Pierce the Veil and The Used Electrify the Stage: A Review of the Creative Chaos Tour in Reno, Nevada"

Pierce the Veil in Reno, Nevada June 29 2023 — Pierce the Veil's lead guitarist Tony Perry at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV on June 29 2023.

The Creative Control Tour made a thunderous impact on the Grand Sierra Casino in Reno, Nevada on June 29. This double headliner event featured the highly acclaimed bands Pierce the Veil and The Used, both known for their captivating performances and devoted fanbases. With an exceptional lineup including openers Don Broco and girlfriends, the night promised a blend of pop-punk, post-hardcore, and alternative rock that left the audience with a “Taste of Ink”.

Kicking off the evening was girlfriends, a talented pop-punk duo hailing from Laguna Beach, CA. Comprised of Nick Gross and T. Mills (Travis Mills), girlfriends delivered an energetic set featuring their catchy tunes “Eyes Wide Shut,” “California,” “Jessica,” and the crowd-pleasing newest release, “Tattoo.” Their dynamic stage presence set the perfect tone for the night.

Next up was the UK-based post-hardcore band Don Broco, who took the stage with a surge of energy. They delighted the audience with fan favorites such as “Come Out to LA,” “Pretty,” and “T-Shirt Song.” Don Broco’s high-octane performance set the bar even higher for the headliners to follow.

As part of the co-headline tour, Pierce the Veil took the stage amidst a confetti explosion, instantly captivating the audience. They opened with their electrifying new hit song, “Death of an Executioner,” off their 5th album The Jaws of Life (released earlier this year), setting the tone for an emotionally charged and energetic set. Throughout their performance, lead vocalist/guitarist Vic Fuentes engaged with the sold-out crowd, making frequent check-ins and creating an intimate atmosphere.

During the performance of “Bulls in the Bronx,” Pierce the Veil surprised the audience by bringing out a featured dancer to perform a traditional Mexican step alongside the exhilarating guitar solo. This unexpected moment left the crowd in awe, showcasing the band’s commitment to creating memorable experiences for their fans.

Vic Fuentes took a few pauses during the set, including a special moment where he invited a lucky fan to the stage for a serenade during their hit song “Hold On Till May.” As a gesture of appreciation, Fuentes gifted her his guitar, creating a heartfelt connection with the audience.

Lead guitarist Tony Perry and bassist Jaime Preciado displayed their showmanship throughout the performance. Jaime treated the crowd to impressive bass throws, while Tony’s energizer bunny-like jumps added another level of intensity. Drummer Lionel Robinson‘s flawless execution held the band’s sound together, delivering a powerful and tight performance. They concluded their set with the TikTok viral hit “King For A Day,” leaving the audience on a high note.

The Used, led by the enigmatic Bert McCracken, delivered an unforgettable finale. Their powerful renditions of beloved classics like “I Caught Fire” and “Taste of Ink” stirred up nostalgia, while the inclusion of newer tracks like “People are Vomit” showcased their evolving sound and continued relevance.

The Creative Chaos Tour showcased the power and diversity of the post-hardcore genre, leaving a lasting impact on the concertgoers. The seamless switch-off order between Pierce the Veil and The Used ensured an engaging and dynamic experience for the audience at each date. The tour’s success was evident as it played 27 sold-out shows across North America, solidifying the bands’ popularity and connecting them with their dedicated fanbases. Follow Pierce the Veil as they take on Australia and the UK this late summer through fall 2023. The Used will treat North America to another run of dates this fall supporting their newest album Toxic Positivity.

Post and photos by Franny Kovacs

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