The crowd roared loud in anticipation, after having had great opening bands, fans waiting for Dance Gavin Dance, were full of high-energy and waiting for them to approach the stage. One by one, the members of the band got into position, as the Shrine Hall grew louder and louder with excitement. Front man, Tillian Pearson, comes out with a rock hand gesture and states “this is for Tim”. 

This came after a short delay which helped to pump up the crowd, whose anticipation for the upcoming wonder was growing stronger by the second. Their patience was greeted by a new  song called “The Ghost of Billy Royalton”, dedicated to Tim himself. This track had been released only days before and already the fans headbanged and screamed along with screaming vocalist Jon Mess. Tilian Pearson then blew the crowd away with his high vocal range we have all come to love— The energy from the band grew exponentially, having been stoked by the passion behind their tribute song. Synergy and Head Hunter were to immediately follow and the volume inside the Shrine, a venue known for its tight quarters and reverberating walls, grew to levels I have seldom experienced; the show was in full swing.

As the night continued, mosh pits and an ocean of headbangers were greeted by some of the bands' most loved hits. From Cream of the Crop to We Own The Night, the well-choreographed stage display paired with this incredibly talented band left the crowd with more than enough energy to pull a late night, which they did. August 26, 2023 is a night I will never forget, watching one of my most beloved bands play their hearts out to honor not only their fallen brother, but to also honor the fans so passionate about the band members and the truly incredible music they create!