By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa Correspondent
Venue: The Orpheum, Ybor City, Tampa–October 22, 2016–Palaye Royale, The Strive, and Metro Station on Tour
In March I became familiar with Palaye Royale since they were slated to be on the Vans Warped Tour. I looked them up in social media and really dug the glam rock vibe. I had a good nostalgic feeling for the band from the get-go.
On June 24th they released the album “Boom Boom Boom” via Sumerian Records which was produced by James Iha (The Smashing Pumpkins) and features a guest appearance by Kellin Quinn of Sleeping with Sirens.
By July I was excited to see them at the Vans Warped Tour stop in St. Petersburg, Florida. It was the July 4th weekend and possibly the hottest (if not most humid) on record. Palaye Royale came out on stage with such fire and energy! I was truly impressed that Sebastian Danzig was wearing a shirt and black long sleeved jacket with a scarf. He must have been dying from the heat but still proceeded to show energy by bending down and swinging around the Gretsch guitar. The music was real rock with punk flair and I vowed to catch them again in the future.
Sure enough, Palaye Royale returned to Tampa Bay and performed at The Orpheum, Ybor City, Tampa, on October, 22nd. It was a cool October evening and I actually got to wear pants for a change. Ybor City always looks pretty at night with the streets lit and the odor of cigars was in the air. For a Saturday evening, I was surprised the streets were relatively empty except for a few strolling couples here and there. I do not know if there were early Halloween parties happening that night or if it was too early but usually there seems to be more activity.
When I arrived at The Orpheum, The Strive, was playing to a small crowd gathered at the front of the stage. I enjoyed what I heard, which appeared to be alt-rock with infectious hooks. The lead singer Brendan Stevens chatted with the audience between songs and dedicated a ballad to his mother whom passed away from cancer when he was young. They ended the set on a high note and played a couple of rocking songs thereafter.
Finally, Palaye Royale came on stage, which was barely lit except for a few bright lights at the front of the stage (which this photographer was really thankful for). Usually the place is a dimly lit cave with a few colored lights so this photo shoot was looking very promising.
Palaye Royale put on a damn good and energetic show. Lead singer Remington Leith growled and barked the lyrics with the raspiness of a punk rocker—and actually kind of looked like Billie Joe Armstrong with his spiky hair and moves. Sebastian Danzig wore a glen plaid jacket, trademark scarf, and shaggy hair. He swaggered around the stage and had the aura of Keith Richards in the early 70s. Drummer Emerson Barrett, who wore a floppy hat and nylon shirt, kept the pace going with his high-energy drumming. All three brothers had pale face make-up and smoky eye make-up and liner worthy of a glam rocker from the day. Considering I’ve always loved David Bowie, Mott the Hoople, Lou Reed, New York Dolls, and all the bands from that era, I found it refreshing that a bunch of young guys were channeling this vibe.
Also, in the band were a bass player and rhythm guitarist who were often smiling and playing back to back. Their attire was not in the vein of glam rock but they were excellent musicians, and showed a lot of energy.
The only thing not energized was the crowd who just stood there and watched. A few people had on Palaye Royal t-shirts but they just stared. Even Sebastian made asked, “Have we played here before? Have we been to Tampa? How many people have seen us?” A few raised their hands. He declared, “It is a Saturday night, right?” Even Remington tried to get the audience jumping—and finally they obliged. I know bands even play harder when the audience is truly getting into the show by dancing, moshing, or whatever. When the band played a slow song the band members asked the audience to get out their cell phones and hold them high like cigarette lighters. The audience started waving their arms and was finally feeling the music—but by this time, the set was over.
I truly enjoyed the performance and they put on a great show—I just don’t know what the hell was wrong with the audience. Peer pressure? Asleep? Tired? WTF? I really hope Palaye Royale consider coming to town again and don’t hold this against Tampa! Their music and CD “Boom Boom Boom” truly rocks!
Tour Dates:
Oct 18 Gas Monkey Bar & Grill Dallas, TX
Oct 19 Scout Bar Houston, TX
Oct 20 Rev Room Little Rock, AR
Oct 21 Masquerade Atlanta, GA
Oct 22 Orpheum Tampa, FL
Oct 23 O’Malley’s Margate, FL
Oct 25 Arizona Pete’s Greensboro, NC
Oct 26 Canal Club Richmond, VA
Oct 28 The Voltage Lounge Philadelphia, PA
Oct 29 Studio at Webster Hall New York, NY
Oct 30 Planet Trog Whitehall, PA
Nov 01 The Webster Underground Hartford, CT
Nov 02 Brighton Music Hall Allston, MA
Nov 03 Revolution Bar & Music Hall Amityville, NY
Nov 04 Studio at Waiting Room Buffalo, NY
Nov 05 Cattivo Pittsburgh, PA
Nov 06 Agora Cleveland, OH
Nov 08 A&R Bar Columbus, OH
Nov 09 The New Vintage Louisville, KY
Nov 10 Subterranean Chicago, IL
Nov 11 The Rave Milwaukee, WI
Nov 12 Fubar Saint Louis, MO
Nov 13 Mill City Nights Minneapolis, MN
Nov 15 The Pike Room Pontiac, MI
PHOTO GALLERY
PALAYE ROYALE
- Website: www.palayeroyale.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/PalayeRoyale
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/palayeroyale
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/palayeroyale
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/palayeroyale
- Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/palaye-royale/id508487574
The images may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without written permission to Rock At Night and the photographer. Use of any image is a violation of the United States and international Copyright laws.
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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