Silverstein sets the bar high for Stage AE’s 2025 concert season

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Silverstein brought their 25 Years of Noise tour to Stage AE for the venue’s first show of the year on Friday with a high-energy, fan-centric performance.

First to the stage was Split Chain, a grunge/nu-metal inspired band all the way from Bristol England. Though the venue was only about half full, the crowd clearly resonated with the band’s heavy sound with memorable guitar and vocal hooks. Split Chain may be a new band, but they had the early arrivals to the show forming a mosh pit by the end of their  set, and are definitely one to watch as they break into the US market.

The second opener of the evening was Arm’s Length, a Canada-based emo/pop-punk group. The group’s clean vocals and catchy guitar riffs combined with a relentless touring schedule have seen them quickly gain fans and invitations to festivals throughout the country. The Silvestein crowd was no exception. Many early show arrivals were already fans singing along to their favorite songs, while new listeners were happy to dance along. Both early openers, despite being relative newcomers to Pittsburgh, set the tone for a fun, high energy night.

The final opening band was Thursday, the post-hardcore band who have been making music for the better part of three decades. Despite a mid-2000s hiatus and limited new music released since 2011, the band has plenty of fans in Pittsburgh. A throwback to their punk influences, Thursday made their political stances clear, including some anti-establishment statements that resonated with the audience. Their sound was heavy, singer Geoff Rickly’s vocals strong and emotional prompting the formation of another mosh pit and priming fans for the main act.

Silverstein opened their set with a video tribute to the fans. Their video chronicled the band’s start playing small venues to a handful of fans, and their growth through the years. The video highlighted the fact that the band would not be where it is without crowds to attend their shows and spread the word about their music. Silverstein took the stage to cheers, opening with their recent songs “Skin and Bones” and “Confession” from their upcoming album Anitbloom. They then encouraged the crowd to form a circle pit as they moved into a heavier song. 

Silverstein designed their setlist starting with their most recent songs, moving back through their discography throughout the nights. Fans had had the opportunity to vote on the songs selected from each album, and as such were delighted to hear many of their favorites. Crowdsurfing was common throughout the night, with varying degrees of success.* The show included a mid-set acoustic song or two, along with some chatting by vocalist Shane Told. But most of the night was about the music, and it was clear that the band was enjoying the performance as much as the fans. They laughed, moving around the stage and pointing out the antics of the crowd. It seems that even after 25 years, Silverstein are still riding that high of connecting with their fans through live performances.

*If you’re planning to crowdsurf at a future show, make your body stiff to avoid being dropped (likely on your head!) and be aware, not every venue allows crowdsurfing. Stay safe out there!

Review/Photos By: Aarika MacIntyre