Polaris - Live in Davenport
Polaris’ North American tour ended with a bang on September 28th at the Capitol Theatre in Davenport, IA, bringing together a lineup packed with intensity and excitement. The night was an absolute thrill from start to finish, with each band bringing something special to the stage.
Kicking off the night was Nerv, a band I was already familiar with, having seen them on tour with The Word Alive last September. It was exciting to catch them again, and they didn’t disappoint. They delivered a setlist that balanced fan-favorites with new tracks, even slipping in an unreleased song that hinted at exciting things on the horizon. Their energy set the tone for the night, and the crowd responded with enthusiasm. One of the coolest moments came when their lead singer Dillon Jones invited fans to take shots with them after the set, adding a fun, personal touch that instantly connected them with the audience.
Next up was Thousand Below, and as someone who loves this band, I was absolutely psyched for their performance. They brought the intensity from the moment they hit the stage, getting the crowd hyped with their mix of emotion and aggression. There was no dip in energy during their set—just pure adrenaline and passion. The band delivered a powerful performance, with standout moments that got everyone moving, making it clear why they have such a dedicated following.
If there’s one word to describe blessthefall’s set, it’s “chaotic”—in the best possible way. The energy was off the charts from the very first note. At one point, the entire tour crew flooded the stage for a song, and the place went wild. But the absolute highlight? A fan in an inflatable unicorn costume dove into the mosh pit, attempting to crowd surf more than once, which might just be the best thing I’ve ever seen at a show. The band fed off the crowd’s energy, with members jumping off the stage to interact up close with fans, blurring the line between performer and audience. To top it all off, Gayle Alquizar, the band’s unofficial “tour mom,” made an appearance during the final song, even jumping on the mic for a bit—a heartwarming and hilarious moment that capped off an unforgettable set.
Finally, Polaris took the stage, and things shifted into high gear. The crowd had been building anticipation all night, and the band delivered in every way imaginable. Early into their set, they brought attention back to the inflatable unicorn fan, introducing a game they called “Chase the Unicorn,” where they asked the crowd to form a circle pit and follow the costumed fan around. This playful interaction exemplified the band’s dynamic connection with their fans throughout the night. The entire tour crew made another appearance, running laps around the stage and mingling with the front row, creating a wild, celebratory atmosphere.
Polaris maintained relentless energy, with each song hitting harder than the last. As they neared the end of their set, their lead singer Jamie Hails paused to reflect on their journey and how much this tour meant to them. It was a poignant moment, reminding everyone that this was their final show of the tour, making the night feel even more special. Throughout the set, their dedication to the fans was obvious—they frequently stopped to engage with the crowd, ensuring every person in the room felt like part of the experience.
The night ended on a bittersweet note, with the band giving their all one last time before wrapping up their North American tour. It was an unforgettable evening of music, chaos, and connection—exactly what you’d expect from a Polaris show.
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