Black Veil Brides • April 29, 2024 • The Depot
Reviewed and Photographed by Thea Chevelle
The philanthropic vampires are back at it!
Black Veil Brides have participated in various charity events and initiatives over the years. This includes benefit concerts, fundraisers, and collaborations with organizations dedicated to causes such as cancer research, animal welfare, disaster relief efforts, and more.
This time the band has teamed up with the American Red Cross to encourage fans to become bleeders themselves—by donating blood. One pint of blood can save as many as three lives, so this combined effort between the band and fans has the potential to make a profound impact!
Fans attending the upcoming tour can present their proof of a blood donation to the American Red Cross (e-mail, app confirmation, donation photo, sticker, etc.) when they visit the BVB merch booth to receive an exclusive merchandise package, consisting of a signed poster, pin and patch!
Now, on to the main event…
On April 28th at The Depot in SLC, Black Veil Brides summoned their legions of devoted fans for a spellbinding journey through the realms of rock and rebellion on their Bleeders Tour. After electrifying performances by a powerful lineup of openers including Dark Divine, Creeper, and Ghost Kid, the stage had been beautifully set for BVB’s performance.
The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as the venue swelled with eager fans, clad in leather and lace, awaiting the arrival of their musical heroes.
After an intense cinematic, orchestral build-up, BVB took the stage and opened with the hard-driving “I Am Bulletproof.”, immediately igniting the audience in uncontrolled excitement.
Frontman Andy Biersack, a charismatic force of nature, prowled the stage like a dark angel, his commanding presence drawing the audience into the depths of his lyrical labyrinth.
As the crowd sang along with every word, their voices merging with Biersack’s in a chorus of defiance and liberation, it was clear that this wasn’t just a concert—it was a ritual, a celebration of everything that makes us feel alive.
The setlist was a masterful blend of old and new, weaving together fan favorites like “Knives and Pens” and “Fallen Angels” with electrifying tracks from their latest album, each song a visceral journey through the shadows of the soul. Guitarists Jake Pitts and Jinxx unleashed a torrent of riffs and solos that cut through the air , while bassist Ashley Purdy and drummer Christian Coma provided the relentless heartbeat that drove the music forward and kept everyone moving.
Each song was accompanied by stunning visuals including mesmerizing light displays that truly enhanced the overall experience and added another layer of intensity to the performance.
The effects perfectly complemented their music and it was clear that a lot of precision and planning went into designing and executing the visual effects for this tour.
The stage setting pulled from the world of “Sweeney Todd,” replicating an old-timey back alley lined with candle-lit windows, while two large barrels flanked the stage. A large drum riser with a metallic mic stand arms shot up from the center of the stage.
Naturally, we got a drum solo showcasing the skill and flair of Christian Coma, also known as CC. Coma’s drum solos are a highlight of Black Veil Brides’ concerts, demonstrating his technical prowess, precision, and showmanship.
After an encore break, the band returned to the stage with yet another surprise. “What do you say we play another one we’ve never played before?” Biersack asked before the band moved into “Saviour II.” The show closed out with a one-two punch of “Fallen Angels” and “In the End.”
Overall, Black Veil Brides’ Bleeders Tour was a testament to the band’s unique way of storytelling and their connection with their dedicated fans, The BVB Army! As the final notes of “In the End” reverberated through the air, a sense of euphoria swept over the crowd, a collective catharsis born from the primal release of music and emotion.