It was a hot summer night in Dallas, and Dos Equis Pavilion was buzzing with excitement. Fans packed the venue, eager to see the eclectic lineup, which fused metalcore, rock, rap, and everything in between. The crowd was diverse, ranging from long-time Falling in Reverse devotees to fans new to the mix of genres.
The venue’s sprawling outdoor space offered a great mix of open-air vibes, but with the heavy production involved, the sheer scale of the show didn’t feel diminished. The seats, lawn and pit were packed with fans, many showing off their band tees or sporting tattoos, setting the tone for the night ahead.
Sleep Theory
The night kicked off with Sleep Theory, a band blending alternative rock and post-hardcore with a strong sense of melody. Their blend of ambient moments and heavy, gut-punching guitar riffs caught the crowd’s attention early. The band’s frontman, Cullen Moore, brought an infectious energy to the stage, though the crowd was still warming up. Tracks like “Fallout” and “Stuck In My Head” were well-received, with fans slowly gravitating toward their unique mix of anthemic rock and soaring vocals.
Sleep Theory’s short but strong set set a solid foundation for the evening ahead, introducing a taste of the night’s diversity in terms of sound and style.
Then came the surprise of the evening — Tech N9ne. Hip-hop doesn’t usually make its way onto rock tours, but Tech N9ne, with his unique blend of rapid-fire rapping and gritty, hard-hitting beats, found a home among the rock audience. Tech’s presence on stage was commanding. The crowd erupted as he launched into “Riotmaker” and “Am I A Psycho” with his signature speed and lyrical precision.
Tech’s set was punctuated by a mix of rap and rock influences, with some tracks leaning into his dark, theatrical side — a perfect fit for the “God is a Weapon” tour theme. Tech N9ne’s presence was one of the night’s highlights, proving how well hip-hop and rock can co-exist when blended with the right intensity.
Next up was Wage War, who took the stage with a full-throttle intensity that shook the venue. Known for their high-octane metalcore sound, the Florida band wasted no time getting the crowd riled up with “Stitch” and “Low.” Lead vocalist Briton Bond and guitarist Cody Quistad shared the spotlight, the former’s harsh screams and the latter’s soaring clean vocals meshing seamlessly.
The crowd was quickly whipped into a frenzy as Wage War delivered a perfect blend of melodic hooks and brutal breakdowns, a sound that resonated with fans of both metalcore and heavier alternative rock. Their performance felt like a thunderstorm, and it was evident that Wage War’s fiery energy was setting the stage for the madness to come.
By the time Falling in Reverse took the stage, the anticipation was at an all-time high. Ronnie Radke and company stormed the stage to a roaring welcome, launching directly into “Prequel”. The song’s blend of hard rock, metalcore, and electronic elements set the tone for the night, with Radke’s emotional delivery and raw energy connecting deeply with the audience.
Falling in Reverse’s set felt like a celebration of everything the band had become: chaotic, unapologetic, and loaded with style. Tracks from their recent “God Is a Weapon” album like “Popular Monster” and “Zombified” dominated the set, with Radke using the songs to further deepen his reputation as a rock star with a massive, charismatic presence. The theatrics were high: from the neon lighting to the screen projections and even pyro — yes… pyro. The most amount of pyro I have seen.
What set this show apart was the balance of new material and fan favorites. The crowd went wild during “I’m Not A Vampire”, a track that brought long-time fans to the forefront, chanting the lyrics in unison. Radke’s personal connection with the audience felt genuine, and between songs, he had moments of reflection and gratitude. His stage presence is undeniable, and even in moments of vulnerability, he was able to command the stage like a true rock showman.
A surprise highlight was when Ronnie and Bassist DL came off the stage during “NO FEAR”. Instead of keeping the spectacle at a distance, he turned the floor into his own arena, weaving through fans stopping mid-verse to take selfies, crouching down to snap photos with kids who came to see him. The moment blurred the line between performer and audience, turning what was already a high-octane headliner into something intimate and unforgettable. As if that wasn’t enough of a surprise treat, Tech N9ne joined Falling in Reverse on stage for a collaborative performance of “Ronald” blending metalcore and rap with incredible chemistry. The entire venue went wild as Radke and Tech traded verses in a moment that cemented the unity of this diverse tour lineup.
Falling in Reverse is, and will always be, at the top of my list of bands not to miss live. They show is ALWAYS solid from beginning to end. Ronnie, even though controversial, is one of the best frontmen to ever get on that stage. Be there next time!
