PIERCE THE VEIL PLAYS MANCHESTER ACADEMY
BY RIANNA RAM
Pierce The Veil is one of the bands that a large population of millennials and gen-z individuals will have listened to as they shaped their personalities growing up. Whether their songs were played with MySpace in the background, or on the newest mobile phone, this popular pop-punk band won the hearts of many.
After a 6-year hiatus, it was no surprise to see a queue snaking around Manchester Academy on a cold December night. Gig-goers were dressed from head to toe in band merchandise and converse, and it was no doubt that the eyeliner industry profited from Thursday’s concert.
Photo by Rianna Ram
Following the prompt opening of doors at 7pm, fans rushed to secure the best spots as close to the stage as they could. The room filled quickly in preparation for the support acts: Carolesdaughter and Against The Current, and they certainly did not disappoint. A sea of dyed red and blue hair moved in anticipation as everybody sang along to hits from Green Day and Paramore before the band were due to come on stage.
It was finally time for the lights to drop when the Mexican classic “El Rey” began playing through the speakers – celebrating the band’s heritage. The highlight of the night began with a blast of red confetti, revealing the four-piece band on stage as they played “May These Noises Startle You In Your Sleep Tonight.” This was followed by “Hell Above” and “Pass The Nirvana,” the first single released from the new album “The Jaws Of Life,”due to be released in 2023.
The San Diego members powered through their thirteen-song setlist, interacting with the audience, and making the night one to remember. Guitarists Tony Perry and Jaime Preciado even went to the effort of throwing guitar picks to lucky members of the audience.
Photo by Rianna Ram
Toward the end of the set, “Hold On Till May” was performed as tears filled many people’s eyes. One fan stood out to me the most, with a sign that read “Thank you for saving me,” proving that not only does the band make great music, they make important music.
Shortly after, the band left the stage for their encore moment, and lead vocalist Vic Fuentes returned solo for an acoustic rendition of “Stained Glass Eyes and Colourful Tears.” It was a beautiful moment as people were lifted onto shoulders, lighters were raised into the air and the crowd swayed with one another. The anticipation was quickly increasing as most fans knew which song was due to be played next.
The nostalgic first few notes of “King For a Day” blared through the Academy’s speakers and instantly everybody was transported back to their teenage years. The lyrics, most likely memorised from the countless plays on Kerrang! Radio, filled the venue. It was clear to see that each member of the band loves what they do, as they perform with such high energy and passion. It is no shock that they still have the popularity that they do.
After Pierce The Veil’s set came to a finish, the audience slowly made their way to the exits, with the small amount of hope that the show would never end.
ALL PHOTOS BY RIANNA RAM
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