Four Bands, One Night: Dance Gavin Dance Headlines St. Louis

Jun 23

Written By DaCiya Solice

by DaCiya Solice | June 20th, 2026

All images are from Dance Gavin Dance’s - Summer 2026 Tour in St. Louis, MO on 6/20/26.

On June 20, 2026 The Pageant in Saint Louis hosted a lineup to remember featuring opening performances from; Novelists, Wolf & Bear, and Horse the Band before headlining a set from Dance Gavin Dance. The night consisted of nearly four hours of moshing, good vibes, and energy. Doors were opened at 5:30 p.m. allowing fans to find a spot on the main floor or upstairs in the large balcony area, both of which had a great view of the show.

A band that was new to me was Novelists. They are a female fronted metalcore band from Paris. Novelists kicked off the evening at 6:30 p.m. and I was amazed. This was my first time hearing their songs. The lighting, song choices and interaction set the tone for the night. The crowd was engaged and full of energy. One detail that stood out during the Novelist's set was Camille Contreras’ stage attire. Rather than leaning into the stereotypical dark attire often associated with heavier genres, she wore a bright pink dress which was very cute and caught the audience’s attention. She completed the look by matching her dress with a pink guitar. It was a refreshing reminder that artists are embracing their individuality and personality. Some songs I really enjoyed from them would be “Say My Name” and “All For Nothing” both which showcased range and how they can blend a melody with heavier moments. After their set the lead singer took time to sign autographs and talk to fans at their merch booth which made the experience more intimate and memorable.

Wolf & Bear a post-hardcore band, took over the stage around 7:20 p.m. with their song “Twisted Tongues". This song was very heavy and upbeat, along with the lighting and the band moving around the stage pumped up the energy of the crowd and they even encouraged crowd surfing and moshing. I thoroughly enjoyed the guitar work of the band for me to describe it would give something you would hear in an anime show, very upbeat and technical. One song I would recommend listening to would be “Whiplash”, with the lights strobing around, the jumping, vocal and guitar moments it was even better in person.

At 8:10 p.m. Horse the Band transformed the venue, I had no clue what to expect from them but I was shocked. Even the first few seconds in the pit I had to stop and just take everything in. They started off strong and ended even stronger. Horse the Band is an 8-bit Nintendocore, so expect there to be nonstop energy. Now I was one to never think I would see the triangle be an instrument in a band of this genre but I was proven wrong. Their lead singer Ed Edge, played the triangle front and center on stage, and even joined in the pit bringing the entertainment right to barricade interacting with fans. There was not one moment throughout the night that I think that he sat down, he was constantly moving around the stage and hyping up the crowd. Even before the set he was engaging with fans, wishing them a great night and simply being in the moment. By the end of their set he had even traveled up to the balcony to visit fans, sing, and play the triangle for everyone. Seeing them in person is such an experience, and I highly recommend for anyone to try to catch them while they are on tour because you will not be disappointed!

The last set of the night belonged to Dance Gavin Dance, and by the time they took the stage the venue was packed from the floor to the balcony. It was such an uplifting atmosphere with bright blue, purple, and white lighting which felt more celebratory rather than the aggressive environment associated with heavier music. The band was playful and expressive with the crowd while everyone sang along and moved with the music. Every member brought their own personality to the stage creating those dynamic moments. One of the most memorable moments of the night was when they performed their song "Uneasy Hearts Weigh The Most” which is one of my personal favorite Dance Gavin Dance songs. As soon as it started, everyone could be heard singing along as they worked the stage. Even though it was only midway through the set the energy was unmatched. As if their set wasn’t enough, Dance Gavin Dance returned to close out the evening with a three song encore.

As a photographer nights like this are a reminder of why live music is so rewarding to capture. Every band offered a different vibe, from the vibrant stage presentation and dramatic lighting to genuine moments of connection between performers and fans. It was a night filled with personality, passion, and unforgettable moments that everyone will remember.