Reflecting on Generational Gaps During Pierce the Veil's "I Can't Hear You" Tour at Budweiser Stage

jaybroderick
Jun 1
4 min read

By: Jay Broderick

Toronto, Canada - You ever get caught in a crowd where your "life experience" seems vastly superior? As I watched the crowd entering the main gates at Budweiser Stage for the "I Can't Hear You" Tour, featuring Pierce the Veil, I felt like John Oldman from The Man From Earth. Man, this crowd looked so young! And to exacerbate the situation, the photographers who started to arrive at the security date put a hard stamp on the notion. I felt old!

Let me calm the storm here... I'm not a hundred and one! But when you've got a minimum of 20 years on everybody around you, I can't help but think of my all time favourite Bob Seger lyric "20 years, where'd they go? 20 years, I don't know!" And thus the circle of life continues to churn. What can you do? As my man Michael Drukarsh stated, "You continue to kick ass!!" And so I did, with my head held high, struttin' my experience. And for the record, these "young whipper-snappers" did or said nothing to make me FEEL old!! It's really just me.

Beach Weather

With the wind-chill in effect and the rain pouring down, the weather in Toronto was nothing remotely similar to tonight's opening band's namesake. American indie rock band Beach Weather got things started on this night. Founded by singer/rhythm guitarist Nick Santino, the band is somewhat fresh off their sophomore LP Melt that was released in October 2024.

The band kicked their set off with their 2016 song "Chit Chat", from their 2nd EP of the same name. With guitarist Ian Holubiak immersed in the band's 8 song set, including tracks ""Hardcore Romance", "Tulips" and "Sex, Drugs, Etc." it was a good start. The warmth given by the fans helped to ease the pain of the cold temperatures, even as Santino's breath was clearly visible.

Sleeping With Sirens

There was a distinct buzz from the crowd for tonight's second act. Even a few of tonight's photographers were on hand, only to shoot Orlando, Florida's Sleeping With Sirens. One young female photographer even proclaimed that vocalist Kellin Quinn was her dream guy. This band was the sole reason for her visit. With my interest piqued, I was curious with what I was about to see and hear.

The band headed out one by one on stage, and then a massive burst of energy slammed the crowd as they kicked off with their opening track "Kick Me", from the band's 2015 album Madness. There was no lack of electricity as the band used the drum risers to jump off of, and ran about the stage, jumping and kicking and killing it. These guys were alive, and so were the fans as they received accolades from Quinn for coming out on a rainy night.

For "Scene Five: With Ears to See, and Eyes to Hear", the loud fans joined in singing the final stanza, and for "Bloody Knuckles" Quinn dedicated the track to the bananas in the crowd (there were 2 fans dressed in banana costumes). "LET'S GO BANANAS" the singer screamed. The crowd obliged with hands high in the air, and bodies flying over the security barricade. Sirens kicked some serious ass! They were going to be a tough act for tonight's headliner's to follow, as Sirens brought the house down.

Pierce The Veil

Rock band Pierce the Veil is from one of the coolest cities in the USA... San Diego, California. While they (and their fans) are "young" (comparatively), they have given themselves a strong foothold in this new generation of heavy music, ever since their 18 year careers started. This was no more evident as soon as the band hit the stage.

Again, an absolute ton of energy exploded. Perhaps this is an age thing? LOL (and there I go again!)! As strobes and flashing lights nearly give me a seizure, and the pounding bass blasts through my body, the crowd goes absolutely crazy. The surfing begins and immediately, bodies start flying over the barricade. Running all over the Budweiser Stage, the band is completely engaged!

Other than the occasional "How you doing Toronto?" (which happily, is pronounced correctly), the band's front man Vic Fuentes does not provide a ton of chatter. Just straight on ahead with one ripping track after the next. That is until a very short 2 song acoustic set midway through the performance. After a brief break in the action, the band (minus tour drummer Loniel Robinson) appeared sitting on chairs at centre stage. They played "She Makes Dirty Words Sound Pretty" and "Today I Saw The Whole World" in which the crowd was singing along. This little breather is only temporary, as the band amps it up again with "Hell Above" that saw Fuentes singing through a megaphone. Giving back what they're receiving, the crowd is on their feet with hands in the air, singing and dancing. There was a huge applause after this track.

Set List

Death of an Executioner

Bulls in the Bronx

Pass the Nirvana

I'm Low on Gas and You Need a Jacket

I'd Rather Die Than Be Famous

Floral & Fading (Intro: Where is my mind - Pixies cover)

Yeah Boy and Doll Face

She Makes Dirty Words Sound Pretty

Today I Saw the Whole World

Wonderless

Hell Above

Caraphernelia

Emergency Contact

Circles

Encore:

Disasterology

Hold On Till May

King for a Day

Pierce the Veil is a huge band, with millions of followers on each of their social media platforms. It's very evident, as soon as you catch a glimpse of the fan base in a concert setting... They're wild! They sing! They dance! They scream!! If anybody thinks rock and roll is dead, think again! With bands like Pierce the Veil, Sleeping With Sirens, and Beach Weather carrying the torch in the 21st Century, I personally think it's in very good hands. It's so awesome to see that heavy music is in fact very much alive!!

Concert Photo Gallery