Ryan Ross, guitar & back up vocals of Panic at the Disco
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Article & Photos by Liana Minassian
The Rock Band tour boasts an interactive experience where fans can play the XBOX 360 video game Rock Band on the very stage their rock idols The Cab, Plain White T’s, emo legends Dashboard Confessional, and superstars Panic at the Disco rocked out on that night. Blurring the lines between fantasy and reality, everyone who attended had a taste of what it was like to be in a rock band.
Hailing from Las Vegas, opening band The Cab took the stage to the sounds of hundreds of teenage girls screaming their name. Their catchy bubble gum hooks caused massive swooning and it didn’t hurt that they were easy on the eyes too. Shaggy haired guitarist Ian Crawford ripped a nasty solo, conjuring up the influence of rock gods like Jimmy Page, and bassist Cash Colligan posed for the cameras pointed in his direction. Clearly, The Cab took their rock star status seriously but singer Alex DeLeon graciously pointed out: "They [Panic at the Disco] discovered us; we owe them everything."
After being bombarded with Rock Band and Hot Topic ads, the crowd was ready to embrace the Plain White T’s. Bouncing about, singer Tom Higgenson played off the audience’s energy, leading them in hand claps and encouraging them to sing along. For their third song, Higgenson brought out his acoustic guitar for the title track off their new album Big Bad World, which evokes an early Beatles vibe. In the same vein, Higgenson innocently asked, "How many people here have ever been in love?" Apparently for the Plain White T’s love is all you need because Higgenson then dedicated "1, 2, 3, 4" to the crowd. Interestingly, he asked them to take out their cell phones and cameras and "put this on YouTube" as electronics lit up the audience above their heads like giant fireflies.
...multicolored striped tapestries billowed down and giant white cylindrical tubs imprinted with their name held up the drummer and keyboardist. Even the mic stands were decorated with large white Christmas lights that added to the magical atmosphere.
Hailing from South Florida, Dashboard Confessional singer/songwriter Chris Carrabba joked, "I know half the people here and the other half I’m related to." Departing from his early days playing acoustic shows in small clubs, a full band supported him and there was even a giant LED screen that had previously shown the supporting acts names on it behind him. After playing a couple songs on piano Dashboard’s energy seemed to pick up and The Cab and the Plain White T’s were invited onstage to play a supercharged version of Pink’s "So What" that kept the crowd begging for more.
Chris Carrabba, lead singer of Dashboard Confessional
When headliners Panic at the Disco took their places the crowd was blasted with vibrant lighting and an impressive stage set. On either side, multicolored striped tapestries billowed down and giant white cylindrical tubs imprinted with their name held up the drummer and keyboardist. Even the mic stands were decorated with large white Christmas lights that added to the magical atmosphere. Behind them the LED screen showed butterflies and other whimsical imagery that increased its charm. In their suits and cloth headbands, Panic at the Disco looked straight out of the 60s among their set. Even singer Brendon Urie and guitarist Ryan Ross’ witty banter onstage was reminiscent of John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s onstage exchanges in the Beatles. Like the Beatles, they made the girls scream with maddening joy as they kicked out their jams. Urie was intoxicating to watch as he danced his way into the hearts of his audience during "When the Day Met the Night" and "Nine in the Afternoon."
With such a unique performance it was no wonder they called their new album Pretty.Odd., as it epitomized both. Definitely the favorites of the night, Panic at the Disco showed Miami how to be rock stars and they can return the favor by buying the new Rock Band game which features "Nine in the Afternoon."
Let us know what you think at outloud@outloud.com..
Brendon Urie, Vocals Guitar of Panic at the Disco
Chris Carrabba, Singer Guitarist of Dashboard Confessional
Tim Lopez Lead Guitar Plain White T's