Bright horns break through the chatter at Zilker Park as the traditional ranchero anthem, “El Rey,” blasts through the stage speakers. While the audience sings along, the excitement crescendos with the arrival of post-hardcore legends, Pierce The Veil.
Marking their Austin City Limits Music Festival debut, Pierce the Veil commanded the T-Mobile Stage Saturday night, providing easily one of the most compelling, emotional performances of the weekend. Ranging from cathartic, screamed vocals to reflections on the power of music to save lives, it’s no surprise so many fans appeared on the jumbotron with tears streaming down their face as the band performed a perfect blend of new music and nostalgic, emo staples.
A driving beat and heavy guitar announced the start of the setlist with “Death of an Executioner” off the band’s newest album, The Jaws of Life. Transitioning into a classic, “Bulls in the Bronx,” the audience exploded as longtime fans recognized the pounding beat and catchy chorus. Frontman Vic Fuentes sang, “Maybe we’re just having too much fun,” followed by the iconic solo from lead guitarist Tony Perry.
Signaling the start of “Pass the Nirvana,” rich guitar supported the unique vocal styles of Fuentes and bassist Jaime Preciado, trading off for compelling screamo moments. Fans danced, sang and screamed along to the track, maintaining their excitement as Fuentes addressed the audience.
“Your only job today is to have a good fucking time,” Fuentes said. “My friends, will you please join us by raising two hands to the sky?”
Met with compliance, hands clapped in the air as Pierce The Veil launched into “Circles,” a peppier emo track from their 2016 release, Misadventures. The perfectly curated setlist allowed for Pierce The Veil’s style range to be aptly displayed, blending old and new music, with screamo, hardcore and slower moments equally represented.
Cheekily hinting at his next track, Fuentes introduced the band.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to introduce my emergency contacts up on the stage here,” Fuentes said. “On guitar over here, that’s one of my best friends in the entire world. Give it up for Tony Perry. On the bass, let’s hear you make some noise for Jaime Preciado. And on the drums, one of the most talented people on the fucking planet, let’s hear it for Loniel Robinson.”
A stellar drum solo from Robinson immediately proved Fuentes’ point before the band jumped into the emotional, romantic track, “Emergency Contact.” Keeping with the sentimental theme, the band went on to perform “Hold on Till May,” pausing in the middle of the song to address the audience.
“I just want to know how, how many people out there in this crowd can say that music saved your life?” Fuentes asked.
Cameras scanned a crowd of adoring fans, many with tears in their eyes as they nodded in agreement. Fuentes continued, addressing the audience as he sang the lyrics, “Darling, you’ll be okay.”
After an emotional journey for the band and audiences alike, Pierce the Veil reached an energetic apex with their final song of the evening, “King for a Day.” Saving their best musical moment for last, the band’s raw energy emanated across Zilker, with fans screaming along with Fuentes to their most popular track.
Pierce The Veil’s ability to hold nuance within their hour-long hardcore set proved their greatest strength, connecting with emotionally invested fans while winning over unsuspecting festivalgoers with their entertaining, striking presence.
