Last Wednesday night, Atlanta celebrated both Panic! At the Disco's Death of a Bachelor tour and lead singer Brendon Urie's 30th birthday. Brendon formed the band with his childhood friends when he was only 17, and since then the band has dwindled to one sole member.
Panic! At the Disco is: Brendon Urie. In Death of a Bachelor, Panic! At the Disco's 5th studio album, Brendon is the person behind every vocal, every lyric, and every instrument. The tour is to promote this album, hence the name. The band has toured since the album came out, but they co-headlined with Weezer. This time, they toured alongside alt-pop bands Saint Motel and Misterwives to opened the show. I was only familiar with a few of their songs, but the energy they brought to the stage forced me to sing along. For most of the tour, however, it's all about Brendon. Just like Death of a Bachelor.
Fans of Panic! At the Disco range from young teens who have recently discovered their music to older fans who started out listening to their debut album when it came out twelve years ago, which features the popular "I Write Sins Not Tragedies." I got to interact with some of the fans in the pit before the show, and even the front row ranged from ages 15 to 55. No matter the ages, each person was equally happy to be there. Brendon knew how diverse the ages would be of the fans, so he made sure to please everyone by playing a mixture of old and new songs.
Brendon puts his heart and soul into his vocals and instruments during every show. The song that tugged everyone's heartstrings the most was "This Is Gospel." He played it from a small stage in the middle of the arena with a piano. The song was written for former Panic! At the Disco member Spencer Smith, who had to leave the band because he struggled with addiction. During "Death of a Bachelor," Brendon literally walked into the crowd on the floor with hardly any security and greeted every fan with a smile and a hug. He made everyone in the arena smile, even those in the back who weren't standing near him.
While most Panic! At the Disco shows are memorable and full of talent, this one was special. A crowd of touring band members and backstage crew came onto the stage wearing party hats, carrying a cake, and singing Happy Birthday with 13,000 fans. Not many people can say they spent their 30th birthday hanging out with 13,000 people.
Each night I've spent with Panic! At the Disco has been a special one. It will be hard to top a concert/30th birthday party crossover, but if I know Panic! At the Disco, their next album and tour will blow me away even more.
For a full gallery of photos from the concert, click here.