song, only to reappear almost instantly in the upper stands of the venue. The theatrics of the show never feel forced – each moment is meticulously crafted, every transition carefully executed. This is a band not just performing but building an entire world. Dramatic lighting, elaborate set pieces and outfit changes that nod to various eras of their discography deepen the sense of escapism.
Twenty One Pilots have made a name for themselves for their vivid visuals and faultless musicianship, something that sets their live show apart from their peers. For some, this is just another Tuesday night. For those who understand, it is so much more. As the final pieces of confetti fall to the floor of the O2 Arena, the Ohio natives cement themselves as one of the most innovative live acts of this generation.
Katherine Parry
Photos: Virginie Viche
For further information and future events visit Twenty One Pilots’ website here.
Watch the video for the single here:
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