All Photos by Samantha Ysaguirre 📸

I’ve always been familiar with Black Veil Brides as a hugely popular name in the metal scene. While I’m not well-versed with their catalog, I’ve heard of Andy Black, and I knew their fanbase was ride-or-die for him and the band. That was undeniable when I walked inside the Aztec Theatre.

The venue was packed and buzzing with excitement, a sea of black flowing across the room. I was able to catch From Ashes To New open the night, and I loved the dynamic between the two vocalists and the varied energy they brought to the room. The atmosphere was set.

I decided to watch the show slightly off to the side from the general admission floor, standing right where the balcony overhang ends, but still close enough to feel the movement from the pit. A few songs into Black Veil Brides’ set, I felt something splash onto the floor beside me, hitting my arm in the process. I immediately assumed it was beer, as it happens often at rowdy shows, until I started to catch a distinct smell. 

I was trying to process what had just landed on me, fearing the worst, until a venue worker approached me and asked, “Was that vomit?” Confirming my worst suspicions, I ran for the restroom and scrubbed my arm as vigorously as I could. 

I’ve been to my fair share of concerts over the years, but I’ve never seen or experienced anything as reckless as someone getting sick over the balcony without knowing or caring who might be underneath them. I still tried not to let it ruin the rest of my night, even as Black Veil Brides delivered a tight performance.

They performed with pure intensity for an hour and a half straight, with Andy Black in particular commanding the stage. I can’t remember the last time I saw a frontman move that much, stay interactive with the fans, and remain so locked in vocally. He’d talk to the crowd with his signature brand of sarcastic humor, pointing out someone who said they sold feet pics to be there, and he replied with a “Hell yeah” attitude.

The band balanced newer material from their new album, Vindicate, coming out this week, with their older songs that fans loved, such as “In the End,” which they closed with; everyone in the building sang along to that song louder than any other of the night.

Still, even with how much the band was putting into their performance, the distractions of the behavior around me did not stop. I found myself having to move my spot a few times because I’d be near overly intoxicated people, not letting others enjoy the show. At one point, I saw security escort a few fighting men out.

What makes it all frustrating is that the band, their team, and the venue’s staff all did their jobs that night to make the experience great for fans, and most of the audience matched that effort. They were respectful, bringing the right kind of chaos, and fully engaged in the performance the band was delivering to them. Those qualities are what make live music as special as it is, and it’s why people like me live for nights like this.

If we, as San Antonians, want artists to keep coming through our city, rather than being skipped in favor of nearby cities, we have to do our part as audience members to show up for the music and each other. Black Veil Brides did their part. When everyone does, nights like that become unforgettable.