The Noise Presents Nothing More and The Truth Tour sponsored by 98ROCK at the Ritz-Ybor on Sunday night to a sold out festive St. Paddy’s day crowd. The Grammy-nominated act is touring behind its 2017 album, The Stories We Tell Ourselves. Joining Nothing More on tour are Of Mice and Men, Badflower and Palisades.
According to a press release, the name of the tour is based on “the concept that art and music and the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll are pure forms of truth that can bring people together, spark new ideas, new ways of thinking and through that trigger changes in ourselves and in our world.”
On this run, Nothing More joined forces with HeadCount, a non-partisan voter registration organization that handles voters’ needs and To Write Love on Her Arms, a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and options for people struggling with depression and addiction. One dollar from the purchase of every ticket will go to To Write Love On Her Arms.
Visitors packed the Ybor City District as guests roamed the streets garnished in all sorts of St. Patrick’s Day gear. A line had formed around The Ritz that seemed a mile long as eager fans interacted amongst themselves hoping to land a coveted spot along the pit barrier.
Tour lineups have been completely stacked over the past year and that is no different with this tour. The entire evening from the first note of Palisades “War” to the last note of Nothing More’s “Salem” simply stated was INTENSE!
Hailing from New Jersey, the hardcore Palisades continues to build momentum with their latest record that was released late last year, Erase The Pain. There is nothing like the opening band setting the tone early with a high-octane in your face set to fire up the crowd.
Badflower, and their legions of young fans, dialed up the decibel meter, as they could not get enough of the band’s frontman Josh Katz. The LA rockers include Katz (vocals/guitar), Joey Morrow (lead guitarist), Alex Espiritu (bass) and Anthony Sonetti (drummer).
Powerhouse, Of Mice & Men, the American metalcore band from Orange County, California packs a wallop every time they take the stage. The band’s lineup currently consists of lead vocalist and bassist Aaron Pauley, lead guitarist Phil Manansala, rhythm guitarist Alan Ashby, and drummer Valentino Arteaga. The band’s set was vintage OM&M…turn up the amps, metal horns in the air and get ready to be punched in the face with heavy guitar riffs and booming drums.
Fans packed in stage front, dripping in sweat like they had just gone three rounds but the night was far from over. A large white curtain hid the stage from the crowd as the crew backstage worked diligently preparing for the main event, Nothing More. This band has been applauded for its intense live productions from fellow musicians on numerous occasions.
Deliver they did, with a masterful 18-song set that included a riveting cover of Queen’s “We Will Rock You” and Skrillex’s “First of the Year”. The show definitely highlighted the band’s latest album, The Stories We Tell Ourselves, by playing 10-songs off the record. The band’s frontman, Jonny Hawkins, brings a level energy to the show that is unparalleled as the shirtless and shoe-less singer awed the crowd.
Fellow rockers if a Nothing More show has eluded you, it is highly recommended that you add it to the top of your bucket list.
Check out the evening setlist HERE.
Review and photos by Steve Carlos
