From the Floor to the Ceiling : An inside look at the Twenty One Pilots Newark ‘Clancy Tour’ stop

Photo by Sugarwolf

Have you ever walked into a party and from the second you get in, just know it's going to be a great one? 

That's exactly how I felt stepping into Twenty One Pilots ‘Clancy World Tour’. From the moment anyone entered the Prudential Center last night, it was clear that Twenty One Pilots had transformed the arena into something far beyond a typical concert venue, or even the home of the New Jersey Devils. We had entered the minds of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun.

A sea of fans flooded the space—some had been in line for days in fan-made general admission queues (a separate issue we won't get into)—many dressed in elaborate, bespoke outfits representing different eras of the band’s career. Whether donning the skeleton hoodies from the Vessel days or the yellow tape from the Trench era, the crowd’s visual dedication immediately showcased a diverse, loyal, and creative fanbase.

But the atmosphere wasn't just shaped by the fans. Little signs scattered across the main concourse featured phrases from their current album cycle, immersing attendees in the world of Clancy and beyond—all before the first note even played. It was clear from early on that being there would feel like more than just attending a show. It was the ultimate celebration of Twenty One Pilots’ evolution.

photo by Sugarwolf

The show's setlist was an extension of that sentiment. The Clancy Tour setlist was the band’s version of the “Eras” tour, created and coined by Taylor Swift. Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun took the audience on a sonic journey throughout the night featuring tracks from every album in their catalog. Going from early tracks that hardcore fans love to new anthems that continue to shape their sound the setlist felt like one lovingly curated love letter to their fanbase.

I will say, that love letter must've been addressed to everyone and anyone. A perfect reflection of their wide-reaching appeal, the crowd ranged in age from tweens to adults, all singing in unison, each adding palpably to the energy in the room. And Tyler Joseph wasn’t beyond acknowledging that bond. “I would take this group anywhere,” he said wistfully at one point, echoing the mutual gratitude between the band and their extremely devoted fanbase.

Joseph, whose mother hails from New Jersey said he was excited to be playing there. That brought an almost playful, personal touch to the night, with some of his first words being: “Well, it’s good to see all of you, you know, you got a lot to live up to, my mom’s from New Jersey.” His quick humor put the crowd into even more of a participatory mindset. He even joked about splitting royalties with the audience after introducing Oldies Station, a song from their most recent project, which served as a reminder of that ever-present tight-knit connection. 

Twenty One Pilots photographed by Aisley Herndon

But it wasn't just the performances themselves that wowed the crowd. Tyler and Josh made it a point to pop up everywhere around the arena, in the 200s, the 100s, and even on multiple places with the GA floor to ensure no fan was left far from what was occurring. Josh Dun even took it to the next level by rocking a "Newark" tank top while drumming, which he later threw into the crowd for one very lucky fan to have as a souvenir.

And then there was the finale. The band closed the set, as they have in performances past, with their signature "Trees," using the crowd-hoisted drumming platforms on the GA floor. It was the perfect example of the crowd's place in the performance, an active collaboration between the band and the audience. The night wrapped up with Tyler's signature sign-off: "We are Twenty One Pilots, and so are you." It was a feeling that truly resonated from the beginning of the night, this wasn't just their show but a showcase of and for all of those in the arena.

In the end, a Twenty-One Pilots concert is so much more than a concert. It is a shared, communal experience that’s seared into the minds of everyone in that crowd. Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun have succinctly managed to balance the high-energy music with intimate moments and audience interactions that make every person in the arena feel part of something much greater. It stitches together a musical, emotional and connecting night of music, blurring the line from performer to fan. Each concert is a testimony to their growth as artists, pushing the envelope on what a live show can be. For those who get the chance to witness it, a Twenty One Pilots show isn't just a memory, it's a moment in time that sticks with you well after the lights turn off.

Go see them live and change your life.