A full capacity show on a Friday night was something I half-expected for Falling In Reverse. Having struggled to set foot in Australia because of visa issues, it was a dream come true for many to see frontman, Ronnie Radke in the flesh. Waiting in line is always a tease and the struggle getting into the venue was real.
After a 20 minute delay, The Color Morale had everything together for the packed out show. Lead vocalist, Garret Rapp, was screaming towards the audience while boasting, “I need something right here”, implying that everyone start a circle pit. His energy conveyed such fierceness that it was hard to look away. I loved the fact that Garret moved closer to the barricade to be at the same level as his fans. The chugga chugga guitar breakdowns and the blinding light used on stage showed they were comfortable with what they offered to the crowd enjoying the limelight in their 40 minute set. It became a meaningful closure to the set as Garret quoted, “Thank you so much for being here; to pick us up so that we can move forward.”
It’s been a while since Escape The Fate toured Australia and it was their performance that made it feel like they never left the country. Even if you’re a Ronnie fan, it’s hard to not appreciate what Craig has done for the band’s progression. That night, Craig was far from being a let down. Before the crowd even had the chance to catch their breath, Craig and his fellow band mates joined him on stage and Sydney fans turned ecstatic. A pool of hands dominated The Hi-Fi, with fists up in the air as Craig belted out “10 Miles Wide”. Ironically, Craig looked so placid on stage, but his vocals were a different story. With such aggression in each breakdown, he managed to pull together an entertaining performance of “The Flood.”
Excitement was felt by the crowd as they started playing their killer track “Issues”, known for its undeniably catchy chorus and sick beat. Easily an oldie but a goodie, I was glad to see “Something” live again, being one of my favourite songs from This War is Ours. With a magnificent closing track, “This War is Ours (The Guillotine II)” saw the band at their best. Even after all these years, Escape The Fate were still able to pull a huge crowd, as they say – absence makes the heart grow fonder.
The secret to seeing any band live for the first time is to expect nothing and wow, did everyone get a treat once Ronnie entered that masquerade of a stage. Opening up with one of their newest songs, “God, If You Are Above…”, chaos befell the room as fans caused a racket in the mosh pit; suffice it to say, Ronnie was the conductor of his own orchestra. With such exuberant energy and the need to please his fans, his breakdowns in “Sink or Swim” provided aesthetics for the crowd as his vocals were delivered in the most engaging way. Guitar work by Jacky was absolutely phenomenal as he gave such stellar electric guitar solos, making it look like it was the easiest thing in the world. For a band that has received such controversial publicity, in terms of instrumentation, they have been heavily underrated for their talent.
“Rolling Stone” electrified the room with its dubstep-like and fast-paced nature. The night became a ruckus as a few people passed out in the mosh, leading to Ronnie having to stop abruptly in the middle of the set, ensuring that for their own well-being, they were safe. For someone that was busy-looking on stage, Ronnie had a good eye for picking up the small details on-site of the venue. With their live debut of “Guillotine IV (The Final Chapter)”, the chemistry in the crowd was undeniable. Live music was clearly second-nature to Ronnie as he paced vigorously along the stage, encouraging fans to open up an even bigger circle pit, leaving the audience in awe.
The selection of encores that night were brilliant. Being the original vocalist of Escape The Fate after all, fans were delighted with double the fun with both “Good Enough For Truth or Cliche” and well-renowned track, “Situations” coming to life. Bringing back such nostalgia, it made me realise that Ronnie will never forget his roots. Ronnie smiled to the crowd with such warmth, giving multiple thank yous to the crowd, exclaiming “We’re not worthy!”
Assumptions aside, Falling In Reverse kicked ass and to not see them live would be a rookie mistake. Ronnie Radke, you’re one crazy motherfucker.
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