Black Veil Brides
Jan. 19 2018 - Milwaukee, WI
Jan. 20 2018 - Chicago, IL

Being as I am a huge Black Veil Brides fan these dates were circled as soon as they were released. Having seen the band nearly a 100 times and no it’s not a joke. I have actually seen them nearly a 100 times. My excitement was too much to contain. They just get bigger and better each time I see them. From tiny 200 people clubs to now 4,000 seaters its been a fun journey to watch. Filling up half of the Eagles ballroom is an impressive feat. With the stage sitting in the middle of the ballroom and walling off the back half it gave great views for everyone to watch even at the back of the bar. The stage was large and had tons of room to move. The stage set up had a long foot wide running metal walkway right at the front of the stage. Dead center at the back was their drummer CC’s kit up on a pedestal. The entire back wall of the stage was a massive running LCD board. During the performance the board flashed logos, fire and personal images all correlating to the song in the moment. The accuracy of it was rather spectacular. This set up didn’t change between the two venues. I will say the Milwaukee crowd was much larger and much more lively than those attending the Chicago date. The Rave/Eagles ballroom in Milwaukee is one of the best venues in the country. Rather impeccable when compared to other legendary spots. The Chicago venue, The Riviera, seemed like a popular venue with good reviews. Stepping into the building I was rather taken aback by how beat to shit it was. Every time the bass drum hit you would see dust fall from the ceiling and paint chipping off of its already beat up walls. Pretty gross. Despite that it was something not in the bands control and the show went on. 
Playing identical sets at both venues, Black Veil Brides, appeared on stage with the “Faithless” intro of church bells clanging through out the venues. Drummer CC perched on top of his drum kit with both hands in the air jumps down and starts slamming in his snare and floor tom. Bassist Ashley Purdy on the mic enticing the crowd to fist pump with the guitar leads of Jake Pitts and Jinxx. With Frontman Andy Biersack standing front and center pumping his fist emphatically in the air while stomping his foot on the metal walkway, he then stopped and gave the crowd a smile before he unleashed a ferocious screamed into his microphone. With that you knew we were off onto a high energy fast paced show. 
Keeping with the theme of fast paced action it led right into “Coffin” which was released only on Itunes. With its popularity growth through a strong Youtube following it was the perfect fit for this set. Heavy riffs and harmonies are BVBs bread and butter. The catchy chorus had the crowd singing note for note. With Jake and Jinxx riffing faster and harder each moment it was pretty difficult to keep up at times. Slowing down a little with their new song “Wake Up” which was of of their freshly released album “Vale” the band seemingly put their stamp on their political leaning with a song that implies all politicians suck. Not that I disagree. From there they ripped into “I Am Bulletproof” which kicked up a small mosh pit in each venues. By this point you have to wonder if Jake Pitts fingers were blistered or on fire. Lick for lick and string by string he nailed every solo he had with precision and accuracy. Then came “Rebel Love Song”. If there were an anthem to young love and adventure I’d sure like to hear it. The sea of people must’ve agreed because you would see couples embrace and sing the tune at the top of their lungs. The next three songs “When They Call My Name”, “Shadows Die” and “Lost It All” continued the theme of life, love and loss that we all experience. With extremely strong vocals from Andy Biersack and Ashley Purdy, the emphasis on those subject hit with such vigor and defiance it was difficult to not have a heart string pulled a little. Maybe it was just me and my maturity as a human. Regardless, I walked away overly impressed with that sequence of songs.
Kicking the energy up in the room again with “The Legacy” and with the heavy lead intro bodies started to get pushed around room and the crowd surfing began right away. Accompanying the raucous guitars, Biersack unleashes an unruly and authoritative growling scream. Easily capturing the already attentive crowd. Purdys solid backing vocals and flirtatious stage antics just tease the crowd making their playing of “Wretched and Divine” all the more pleasing. With “Knives and Pens” following up it the venue exploded with joy throughout . Their oldest “hit” resonated within their long time fans. The growls, screams and guitar licks the band then went into a short break before an impactful 3 song encore.
Once again CC heads back out to the drum kit and entices the crowd to get rowdy. He then starts to snap on his kit. Then rest of the band proceeds to hit the stage and perform “Perfect Weapon” to a very active and loud audience singing with every word. From where I was sitting you could here it loud and clear. It didn’t stop until the final note was played. “Fallen Angels” was written for the arena rock experience and you cannot change my mind about that. The harmonies and choruses are sung to perfection. The band perched along the front walkway on the stage just playing with the crowd and the mischievous atmosphere surrounding the stage. All in preparation of the finale “In The End”. Perhaps their most popular song. The song projected the exact feeling of the moment. A cheerful bliss. Celebrating the Present. All being capped off with a full band bow hand in hand in its conclusion. 
For how long I have been following Black Veil Brides there is no doubt they are simply at their best currently. No miss queues or lighting issues. All engines are a go. Easily stated that you would be absolutely stupid to miss out on them when they come around your location again. The Resurrection Tour Part 2 hits the road again April 26th 2018