May 28, 2026 – Palladium Times Square, New York City
On a night when New York City was overflowing with black clothing, white face paint, studded accessories, and enough youthful energy to shake the foundations of NYC’s Palladium Times Square, Black Veil Brides delivered a performance that reminded everyone why they remain one of the most dedicated fan-driven bands in modern hard rock. Supported by From Ashes to New, UK rockers As December Falls, and social media-fueled provocateurs TX2, the evening became a celebration of heavy music, community, and the deep connection these bands have built with their audiences.
The venue was packed from wall to wall with mostly high school and college-aged fans, though plenty of attendees in their 30s and 40s mixed into the crowd. Many younger fans attended alongside parents, creating a unique multi-generational atmosphere. Despite the age differences, everyone shared the same mission: sing every lyric and leave with no energy remaining.
For photographers, it was one of those nights where survival became part of the assignment. Eight photographers occupied the cramped photo pit alongside five security guards, and the constant stream of crowd surfers pouring over the barricade kept everyone on high alert. Security frequently pushed photographers out of harm’s way as bodies flew overhead. It was crowded, chaotic, and exactly the kind of environment that told you this crowd was fully invested from the opening note.
Opening the night was As December Falls, the Nottingham, England-based quartet led by vocalist Bethany Hunter.
Since forming in 2014, the independent band has built an international following through relentless touring, crowd-funded releases, and an energetic blend of pop-punk, alternative rock, and modern hard rock. Hunter’s powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence immediately won over the audience, setting an energetic tone for the evening and proving why the band continues to gain traction well beyond their UK roots.
Next came TX2, the rapidly rising project fronted by Evan Thomas. Built around themes of mental health awareness, social alienation, and youth empowerment, TX2 has developed a substantial following through a combination of aggressive music, social media engagement, and a message that resonates strongly with younger audiences.
Their set featured “Feed,” “Vendetta,” “Hostage,” “So Numb,” “Confession,” “MAD,” and “I Would Hate To.” One of the night’s highlights came when Thomas performed “Confession,” a song that would not officially be released until the following day. At another point in the set, he climbed over the photo pit and directly into the crowd, sending fans into a frenzy while proving that barriers between performer and audience were merely suggestions.
That night’ continued with Pennsylvania’s From Ashes to New. Formed in Lancaster in 2013, From Ashes to New has become one of modern rock’s most successful hybrid acts, combining crushing guitars, hip-hop influences, electronic elements, soaring melodies, and aggressive screams. The current lineup features vocalist Danny Case, rapper and vocalist Matt Brandyberry, guitarist Lance Dowdle, bassist Jimmy Bennett, and drummer Mat Madiro. Their rise has been fueled by a string of successful albums and an ability to speak directly to younger audiences dealing with anxiety, depression, and social struggles.
The band exploded onto the stage with “New Disease” and never let up. “Nightmare,” “Heartache,” “Drag Me,” “Villain,” and “Die For You” showcased the group’s trademark balance of clean melodies and punishing heaviness. The crowd responded by singing virtually every word back to the band.
One of the evening’s standout moments came during “Barely Breathing” when Bethany Hunter joined the band onstage, adding her vocals to the performance and earning one of the loudest reactions of the night.
Between songs, Case spoke candidly about bullying and its long-lasting effects, drawing from his experiences growing up near Philadelphia. His message clearly resonated with the audience, many of whom likely connected with the themes that have become central to the band’s music.
Vertical light poles positioned around the stage worked in tandem with the overhead lighting system to create dramatic visual effects that elevated every song. Combined with the band’s crushing guitars, dual vocal attack, and relentless energy, the performance felt larger than the venue itself.
The set closed with “Panic,” and before launching into the song, the band encouraged fans to open up a massive circle pit. As the crowd spun wildly while Case screamed “I’m losing my fucking mind,” the floor became a sea of motion, bringing their performance to a chaotic and fitting conclusion.
By the time Black Veil Brides hit the stage, the energy inside Palladium Times Square had reached a fever pitch.
Formed in Ohio in 2006 by vocalist Andy Biersack, Black Veil Brides built their career from the ground up through relentless touring, DIY promotion, and a fiercely loyal fanbase. The current lineup features Biersack on vocals, guitarists Jake Pitts and Jinxx, bassist Lonny Eagleton, and drummer Christian “CC” Coma. Over the years, the band has evolved from their glam-metal-meets-metalcore beginnings into a polished arena-ready hard rock force while maintaining the outsider identity that originally connected them with fans.
Their stage setup was remarkably simple yet effective. Symmetrical stacks of amplifiers framed both sides of the drum kit, while the iconic Black Veil Brides logo hung high above the stage and appeared again on the amplifier cabinets and bass drum heads. Dressed almost uniformly in black sleeveless shirts, the band relied on performance rather than production gimmicks to carry the show.
From the opening notes of “Knives and Pens,” the crowd erupted. “Bleeders,” “Coffin,” “Rebel Love Song,” and “Hallelujah” kept the momentum building, while deeper cuts such as “Faithless,” “Wake Up,” “Vindicate,” “Certainty,” and “Beautiful Remains” showcased the band’s extensive catalog.
One of the most memorable interactions came when Biersack spotted a fan wearing what he described as a “vintage” Black Veil Brides shirt. He explained that it was one of the original hand-screened shirts he personally printed in his apartment before the band’s first tour. It became a heartfelt reminder that Black Veil Brides was built through hard work, persistence, and direct connection with fans rather than industry shortcuts.
The band’s constant use of the front riser allowed them to remain close to the audience throughout the night. Whether Pitts and Jinxx were trading riffs, Eagleton was engaging the front rows, or Biersack was directing the crowd, the performance never felt distant.
Late in the set, fans received an unexpected surprise during “Sweet Blasphemy” when Biersack’s wife, vocalist Lilith Czar, joined the band onstage. Her appearance added another memorable moment to an already special evening.
As the main set closed with “Perfect Weapon,” it was obvious the audience wasn’t ready to leave. The encore delivered exactly what fans wanted, beginning with the emotional “Lost It All” before launching into fan favorites “Fallen Angels” and the inevitable finale, “In the End.”
By the final chorus, virtually every voice in the building joined together, creating one of those rare concert moments where the crowd becomes as important as the band itself.
For a few hours, Palladium Times Square belonged entirely to Black Veil Brides and their fans. Four bands, thousands of voices, endless crowd surfers, and enough energy to power Manhattan. It was loud, chaotic, emotional, and exactly what modern rock should be.
