By Caitlin Schmidt
Anaheim’s House of Blues was alive with explosive energy on October 27th as Palaye Royale brought their Death or Glory tour to an emotional, electric close (at least for the time being) in front of a sold-out crowd of diehard fans, known as the Royal Council. This final U.S. show for the band’s celebratory tour of their new album, Death or Glory, marked the last performance on American soil for now—with the exception of some postponed dates due to visa issues with some of the crew. The night was charged with high-intensity sound, deeply personal dedications, and thrilling, over-the-top moments that left fans exhilarated.
Before Palaye Royale took the stage, the night started off strong with supporting acts Diamante, Weathers, and I See Stars, each building anticipation and energy for the headliners. Yet, once Palaye stepped into the spotlight, the room transformed, pulsing with anticipation for a show that promised chaos, connection, and catharsis.
Opening with “Nightmares,” the guys didn’t waste any time kicking the crowd into high gear. This song, a staple in nearly all of their setlists, was the perfect spark to ignite the room. Remington Leith’s signature, gritty vocals poured over the crowd, while Sebastian Danzig’s powerful guitar riffs created an atmosphere of raw intensity that resonated throughout the venue. In this opening moment, the crowd was mesmerized and locked into the experience—an electrifying wave that rolled over the venue.
The setlist ran seamlessly through tracks from their new album, balancing songs like the album’s title track, “Death or Glory,” and “Just My Type,” with fan favorites from previous releases, including “You’ll Be Fine” and “No Love in LA.” Each song was performed with dynamic energy, but the night took a particularly emotional turn when they dedicated “Dying in a Hot Tub” to Emerson, who was noticeably absent as he took a temporary, much-needed mental health hiatus. Remington’s heartfelt reminder to anyone struggling to reach out for support resonated deeply, adding a vulnerable pause to the evening’s intense energy, as he encouraged the crowd to raise their phone lights, filling the room with a soft glow that reflected the sense of unity and resilience among the fans.
Adding to the poignant atmosphere, Palaye’s performance of “Fever Dream” served as a tribute to their late mother, Stephanie Rachel Cowper, who passed on to the other side earlier this year. The song, marked by heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies, honored her memory, and it was clear that the Royal Council felt the loss as well. Her unwavering belief in and support of her sons is evident in their music and success, and it was easy to imagine how proud she would continue to be of everything they’ve become and will continue to achieve. I know that we as fans are incredibly proud as well.
Of course, no Palaye Royale show would be complete without moments of sheer unhinged exhilaration and chaos. During the encore, as they closed the night with a mashup of “Lonely” and “Mr. Doctor Man,” Remington treated fans to his signature, adrenaline-pumping crowd-surfing routine, diving first from the stage and then, once more, from the balcony. The crowd eagerly surfed him back to the stage, but not before hoisting him upright to stand and see us all – embodying the band’s spirit of togetherness and shared experience, and adding an unforgettable climax to the sound. Palaye Royale has time and time again solidified their place as a band who doesn’t just perform for their fans—they perform with them. The sold-out crowd departed with full hearts, sore voices, and the feeling that the energy of the night would linger long after they left.
We’d like to thank Palaye Royale for including us in this unforgettable experience, a night that showcased their extraordinary talent and deep connection with their fans. It was one for the books.
