Twenty One Pilots fly high in Baltimore!

A band comprised of two people, a drum set, a piano, and a ukulele. It’s hard to believe that so much can come from so little, but that’s exactly the case for the band Twenty One Pilots. Formed in 2009, hailing from Columbus, OH, Twenty One Pilots is a small band that packs a big sound. The duo of front man Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun sing of self struggles, mental illness, suicide, and the inner battles that some deal with each and every day. The songs tell stories and teach lessons, they encourage people to strive to be strong and not to give up no matter how bad things may seem. Despite the subject matter they deliver nothing less of a treat whether it be live in concert or though the speakers in your headphones.

   Fortunately I had the honor of seeing the live show and let me tell you, it was spectacular. The band took to the stage dressed in matching skeleton hoodies with a full zip hood, so to cover the entire face. The set began with songs “Ode to Sleep” and “Migrane” both catchy, up tempo songs. The band has a very unique way of blending up tempo and low tempo into the same song, and it works very well, despite the fact that the songs can shift styles so dramatically in an instant. The show proceeded through the 12 song set. Tyler Joseph is an incredible entertainer. At times he would take a moment to tell a story, a joke, or spread a message. Regardless of what it was, it was never boring. Some bands who tend to talk a lot can be very boring or end up looking like they are trying to hard. This night, that was not the case. The crowd was hooked on each and every word he had to say. To me, this was because he is such a personable guy. When he speaks you feel like you’re sitting in a room talking with an old friend, catching up on old times and shooting the breeze.

   The duo are also incredibly energetic. Throughout the show Tyler can be seen soaring through the air after launching himself off the top of his piano, sometimes flipping forward or back. Drummer Josh is a wild man, jumping up and down and standing on his drum kit pumping up the crowd. Towards the end the set the two placed two different drum sets on separate platforms, which they preceded to hand into the crowd. Both Joseph and Dun then hopped onto their respective platforms, pored water onto the tops of each, and began to drum as the crowd held them up and passed them along. It was a sight to see let alone be under!  The set ended with songs “Car Radio” and hit song “Guns For Hands” before ending with a two song encore of “Truce” and “Trees.” It was a night I won’t soon forget. Whether you’re a fan of the band or not, heard one song or no songs at all, Twenty One Pilots is a show not to miss. It promises to be a good time and will send you home satisfied.

SETLIST:

Ode To Sleep

Migrane

Brown Eyed Girl (Van Morrison cover)

House Of Gold

Time To Say Goodbye (Andrea Bocelli cover)

Holding On ToYou

Semi-Automatic

The Run And Go

Car Radio

Guns For Hands

ENCORE:

Truce

Trees