CONCERT REVIEW: Twenty One Pilots Are One Of The World’s Best Live Acts

After a long absence, Twenty One Pilots returned to the Netherlands for their Clancy world tour, marking their first non-festival performance in the country since 2019. The duo delivered a sold-out show at Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome, echoing the success of their 2018 Trench tour performance at the same venue.

Fans showed remarkable dedication, with thousands lining up outside the arena the evening before the concert. This level of commitment underscores what sets Twenty One Pilots apart. While their latest album, Clancy, hasn’t matched the commercial success of 2015’s Blurryface, its ongoing narrative and meaningful themes have kept their fan base among the most devoted in music. Having seen over a thousand live acts, I can confidently say this passion and performance quality place Twenty One Pilots among the world’s top live acts.

My first experience with the band was during the Blurryface era, with hits like Stressed Out and Ride amassing billions of streams. We saw them perform at TivoliVredenburg for 2,000 fans, then at Tilburg’s 013, and later at AFAS Live in Amsterdam for 6,000. Since then, they’ve graduated to Ziggo Dome and headlined Lowlands, one of the country’s largest festivals.

Each Twenty One Pilots show has featured impressive production, with every tour surpassing the last. The Clancy world tour continues this trend, incorporating familiar elements like Tyler Joseph’s mid-show appearance on the second ring during Car Radio, the B-stage, and fan-held platforms. The production has expanded significantly, with elaborate pyrotechnics, fireworks, CO2 cannons, and lasers enhancing the experience. The band’s signature narrative—featuring DEMA and the Bishops—was woven into the visuals and their attire, adding depth to their already polished musicianship.

A notable highlight was drummer Josh Dun’s expanded vocal role. Equipped with a microphone at his drum kit, he provided backing vocals and even took the lead on a snippet of Bandito. For dedicated fans, known as the Clique, this was a significant moment, as Dun’s vocal contributions on the recent albums had already generated excitement. Seeing him bring this to the stage felt like a milestone, stirring a strange sense of pride for someone I’ve never met.

The setlist was equally ambitious, with 27 songs performed in just over two hours, ensuring something for every fan. From our spot at the back of the arena, it was striking to hear nearly all 17,000 attendees singing every lyric, whether they were in the front row or the back. The energy and engagement were consistent throughout, with fans dancing and singing in unison.

The combination of an ever-evolving production, despite only two performers on stage, the immersive storytelling brought to life, and a fanbase that fully embraces the band’s vision makes Twenty One Pilots exceptional. In my view, these elements solidify their place as one of the best live acts today.

Check out photos from the remarkable night below and share your thoughts on the Clancy world tour. Have you seen them live? Even if you’re not a fan, their show is well worth experiencing.