After performing on the Pinkpop stage this summer, Palaye Royale took their Death and Glory tour to the main hall of Poppodium 013. Promoted on the website as their “only Dutch show,” it’s not surprising they highlighted this fact, as early last year, the band played three consecutive shows at Paradiso, Melkweg, and 013 (then in the small hall). They’re no strangers to Dutch stages by now.
Text: Sanne de Vos; photos: Palaye Royale
The three brothers—vocalist Remington Leith, drummer Emerson Barrett, and guitarist Sebastian Danzig—have been working as Palaye Royale since 2008. One thing is certain when you attend a Palaye Royale concert: you’re in for an energetic show. Remington is like a bouncing ball, running all over the stage. He’s known for hanging from balconies, climbing stage sides, and throwing himself from great heights into the crowd.
During the concert in 013, Remington held back on his acrobatic moves, possibly because the set, a massive wall covered with poster-like wallpaper, and the layout of the venue didn’t lend themselves to his stunts. He still did his usual round over the crowd in an inflatable boat and jumped into the mosh pit while singing. Even without the daring stunts, Remington managed to stir things up.
The mother of Palaye Royale brothers
Earlier this year, Palaye Royale released their fifth album, Death or Glory. Several songs from the new album were performed at 013, including “Showbiz,” where Remington floated over the crowd in the aforementioned boat. The piano ballad “Oblivion” is a clear fan favorite, with attendees lighting up the hall with their phones. An emotional highlight came during “Fever Dream,” dedicated to the mother of the three brothers, who passed away from cancer earlier this year. At the end of the song, an emotional Remington expressed that his mother would have been proud if she could have witnessed that moment.
Notably, the youngest brother, Emerson, rejoined the band during the European tour. In mid-October, during the American leg, he announced he needed time for his mental health and to process his mother’s passing. Yet, Emerson stood alongside his brothers again on stage at 013, showing that they channel their musicality and creativity as an outlet during their grieving process.
The Netherlands feels like home
Palaye Royale has a special bond with their fans and is well aware of it, not taking it for granted. In our conversation with Sebastian, he mentioned that two fans who met through their shared love for the band are soon getting married. The band’s connection to the Netherlands is evident everywhere. The Netherlands was the first country outside the UK to welcome them with open arms.
The phrase “where’s the party,” a tradition that started years ago at their Dutch concerts, was loyally chanted from the crowd. The mutual love even goes so far that Sebastian shared he plans to move to the Netherlands with his wife. In our conversation with him, he explained why he’s so fond of the country and where he plans to settle.
The size of the venues is steadily growing, and more fans are joining The Soldiers of the Royal Council (as they call themselves). The ambition is to play at AFAS Live next time. A major milestone for the band will be their upcoming show at Wembley Arena, the largest venue where they have headlined so far, scheduled right after Tilburg.
In everything they do, Palaye Royale shows their passion and dedication, from large creative projects like comic books, makeup and clothing lines to the music they release and their live shows. Their authenticity is appreciated, as is the vulnerability of the brothers. The goal of playing at AFAS Live no longer seems like a wish but rather a prediction.
