Jeremy Loops. The unique Twenty One Pilots support act with the ability to entrance you so far into his music that time passes by in an instance. To say the artist, from Cape Town, South Africa, had headlining potential would be an unfair understatement as he took the crowd on his shoulders and embraced their sweaty desperation for the main act. Since he is to be headlining O2’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire early next year, the performance left us intrigued about what else could possibly be awaiting future crowds as every second felt unpredictable.
Dripping with sweat, stepping on toes, trying to maintain breathing ability all felt worthwhile as Josh Dun and Tyler Joseph wrecked havoc in front of us. Suddenly the lights roared and heavy smoke poured around the room. Opening with ‘Heavydirtysoul’ from their most recent album Blurryface was an unquestionably smart move as it was bubbling over the edge with energy and the crowd rushed from side to side with excitement.
Twenty One Pilots have come incredibly far this year alone, building up a bigger and bigger fan base as the months flashed by which is even more noticeable tonight as the show had sold out and the room was at full capacity. During their second song ‘Stressed Out’, also a popular single from Blurryface, the crowd’s voices overtook even that of Tyler’s as in parts it was difficult to hear him simply because the crowd was so loud.
If you have seen the duo before, you will know ‘Car Radio’ is something special live. The room blacked out and Joseph appeared on an upper balcony level which made the show seem more intense and personal as everybody looked up In one direction, completely hypnotized by what was about to happen. Twenty One Pilots have this magical ability to make it seem like you are the only person in the crowd, the only fan watching, despite being crushed up against thousands of others.
Confetti rained down and the show came to a close but fortunately the duo are back next year.
Words by Zara Rowden
@zaraannecharlie