By Christopher Crone
The drive out to the Grand Sierra Resort started like a victory lap — cloudy skies, empty roads, and me choosing the Civic Si over the Forester because if I’m going to carve mountain curves, I’m doing it properly. Thirty minutes later, that confidence turned into “well, this might’ve been stupid” as the snow started dumping hard enough to make me rethink my life choices. For a minute I was already calculating the cost of a last‑minute Reno room. Then, just past Truckee, the sky split open like someone flipped a switch — blue overhead, sun on the asphalt, and the whole drive turned into a postcard. First time heading to the Grand Theatre, and the night was already throwing curveballs.
Kicking things off at the Grand Theatre, UK outfit As December Falls wasted no time getting the early crowd moving with a punchy, high-energy set. Fronted by Bethany Curtis, their infectious pop-punk hooks cut through the room and proved that even first up, you can still make a statement. They came out swinging and set a lively tone that carried through the rest of the night. For an opening slot, they made sure people were paying attention from the jump.
Up next, TX2 flipped the switch completely with a more theatrical, emotionally charged performance. Their set leaned into a darker, more intense vibe that pulled the crowd in and kept them locked in from start to finish. In a moment that cranked the energy up even further, the singer and guitar player jumped off the stage and into the pit, bringing the chaos directly to the fans. There was a rawness to their delivery that hit hard, especially for those packed in close. By the time they wrapped, it was clear the energy in the room was only building.
Taking that momentum and cranking it up several notches, From Ashes to New stormed the stage with a set that hit like a freight train. Blending nu-metal grit with modern alternative polish, they locked in immediately and never let the energy dip. One of the standout elements of their performance is the dual vocal attack, Matt Brandyberry handling the rapping and unclean vocals, while Danny Case delivers melodic, high-energy clean vocals and screams, creating a dynamic contrast that defines their sound. The chemistry between the two was on full display, each feeding off the other and keeping the intensity dialed in. The crowd came alive during fan favorites like “Panic Attack” and “Sorry,” with pits opening up and hands in the air throughout the theater. Behind the kit, Maty Madiro drove everything forward with precision and power, giving the band that unmistakable backbone. Even with a stacked lineup still ahead, From Ashes to New made it clear they weren’t just another name on the bill—they were a highlight.
By the time Black Veil Brides hit the stage, the Grand Theatre was fully locked in and ready to explode. From the opening notes, the band delivered a polished, arena-worthy performance that proved exactly why they were headlining. Andy Biersack owned the stage with a commanding presence, effortlessly working the crowd while delivering powerful, pitch-perfect vocals. The band’s signature blend of glam-inspired visuals and modern hard rock hit hard in a live setting, with every member locked in and firing on all cylinders. Guitarists Jake Pitts and Jinxx traded riffs and solos with precision, adding layers of melody and aggression that filled the room. The rhythm section kept things tight and driving, giving the crowd no chance to catch their breath. Songs like “Knives and Pens” and “In the End” had the audience singing at full volume, turning the theater into one massive chorus. The production value elevated everything, with lighting and staging that matched the band’s larger-than-life aesthetic.
Currently out on the road supporting their upcoming album Vindicate, set for release on May 8th, the band looked sharp and locked in as ever. You could feel the connection between band and fans, especially during the more anthemic moments where the entire room moved as one. Even from a photographer’s perspective, every angle was working, great lighting, constant movement, and a band that knows how to perform for both the crowd and the lens. They balanced newer material with fan favorites, keeping longtime fans happy while showcasing how far they’ve come. The pacing of the set kept the energy high from start to finish, never dragging or losing momentum. By the final song, it was clear the crowd had gotten exactly what they came for, and then some.
For my first time inside the Grand Theatre, it was one hell of an introduction, even if those steps felt like a workout by the end of the night. If this is what the Grand Theatre delivers on a random tour stop, I’m already planning my next drive over the hill.
Categories: Concert Photography
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