From San Diego, California, Pierce the Veil is an American pop-punk and post hardcore band with extremely dedicated fans. The band began in 2006 and since then released four full length studio albums and been nominated for multiple awards. I recently had the opportunity to speak with the band’s lead guitarist, Tony Perry.
You just released the Misadventures album. What went into the making of that?
The album itself came from the idea that we went through a bunch of misadventures. There was trouble writing lyrics, and I had to take a break for a bit, but it all worked out in the end. Eventually we were able to go to Seattle and work on it and finish up the record.
What’s your favorite song off the album and to play live?
“Texas is Forever”. It’s a cool fun throwback to what we were playing in high school, and it’s a lot of fun to make a song like that.
The tour begins in June. What are you most looking forward to?
Tour is going to be exciting. It’s been a while, and since I wasn’t able to take part in Warped Tour, I’m really looking forward to getting back on the road. Plus, we get to play the whole album.
Where’s your favorite place to tour/play?
Japan was great. We played it a while back, and it was cool being able to travel and be able to see their culture. It’s different from what we’re used to here, so it’s a good different.
Are there any places you haven’t toured but would like to?
I’m not really sure. Maybe Hawaii. It’s rare a band gets to play places like that, and I’ve heard shows in Hawaii are fun.
Is there anything you have to absolutely have with you on tour?
Aside from the normal stuff like a phone or computer? Not really. I always bring a few pair of pants. I mean, I have the guys with me. They keep me entertained.
Do you guys have any pre or post show rituals?
We listen to heavy music. Stuff like Norma Jean or Slipknot. Anything to get us hyped really.
If you could collaborate with any artist dead or alive, who would it be?
Michael Jackson. We covered “Beat It” a while back, so that would be cool. Plus, he’s a legend.
For you, what’s the best and the worst part about being a touring band?
The best is getting to see the world. There are so many places we never would have been able to go to or see if we didn’t have this opportunity. The worst is missing out on a lot of home stuff. When you come back from a tour, people have changed, and we don’t get to be a part of those changes. We just miss out on a lot sometimes.
What’s one of your favorite memories with the band?
I think I always look back to a day off, I think, we had in Oregon during one of the tours. We went white water rafting, and it was just a lot of fun.
You were in a biking accident last summer; how are you feeling and how have things changes since then?
I feel fine. Nothing has really changed. I could tour for a bit, but I’m all good now. I have a few metal plates, but that’s about it.
I’ve spoken with some of your fans through social media, and many of them want to know if you’ll be playing Canada anytime soon?
We don’t have anything booked yet, but we’ll get there.
Do fans ever give you gifts? What’s the most memorable one?
We get a lot of gifts, actually. The most memorable would have to be this girl who brought us tequila. We asked her where she got it because she was clearly underage, and she said she stole it from her parents’ liquor cabinet. I just remember thinking it was hilarious because it was something we’ve never heard before, and it wasn’t exactly cheap tequila. It was the good stuff.
Do you have any advice for bands who want to get their music heard?
Um, I mean obviously do whatever you can through social media. We used to pass out demo CDs outside of other concerts and venues in the hopes that some people would actually listen to the CDs instead of throwing them away.
How has social media affected you and Pierce the Veil?
Social media is great. We are able to reach a lot of people at once and to keep the fans updated. We can update when we need or want, and it makes things a lot easier. We actually did a song with Kellan Quinn a while because of the fans. They kept tweeting at both him and us to do a song together. We had never met him before and hadn’t imagined doing a collaboration with him before the fans brought it up. Eventually, we reached out to him and made it happen.
Is there anything you’d like your fans to know?
Um, just know that we love you and this is all for you. Hopefully we’ll see you out at the shows, and we’re looking forward to it!
Pierce the Veil is currently on their Misadventures world tour. The show begins with the song “Dive In” from the new Misadventures album with extreme energy. From there, the crowd’s enthusiasm never dies. Pierce the Veil fans are loveable and dedicated, from waiting outside the venue from the night before, until waiting by the stage door after the show for the chance to meet the band. Pierce the Veil will only continue to draw in more fans and keep them enticed with their music and live performances.
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by Robyn Kass-Gerji, RockRevolt Contributor
