Panic! at the Disco proved once more that they know how to make a great concert. After performing in Nashville in 2019 for the “Pray For The Wicked” tour, the pop-rock band returned to Bridgestone Arena to perform its “Viva La Vengeance” tour on Oct. 8 and mixed past hits with new favorites for a diverse group of eager fans.
The event began with opener Jake Wesley Rogers, a pop singer who had a brief stint on “America’s Got Talent” in 2012. I didn’t know him until this night, but I was enchanted by the emotion he carried in his songs. My favorite one was “Pluto,” a song that served as a metaphor for Rogers’ insecurities and self-doubts. His songs’ introductions were very intimate, making me want to know more about his story.
P!ATD began their concert with “Say Amen (Saturday Night),” fitting because it was an actual Saturday night. I noticed people dancing, shouting their favorite lyrics and having the time of their lives. One of lead-singer Brendon Urie’s speeches impeccably described the night: “This doesn’t feel like a concert, but more like a party.” The stage’s visuals with lights, fireworks and confetti flooded the audience with energy, adding to the party-like ambiance.
Although the entire night was astonishing, I can point out two remarkable moments: when the band performed “All By Yourself” and “Girls/Girls/Boys.” While singing “All By Yourself,” Urie dedicated the lyrics to the audience and with a crown in his hand said, “All by yourself, you can change everything… You’re the queen, you’re the king.” I felt as if Urie was singing to me and me only.
Members of P!ATD Rainbow Hearts Project, a fan group that seeks to promote love and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community, placed little paper hearts of different colors on the seats before the concert to be used by the crowd during the song “Girls/Girls/Boys.” As the song started, the crowd was encouraged to hold up the paper hearts and shine their phone’s flashlight through them to form a mural representing the LGBTQ+ flag. It was a beautiful sight to see.
In addition to the spectacular visuals, the build-ups to most of the songs were nothing short of flawless. Violinists played before the music kicked in for most of the tracks, a goosebumps-inducing sight every single time. It was unexpectedly my favorite part of the experience.
When departing, Urie introduced one of the band members, a saxophonist who started playing the well-known melody from “High Hopes.” The crowd enthusiastically sang the lyrics about reflecting on a journey from failure to success.
The energy from the band and crowd, the violins and the songs made the night an unforgettable party. I could dance, sing along and shout out the songs’ lyrics just like every other fan who attended P!ATD’s party. I’m eager to attend another concert by P!ATD, and until this day arrives, I’ll remember this night by watching the videos I took from the concert and listening to their discography over and over again.
