With their new album Vindicate released earlier in May, Black Veil Brides embarked on a 24-city run with From Ashes To New, where we caught them live at the awesome History in Toronto.
Black Veil Brides – From Ashes To New
History, Toronto – 25 May 2026
Words And Photography: Taylor Cameron
At 9:20, the music on the PA stopped, and the room went dark before candelabras lit up the stage that was decorated in black as Bach’s Toccata And Fugue played across the venue.
Fans erupted into cheers as the band, one by one, took the stage. Andy Biersack ran out last as they kicked into Knives And Pens, a track from their 2010 debut album.
Biersack’s unique voice echoed against the walls, the crowd singing every word back to him. The passion that the band showcased was reciprocated by the fans in the audience. Black Veil Brides fans bring a love like no other.
The setlist contained tracks from the band’s newest release, Vindicate with Bleeders, Vindicate, Certainty and Hallelujah all translating seamlessly to the live stage. Fans already knew all the words despite the album being less than a month old, something the band was very gracious about.
Their classic tracks such as Rebel Love Song, Perfect Weapon, Sweet Blasphemy and Faithless also graced the setlist which pleased everyone in attendance greatly.
Black Veil Brides is a band for the misfits, those who do not fit in, something they have always celebrated. Midway through the set, Biersack took a moment to thank those who have been with the band since the beginning.
“I know it was really hard to be a Black Veil Brides fan back in the day, so thank you for sticking with us because yes we are a really great fucking band.” An eruption of cheers was heard from the audience as they agreed with the lead singer.
A highlight of the evening, and what seems to be something that was a ritual throughout the tour, was Biersack’s banter and fan interactions.
“You just graduated from college?” He asked a fan holding a sign in the front row. “Well, congratulations, you’re a lot smarter than me. I didn’t graduate shit. I didn’t even finish high school.” The crowd laughed.
“Thanks for making me feel stupid, smart person,” he joked. His dry humour goes over well with the fans. There was also a girl he helped get back to her mom, as well as a hilarious interaction with a guy who seemed to have lost his phone and wallet.
“Give it up for that guy’s phone and wallet.” The audience cheered, earning a laugh from the band.
They closed out the set with Perfect Weapon, another track from We Stitch These Wounds. The way the crowd cheered, it was obvious they were not ready for the show to be over.
When the stage went black and the band walked off, the crowd immediately began to chant. “One more song, one more song.”
The candelabras were relit, and the band reemerged from the darkness. Jinxx traded his guitar for a violin, starting off the emotional ballad, End It All. The lyrics resonated with many fans, as they lit up the room with their cellphone lights.
This was a moment worthy of goosebumps. In The End closed out the night, a fan favourite since its release in 2011. There was not a single silent fan in that room as everyone was singing every word right back to the band.
A night that Biersack claimed as the band’s favourite Toronto show they have ever played, it was definitely one to remember. Black Veil Brides always put on an incredible live show, and it is one worth seeing.
This Vindicate tour is a safe space for those who have always felt a little different, and it is a space where everyone is celebrated and allowed to be themselves.
From Ashes To New
After two great sets from As December Falls and TX2, From Ashes To New took the stage with a fiery passion. A band that fit perfectly on this bill, their sound and attitude complement Black Veil Brides perfectly.
Having two singers, Matt Brandyberry handling the heavier rap vocals, while Danny Case handles the majority of the lead vocals, adds a unique element to the band.
Blending rock and rap together to create a sound of their own, they utilise Brandyberry’s voice in the right moments to enhance the songs. Neither vocalist overpowers the other.
Most fans may have been there to see Black Veil Brides, but it was obvious that the fan bases overlap. Many people in the crowd sang along to every song and even created a mosh pit in the centre of the floor at the request of the band. They had the audience in the palm of their hands.
High energy from start to finish, they had the room bouncing. Horns held high in the air, and many people headbanging could be seen. From Ashes To New were the perfect choice to be direct support on this tour.
