Silver Spring, MD – I remember the experience like was yesterday. A random video, “You Ruin Me” with twins on the cover appeared on my YouTube feed. I had to check them out. What happened next is hard to forget as I saw well orchestrated (literally) revenge unfold before my eyes. I was in heaven and had to know more about this pop duo. Sadly, I learned that the last time The Veronicas had toured the was several years earlier (2009 if I was not mistaken) and nothing planned on the horizon. I was devastated.
As it turns out, miracles do happen. In another random popup (don’t tell me the internet eyes are closed) I learned that The Veronicas were going on tour and would be appearing at the Fillmore in Silver Spring, MD on April 20, 2024. I had to go! With revenge in our hearts, my wife and I made the two-hour trek to Silver Spring, just north of Washington D.C.
When we got to the venue we discovered that we were not the only ones willing to travel to see them, as we met people from as far away as Toronto, Canada who also made the trip to see them. They too had memories triggered by Jessica (Jessie) and Lisa. It was going to be a fun night. Bonus time, we made a couple new friends, music brought us together!
The opening act for the night was an artist from LA, Jesse Jo Stark. There appeared to be some sound equipment issues at the start, but all would be overcome and Jesse warmed us all up for what was to come, playing her tunes such as “Lipstick” and “Slayer“, while also introducing us to her new song, “Skeleton“. In a crossover moment, she performed a rendition of “Ring of Fire” that had everyone cheering and singing along.
The energy was high (and not because it happened to be on 4/20, but I did notice a little snacking going on) from the start as Lisa and Jessica took the stage performing “Take Me On The Floor” from their 2008 album, Hook Me Up. Within seconds, Lisa’s sunglasses flew from her head and landed… ironically… on the floor… for the taking. I could tell this was going to be an exhausting show. Their twin’s chemistry was powerful and it was clear that they were meant to be on stage… together.
I admit, the performance was unlike anything I had experienced before. More often than not, my audiences are either headbanging or politely applauding an operatic aria. I would call the audience reaction for The Veronicas either joyous jumping or even loving leaping because all were moving with the Jessie and Lisa!
After “When It All Falls Apart” and “Everything I’m Not” we were introduced to, “Detox” from their newest album, Gothic Summer. As it turns out, not only was this their first US tour in about 15 years, but U.S. audiences were the first to get to hear their new album live!!
Before going into “Hook Me Up“, we got to hear a little, “Feels Like Teen Spirit” riff. The audience loved it!!
Lisa and Jessie mellowed out a bit, taking to a more acoustic tone. As they played, “Revenge Is Sweeter (Than You Ever Were)“, I remembered what brought me here… well orchestrated revenge! “You Ruin Me” was the perfect ending to the acoustic part of the show.
The dark and and no boundaries “Lolita” started our journey down the home stretch. “In My Blood” got the place bouncing again, more energy ensued in the “Jungle“, climaxing the dance moves with… you got it… their new single “Here to Dance“. Imagine 1000 heads bouncing together but not banging into each other!! While I knew it the night was about to end, looking around, it was obvious no one wanted it to.
Wrapping up the night was their national anthem, “Untouched“. This old man even started dancing! We all wanted more as the lights came up.
As I left that night and said goodbye to some newfound Canadian friends (who actually said, eh), I could not help but think, we need more of this sort of music. One could not help but feel happy and upbeat after this performance. If you get the chance, be sure to catch them before they head back home or the next leg of the journey. Even the vengeance was upbeat, played us like symphony, and and just plain fun. More Veronicas, please!
The Veronicas Gallery
Veronicas Setlist
Take Me on the Floor
When It All Falls Apart
Everything I’m Not
Detox
Hook Me Up
Revenge Is Sweeter (Than You Ever Were)
This Love
You Ruin Me
Lolita
This Is How It Feels
In My Blood
Jungle
Here to Dance
4ever
Untouched
Show Date: April 20, 2024
The Song that got me hooked, check out, “You Ruin Me“!!
