Enveloped in a sea of leather and eyeliner, Pittsburgh rock and metal fans gathered at Stage AE for a night of pure, unadulterated energy brought by none other than the iconic Black Veil Brides. Black Veil Brides have spent over a decade cementing themselves as theatrical rock royalty, and this highly anticipated show was a celebration of their brand new album VINDICATE, which dropped just a few days prior. Stage AE was absolutely packed with a dedicated army of fans who had been blasting the new tracks on repeat all week. There was a sense of history in the air because everyone knew they were about to witness a fresh era of the band unfold live.

Kicking things off with an absolute bang, the UK pop-punk sensation As December Falls took the stage and immediately captured the heart of the Steel City. This run marks their first North American tour ever, a massive milestone that the band handled with the poise of seasoned veterans. Their infectious hooks and bright melodies offered a perfect contrast to the upcoming heavier sounds of the night, keeping the early crowd bouncing from wall to wall. Frontwoman Bethany Hunter expressed immense gratitude between songs, beaming as she told the crowd how much they have been loving this tour. They promised they would absolutely be back soon, leaving the audience hoping that next time would be as headliners.

The energy shifted into overdrive when TX2 stormed the stage like a shot of adrenaline straight to the heart. He was pure chaotic energy from the second he grabbed the microphone, refusing to stand still for even a single beat. His songs were dripping in old-school emo angst and fueled by punk stubbornness. TX2 has gotten quite popular on TikTok, especially amongst the younger LGBTQ+ crowd, and for good reason. He’s continually bringing awareness to mental health while creating a safe space to talk, vent, and, well, feel safe in this chaotic world. His online personality translated beautifully to the stage, just a whirlwind of motion and emotion. In an effort to connect directly with the audience, TX2 jumped down from the elevated stage multiple times to sing right into the faces of the ecstatic fans in the front row. The security guards definitely had their hands full as he made his way right into the center of the mosh pit for an entire song, spinning around with the crowd while never missing a note. It was a masterclass in modern rock showmanship that left the room completely breathless and craving more.

Next up were the nu-metal heavyweights From Ashes To New, who took the intensity and cranked it up to eleven. The dynamic interplay between dual vocalists Danny Case and Matt Brandyberry really made the music pop in a live setting, creating a wall of sound that resonated through the floorboards. They blended aggressive rap-rock verses with soaring, melodic choruses seamlessly, trading off lines with an effortless chemistry. The heavy guitar riffs and electronic backbeats had everyone at Stage AE jumping in unison, creating a massive wave of movement across the floor.

When the time finally came for Black Veil Brides, the atmosphere became deliciously dark and theatrical. The haunting notes of Toccata and Fugue echoed through the speakers as the intro music, accompanied by synchronized flashing lights and eerie candelabras lining the stage. It was a perfectly moody intro that built the tension to a boiling point before Black Veil Brides burst into view. Andy Biersack commanded center stage with his deep, booming vocals, unmistakable theatrical presence, and the loveliest smile. Flanking him were the powerhouse guitar duo of Jake Pitts and Jinxx, who traded blistering solos and intricate dual harmonies with effortless precision. Holding down the rhythm section, bassist Lonny Eagleton locked in perfectly with drummer Christian “CC” Coma, whose explosive drumming kept the entire venue vibrating. They all looked completely locked in, bringing a razor-sharp precision from the very first chord.

The heart of the setlist focused heavily on the music from VINDICATE, and the new material translated flawlessly to a live setting. Songs that were released just days ago sounded like timeless anthems, with the crowd already knowing every single lyric. The unbelievably catchy hooks of “Hallelujah” made it so much fun to sing along to. The contrast between the soft refrains and the powerhouse chorus of “Bleeders” hit like a truck live. The title track is certain to be a setlist staple, with an anthemic chorus that’s begging to be shouted by thousands of people. Hearing these fresh tracks live solidified the fact that Black Veil Brides is currently operating at the absolute peak of their creative powers.

Looking at the room as a whole, the show was a beautiful testament to the community that this music creates. The floor was a constant blur of motion, filled with non-stop moshing and a steady stream of crowdsurfers launching themselves over the barricade. Fans from every single walk of life were standing shoulder to shoulder, united by heavy riffs and emotional choruses. Andy proved to be an incredibly charming host while chatting between songs, keeping the vibe casual and fun despite the dark stage aesthetic. Even though he couldn’t read the held-up signs and phones, he guessed what they all said and send out a few birthday wishes. He earned a mix of playful boos and loud laughs when he told the yinzer crowd that he loves absolutely everything about Pittsburgh except the Steelers, a perfect cheeky moment to cap off an unforgettable night of music memories.

May 15th, 2026