By Caitlin Schmidt
Underoath’s “They’re Only Chasing Safety 20th Anniversary Tour” made a triumphant stop at the Majestic Ventura Theater on October 21, 2024, marking their first return to the venue since 2011. Celebrating two decades since the release of the iconic album, the band treated fans to it’s full performance, followed up by standout tracks, including their recent single “Teeth” and fan-favorite “Writing on the Walls” from their 2006 release Define the Great Line.
The band’s sound, a blend of post-hardcore and metalcore, was on full display, delivering the raw intensity and melodic depth that have long defined their career. From the moment the lights dimmed, the stage setup set the tone for an unforgettable night. The production was beautiful and unique, adorned with a vintage couch and several table lamps that added a touch of intimacy to the otherwise high-energy show. The stage design came to life in a special way when drummer and clean vocalist Aaron Gillespie opened the set sat alone on the couch, softly illuminated as he began “Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape.” As each band member joined him on stage, the energy swelled, and the show kicked into full gear as lead dirty vocalist Spencer Chamberlain took his place front and center.
The connection between the band and the audience was unmistakable throughout the night. The Ventura crowd erupted with passion and nostalgia, screaming along to every lyric while a constantly churning circle pit formed amidst seemingly endless crowd surfers. The atmosphere was so contagious that I myself found it impossible to stay out of the pit once I finished up my shoot. A breathtaking moment of unity came during “It’s Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door,” when the entire room sang the iconic line “drowning in my sleep, I’m drowning in my sleep” in unison. It was a powerful display of the shared bond among fans, briefly shifting the atmosphere from chaos to camaraderie before the band launched back into one of their signature heavy breakdowns that reignited the pit.
One of the evening’s unique touches was when Underoath brought four fans from two generations onto the stage. The youngest was a 6-year-old girl, beside her mother, and the two other fans sat on the couch as the band continued their performance. It was a visual representation of the band’s lasting influence, bridging the gap between longtime die-hards and a new generation of fans discovering their music.
Underoath’s return to the Majestic Ventura Theater was an experience that transcended a typical concert; it was a celebration of the band’s legacy and a reminder of the lasting power of They’re Only Chasing Safety. For those in attendance, it was a night where nostalgia met raw energy, creating an atmosphere that was equal parts intimate and electrifying.
We’d like to thank Underoath for having us out to share in this iconic evening that won’t soon be forgotten. If you haven’t already, be sure to hit one of their remaining shows before the anniversary tour comes to an end, as this is a life-changing experience that you cannot sleep on! This was my favorite show of the year, without question.
Oct 26, 2024 – Ace Of Spades, Sacramento, CA
Oct 27, 2024 – Soma, San Diego, CA
Oct 28, 2024 – Marquee Theatre, Tempe, AZ
Oct 30, 2024 – South Side Music Hall, Dallas, TX
Nov 18, 2024 – Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater, Austin, TX
Nov 19, 2024 – House of Blues Houston, Houston, TX
Nov 20, 2024 – Diamond Ballroom, Oklahoma City, OK
Nov 22, 2024 – Marathon Music Works, Nashville, TN
with Static Dress & Her Leather Jacket
Nov 23, 2024 – MegaCorp Pavilion, Newport, KY
Nov 24, 2024 – The Salt Shed, Chicago, IL
Nov 26, 2024 – Val Air Ballroom, West Des Moines, IA
Nov 27, 2024 – EPIC Event Center, Green Bay, WI
Nov 29, 2024 – GLC Live at 20 Monroe, Grand Rapids, MI
Nov 30, 2024 – Agora Theatre and Ballroom, Cleveland, OH
Dec 1, 2024 – HISTORY, Toronto, ON
Dec 3, 2024 – Buffalo RiverWorks, Buffalo, NY
Dec 4, 2024 – Starland Ballroom, Sayreville, NJ
Dec 6, 2024 – Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg, PA
Dec 8, 2024 – The National, Richmond, VA
Dec 9, 2024 – The Orange Peel, Asheville, NC
Dec 10, 2024 – The Fillmore Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
Dec 12, 2024 – Tabernacle, Atlanta, GA
Dec 13, 2024 – Jannus Live, St. Petersburg, FL
Dec 14, 2024 – Jannus Live, St. Petersburg, FL
Dec 15, 2024 – Jannus Live, St. Petersburg, FL
Dec 16, 2024 – Jannus Live, St. Petersburg, FL
Apr 12, 2025 – Sick New World Festical – Las Vegas Festival Grounds, Las Vegas, NV
May 10, 2025 – Sonic Temple Festival, Columbus, OH
Photo Gallery : Underoath – The Majestic Ventura Theater (10.21.2024)
