Twenty One Pilots @ All Points East
Closing out the 2026 series of All Points East performances was no easy feat. With iconic performances from the likes of Lorde, Tyler the Creator and Deftones and others, it was only right that a band who encompasses influences from a wide range of genres would headline the final night.
As it was, the task fell to Twenty One Pilots. A band that straddles the line between pop, rock and hip-hop to create a unique sound that has amassed one of the most devout fanbases in music. The entire day felt like a celebration of the community, lore and musical influences that the band have cultivated. Special immersive experiences delighted fans who braved the lengthy queues. The entire festival ground became a paradise of alternative music, acting as a bridge between scene culture and aspects of hip-hop.
In addition to the lengthy two-hour headline slot, a lengthy roster of stellar support acts kept the tens of thousands of attendees in high spirits throughout. Early in the day, Hot Milk played the East Stage with their rock-infused pop-punk. Acting as an early shot of adrenaline, the band felt at home on the big stage. Playing one of their longest sets of the year, the duo Nova Twins utterly rocked their fans with undeniable energy, huge riffs and captivating crowd control.
In the North Stage tent, BBNO$ played a set that saw intense energy from start to finish. With tracks like "Edamame" and "C'est la Vie", the unique blend of rap and larger-than-life persona shone not only as a highlight of the day, but of the whole festival series. Closing the West Stage, the band Wunderhorse brought raw emotion and earth-shattering alt-rock as the sun set. Grungy guitar tones bathed the audience in a wall of noise.
With the other stages wrapping up, a sea of fans made their way back to the East Stage to experience the theatrical antics of Twenty One Pilots. Wasting no time, the duo launched into the electronic hip-hop of "Overcompensate". Immediately, it was clear the pair saw this performance as a statement. Where they could celebrate the music and the fans who allowed them to play their largest UK show to date. The hits kept coming with performances of "Shy Away" and "Heathens". They made sure not to focus only on the chart-toppers, with a surprise debut of "Robot Voices" (accompanied by American rocker Emi Grace) to delight the hardcore fans.
With an atmospheric walkout, the band made their way to a B-Stage further out in the crowd where they were engulfed in pyrotechnics that sold the dystopian world of the songs.
Returning to the main stage, the band went on a home-stretch run through their heaviest hits. "Jumpsuit" and "Heavy Dirty Soul" had the crowd moving to the undeniable groove afforded by the lock of basslines and drumbeats. There was even a surprise on "Ride" as the band invited up a security guard to perform with them.
Closing with the mega hit "Stressed Out" and the spiritual themes of "Trees". Even with the mammoth set, you could tell the fans didn't want it to end. The entire day had been special, showing how music brings people together and the unique musical experience that is All Points East.
