On September 17, 2016, The Main Street Armory, a well-known historical location and hallowed music hall, hosted Pierce The Veil, a post hardcore quartet from sunny California, on their headlining Made To Destroy Tour in Rochester, New York. That venue is no stranger to the musical elite, hosting such greats as Breaking Benjamin, Korn, Disturbed, Cage the Elephant, Chevelle, Red, Stone Temple Pilots, and more. A little known fact to some readers: this historical site was originally a military facility that was used for running drills before it was renovated in the 1930’s to be used for events, balls, and shows. Anyway, thankfully for all in attendance, Rochester’s infamous Fall weather didn’t stop the fans from lining up outside and down Main Street; the sky had opened up, leaving the patrons and even myself a little damp as we entered the Armory. One of the selling features for Alternative and Rock bands choosing the Armory is the historic and gothic style that the architect created when the building was first created back in the early 20th century.
When it was time for Pierce The Veil to finally take the stage, we were transported straight into outer space, which seemed to be a reoccurring theme as well with their opening acts, I Prevail and Neck Deep, who also sported interstellar decorations. The group emerged through a “crash landed” space shuttle in what looked to be astronaut outfits that really gave into our collective imaginations of this band being from another world. Once the opening notes of “Dive In” were heard, the crowd went wild; the sound of the crowd singing along with Vic Fuentes (vocals, guitar) was almost as deafening as being right next to the speakers. The show was a great mix of hits from the newest album, Misadventures, and the older favorites of Collide With The Sky and Selfish Machines. The new generation of Pierce The Veil fans that got hooked on the newest album see those of us who are a little bit older sing our hearts out to tracks like “Bulls in the Bronx”, “Caraphernalia”, and “Hold on Till May”. The entire show built up to the second song of the encore, the moment that we all had been waiting for: “King For a Day”. The song was released in 2012 and to this day is one of the most memorable songs in this bands history; the song featured Kellin Quinn of Sleeping With Sirens and also gave Pierce The Veil a Certified Gold single in 2014.
This band has been going strong as a group for about ten years now, and they have yet to disappoint their fan base with their music, outlandish costume ideas, and the heart and feeling they put into their performances. The tour runs until October 16, 2016. If you have any chance to see this band for this amazing tour, I suggest you take it. It’s an experience that I have yet to have as far as rock concerts go, and this band has shown that they can easily step up their game as the years go on.
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Review and Photos by Clarice Owens, Rock Revolt Photojournalist
