Black Veil Brides is becoming a bigger and bigger name in music, and they’ve been around for quite a bit now. Recreating their own version of Kiss’ look, using their own personal good looks, and writing catchy music has paved the way for them to create a diehard fanbase full of diversity. This was obvious when they played the Oakdale Dome. It was everyone from 12 year old girls in sparkly Uggs and tutus to people old enough to be my dad, wearing shirts with Andy Biersak’s face on them.
I was the only photographer allowed by the band’s press or the venue to take pictures of the band in the barricade, so I ignored the snotty looks from jealous teenage girls because I was the one closest to Andy, and I was just doin’ my job. The lights went down and the shrill sound that no other creature than an adolescent female can manage to make rang through the venue. The band stepped onto the stage, warranting pushing and shoving to get closer to the barricade.
I’m not sure if it was the equipment of the band or that of the venue, but the sound was awful. I know what each of the band’s songs sounds like and can tell them apart, but I couldn’t even make out the words Andy was singing. It was unfortunate, however the instruments themselves were beautifully emphasized as a result. The guitars had that nu-metal feeling, with a hint of classical training they probably had in high school and loved. The bassist was charismatic and interacted with the crowd the most, which was adorable. Then there was Andy. His voice is absolutely beautiful, and I’m lucky I could hear it so clearly by being right in front of him. The depth of his bellowing to the strength of his singing, there is no grey area and it is all phenomenal. It danced atop the heavy beats and truly pulled it all together.
The lighting was intense, the energy was contagious, and it was made obvious why so many people of different walks of life gather to see this band. It’s a community.
Black Veil Brides has bridged gaps, spanned generations, and reached thousands. It’s an incredible sight to see that is genuinely unique, and they’re doing it all while being personable, sweet, adorable, and fantastic role models (not without also appearing hardcore and badass, of course). They’re a stunning group with more than just talent- they have real longevity.
