Los Angeles was blessed with not one but two nights of CHVRCHES!

The Hollywood Palladium was the last stop for CHVRCHES tour, Screen Violence, with opener Donna Missal.

Doors were by 7:00 and LA came to play early. Wrapped around the entire block was a line eager and ready to get into the Palladium. At least 300 people came early. Donna Missal opened the show by 8:00 and performed a full set of 10 songs. Hit songs like, “Your Face Is Love” “Let You Let Me Down” “Sex Is Good” and a Radio Head cover, “Fake Plastic Trees”. Donna stole the show and hearts of new fans. Fans cheered so loudly for her to stay on stage. By her last song, “Let You Let Me Down”, she hit the ground with emotions. Laying there singing at the top of her lungs. It was powerful, raw, and unforgettable. While fans were waiting for the headliner, chattered rumbled through the room about Donna Missals performance. As mentioned earlier, she stole the show.

As 9:00 approached, fans were shoulder to shoulder in the building. In order to attend this event, all attendees had to have a current negative test present or a vaccination card. Fans of all ages came out. By 9:30 the lights went out and surprised fans with a small visualizer. It was well worth the wait after the long change over. Vibrations were rolling through the ground. Fans no longer could contain their energy waiting. Around the entire stage was lights perfectly placed for a light show. It felt like a pre game to a rave and fans were loving it. Lead singer, Lauren Mayberry came out with a bang. Opening with “He Said She Said” and dress change per song. CHVRCHES performed 17 songs. With top hits like, “Miracle” “Never Say Die” “Clearest Blue” “Asking For A Friend” and many others.

Lauren Mayberry took the spotlight while backing members stayed behind in the dark. The few times we saw members hit the front of stage was during guitar solos done by, Lain Cook. Followed by Lauren jamming out with him. It would have been nicer to see more members get the spotlight but the show must go on! Throughout the night, we saw a wide variety of visualizers and light performances. The vibe resembled the music video, Digital Sea by Thrice. The colors and theme felt similar. Towards the end of the night and the last dress change, Lauren Mayberry covers herself in fake blood on stage. Resembling the meaning of, Final Girl. She was the final girl standing on stage. Wearing jeans and a basic t-shirt. Holding her hands up to the light drenched in blood. It was unsettling to see but fans kept rocking out. What was the blood suppose to mean? Was this a stunt? A message to fans? Nobody knows other than personal opinions. The take I had was a journey on stage as an artist. They start out bright and exciting in their first years of success. The glamour, lifestyle, and sacrifice. It felt like it was a tribute to what it’s like to pour your heart out on paper and hope someone identifies with your music. By the end, she’s just a human being that breathes, feels, and goes through the motions of life like the rest of us. Or was this a tribute to her love of horror films? Will leave it to Lauren Mayberry to answer these questions for us.